Unable to make or receive calls

pcarsso · ‎03-02-2025

Hi, I am currently in Accra but unable to make calls or use data on my EE PAYG. How do I get around this? I get the feedback ' 'call has been barred' whenever I try to make one. Any help or feedback would be appreciated.

bristolian · ‎03-02-2025

FYI you have a short time after posting to edit, negating the need for multiple short replies.

@pcarsso wrote:

About 6 months ago

PAYG SIMs require chargeable usage at least once every 179days else they are hibernated for non-usage, with approx 3months grace to reactivate before outright disconnection.

Your symptoms are consistent with this being the cause, in which case your resolution is to contact EE-CS via another means, to request reactivation. You need to call either +44 7953 966150 from any working phone, or +44 800 9566000 from a web-calling app such as Skype.

View solution in original post

bristolian · ‎03-02-2025

Regardless of any billing add-on, your ability to get coverage abroad (which calls, texts & mobile data rely on) is dependent on roaming being activated - which allows your phone to connect to foreign networks.

Have you used your phone abroad previously, did you receive a welcome text message on first arrival abroad? These are good evidence of roaming being enabled if so. In these cases, manually cycling through all available local networks often resolves issues - toggling flight mode can have the same effect.

If not...On PAYG, roaming is auto-enabled once your phone is used in the UK first. Did you do this?

Northerner · ‎03-02-2025

Hi @pcarsso

When did you last make a chargeable call or text on the SIM.

Thanks

To contact EE Customer Services dial 150 From your EE mobile or 0800 956 6000 from any other phone. You can call Freephone +44 800 079 8586 on Skype

EE standard opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 9pm - Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 8pm.

XRaySpeX · ‎03-02-2025

Had you used that PAYG SIM for making calls or texts in UK before going abroad? To be used abroad EE PAYG SIMs need 1st activating on EE's home UK network. If it wasn't you can't now use it until you return to UK.

If you think I helped please feel free to hit the "Thumbs Up" button below.

To phone EE CS: Dial Freephone +44 800 079 8586 - Option 1 for Mobile Phone & Mobile Broadband or Option 2 for Home Broadband & Home Phone

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pcarsso · ‎03-02-2025

Yes, I received a welcome message. I will do as you suggest and go through the available local networks. Actually, I have a new phone now. I put my EE sim in it but I have never used it in the UK. I don't know if that is the reason for the challenges

pcarsso · ‎03-02-2025

About 6 months ago

pcarsso · ‎03-02-2025

Yes, I used that sim back in the UK

bristolian · ‎03-02-2025

FYI you have a short time after posting to edit, negating the need for multiple short replies.

@pcarsso wrote:

About 6 months ago

PAYG SIMs require chargeable usage at least once every 179days else they are hibernated for non-usage, with approx 3months grace to reactivate before outright disconnection.

Your symptoms are consistent with this being the cause, in which case your resolution is to contact EE-CS via another means, to request reactivation. You need to call either +44 7953 966150 from any working phone, or +44 800 9566000 from a web-calling app such as Skype.