Prepaid SIM Expiry | Global & Philippines law
Prepaid SIM cards have become the most common way for people around the world to stay connected with family and friends. Sometimes your prepaid SIM card expires, but what is the reason behind this? The answer is not the same for every country. The main reason for prepaid SIM expiry is inactivity for a long time.
Global Prepaid SIM Expiry Rules
The laws for Prepaid SIM expiry are different from country to country. Here are some countries with their SIM expiry rules.
Asian Prepaid SIM Rules
India
The expiry for prepaid SIM cards in India is flexible. Normally, if you do not use your prepaid SIM for a time, then your SIM will be deactivated in 3 months to 6 months, but the expiry time depends on the network operator. If you recharge your SIM after some time, then it resets the prepaid SIM expiry.
Pakistan
In Pakistan, users cannot use their SIM without biometric verification, and each SIM is directly linked with NADRA. If you do not use your SIM for months, then the network operator will deactivate your SIM, but remember, each SIM is registered under the person’s CNIC. The record of that SIM remains in the system even after deactivation, and you can still activate your expired SIM.
China
China has some strict laws for SIM cards. Your prepaid SIM must be registered with real-name registration. You just have to give some required information, such as a valid ID CARD, and you have to undergo verification. If you do not use your Prepaid SIM in China, then your SIM will expire in 90 days to 120 days, and the number will be permanently deactivated and recycled for new customers.
Europe Prepaid Sim Rules
United Kingdom
In the UK, prepaid SIM cards are designed for the user’s convenience, and they come with a clear expiry rule. If you do not use your prepaid SIM for around six months (no top-ups, no outgoing calls, and no texts), then the network operator can deactivate your SIM. Once the SIM is permanently deactivated, it is recycled for new customers. However, in the UK, the networks often send reminder messages or emails before SIM expiry.
Germany
Germany follows strict laws for prepaid SIM cards, and every user must go through a process known as Know Your Customer (KYC) for prepaid SIM activation, in which users have to provide a valid ID and sometimes a live video for SIM activation. If you do not use your prepaid SIM for months, then the network operator deactivates the SIM, but the exact timeline for prepaid SIM expiry is different between providers.
North America Prepaid Sim Rules
United States
In the United States, the polices for prepaid SIMs are not uniform because each telecom company, such as T-Mobile, has its own rules. However, the expiry for prepaid SIMs is still the same, and if you do not use your prepaid SIM for around 60 to 90 days, your SIM will be suspended or deactivated.
Canada
In Canada, the expiry for prepaid SIM cards does not depend on inactivity. It depends on how long the top-up credit is valid. If the credit runs out and your prepaid SIM is unused, then your SIM will be deactivated, but the network operators usually send alerts before the SIM deactivation.
Africa & Other Regions
Nigeria
In Nigeria, before the SIM activation, every SIM must be linked with the person’s NIN ( National Identification Number). The prepaid SIMs normally remain active as long as the user makes calls or recharges. If you do not use your prepaid SIM for months, your prepaid SIM will expire, and the deactivated numbers are later recycled and assigned to new customers.
South Africa
In South Africa, you cannot register a SIM without providing your ID and address because of strict government rules. The prepaid numbers that stay inactive for months can be deactivated, and those numbers are later given to other users.
Middle East
In the Middle East, SIM card rules are generally very strict. For example, in the UAE, all prepaid and postpaid SIMs must be registered under the Emirates ID system. If the Emirates ID expires or the SIM is not used for months, the SIM can be blocked. Similar practices are followed in countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where security and proper user identification are top priorities.
Why Telecom Operators Expire Prepaid SIMs
There are many reasons why telecom companies expire prepaid SIMs.
- Telecom companies can expire your SIM if the SIM is inactive for months.
- If you do any illegal act with your SIM, such as fraud, your SIM will be permanently expired.
- If your SIM is inactive for months, then a scammer can use it for illegal activities. That’s why telecom operators sometimes expire your SIM.
SIM Expiry in the Philippines
When Do Globe, TM, and Smart Prepaid SIMs Expire?
In the Philippines, if you do not use your Globe / TM and Smart / TNT SIM for at least 120 days (no top-up), your SIM can expire. After the expiration, the SIM can later be assigned to new customers.
DITO Prepaid SIM Expiry
DITO is the new telecom company in the Philippines. If your DITO SIM is inactive for at least 90 days, then after this period your SIM will expire.
Philippines SIM Registration Act
On October 10, 2022, Republic Act No. 11934, known as the SIM card law in the Philippines, requires individuals to register their SIMs to use them. Without registration, users cannot use their SIM. By registering the SIM, your mobile security has increased, and it also minimizes the threat of being scammed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Why did my prepaid SIM expire? Telecom companies can expire your prepaid SIM if your SIM is inactive for months.