I want to keep my current number but don't need to use it for at least a month.
I plan to port out to a $2 SIM (Optus, Vodafone, Amaysim, etc.) before next billing cycle, and port out to another SIM in a month time. Will this plan work? How long will the number stay before Telco disconnect it? Cannot find them sold online, cannot find any information on the websites.
Just chatted with Vodafone online. One said 7 days, the other said 90 days. So confused.
Most $2 SIM cards require you to part with more money during the activation process. One of the few exceptions is a Telstra $2 SIM; scroll down past the plans offered and select "Continue without recharging". It'll warn you that you won't be able to make calls (well, duh, although you can call 1800 numbers), and that you'll only be able to receive calls and text messages for seven days. The latter rarely seems to be enforced and you'll typically have six months, but YMMV.
As for Lebara, my local Coles (Chisholm, ACT) doesn't have the $14.90 starter packs for $4 at this point in time, but they do have the $24.90 starter packs for $6. Alternatively, they also have the Vodafone $10 starter packs for $4.
I think I also read somewhere on here (but I can't find it now) that a Lebara $2 SIM can be activated without adding additional funds if you call them up rather than doing it online, and those SIM's are currently $1 at my local Coles.
Can't find another OZBer who is equal or more dedicated. I can't be bothered to contact CS, just spend a few dollars on a proper plan for a starter cycle.
If Telstra always has their $2 starter SIM, is there any benefit to not just using Telstra? I just want to port out so I can reconnect to Boost and I don't want to have to pay more to add credit or talk to customer service. I only plan on doing this at most once a year.
Edit: I realised that porting out and back to Boost will require me to switch networks so Telstra SIM won't work. I guess I need to try Lebara or Vodafone
It seems you are on a Boost 12 mths plan. Work out what's the cost per month and then pick a 28 day starter plan at the close cost as the transitional period, e.g. the same network Telstra 28 day $35 starter pack for $15 or $17. I don't think there's an issue from Telstra to Boost and pointless to buy this $2 SIM in most cases.
I didn't have any issues going from Boost > Telstra ($2 SIM) > Boost when I did it a couple of weeks ago and unless something more suitable for me comes up beforehand, I'll do it again in another two weeks. I still have several of the old Boost $30 starter packs left that are approaching their expiry dates so doing it this way is the most cost effective for me.
@Colin2905: People preferring Telstra and on the 12 mths plan are willing to spend $20 per month. Talking about different levels of spending.
No more bonus data on these Boost olds since March as I am still activating them one by one, preferably to $40 SP now for the 10GB more. Previously 45GB versus 55GB, now 20GB versus 30GB. The last time I got bonus data was in December and I didn't activate them in Jan or February, possibly no more bonus data since the start of this year.
@Neoika: The lack of bonus data on the old $30 packs doesn't bother me. I seem to be averaging about 3GB per month, so 20GB is more than enough.
I double-checked my remaining stash and most of them are actually $35 packs. Of the three $30 packs I have left, one of them has an expiry date beyond the $35 packs, which is a little odd. Between those and an $80 Belong pack, it'll keep my main number going until around March next year. After that, I might have to start paying, heaven forbid! :D
@Colin2905: It matters when home internet also is incorporated into the scheme. Obviously, it needs an organised management of some permanent and disposable numbers. When doing so can cut mobile plan cost, why not cut the internet cost as well? 3GB usage on the phone for a month means you or your family has home internet bill to pay.
@Neoika: Yep, I'm paying for a 50/20 FTTN connection. Unfortunately, cutting it or downsizing it isn't an option. Going off topic, so I'll leave the reasons for another thread at another time.
Lebara have $4 sim card with credit at Woolies/Coles all the time, get one and you'll have credit for the next month, and 2 months grace period. that'll last you almost 90 days.
Example: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/827538