Without SIM cards, we’d have no service to provide & manage for our clients.
The long name for a SIM is a Subscriber Identity Module and it was initially provided in the form of a little plastic card with a gold chip in one size. Nowadays however, the physical cards come in multiple sizes (Mini, Micro or Nano) and if you have a fancy phone that supports an eSIM, you don’t need to insert anything. Rather, using the phones camera, you can scan a QR Code and connect to a network using an embedded SIM (eSIM).
Activation
So, you’ve placed an order with a provider (or picked up one of those PAYG SIMs) what next?
To make calls, send texts and use data, you need to activate your SIM with a Calling Line Identifier or “CLI” for short – in this case, a mobile number. All mobile numbers that you can dial in the UK start with 07 (unless you’re using a specific iOT/M2M SIM. In this case you don’t actually need a traditional 07 number, a relevant number would be provided instead)
So, CLIs and SIMs actually rely on each other. You can’t have a live CLI without a connected SIM and you can’t use a SIM unless it has a live CLI attached to it! I mean you can try, but it just won’t work.
The process for activating a SIM tends to follow the below process;
The provider books in the port or new number activation (on working days only) and tells the customer when to insert the new SIM or scan the provided QR Code for eSIMs.
(The activation (weather for a new number or a port) can happen anytime up to midnight on the booked day)
Sounds simple right!? Most of the time, it really is. If your provider gives clear instructions, and you are careful to follow them, then there shouldn’t be anything to worry about, at all.
Some Quick Tips:
Porting your number?
- Make sure to only book a day between Monday & Thursday (avoid Fridays!) in the unlikely event things go wrong, you don’t want to be stuck over the weekend with no service!
- Sometimes, networks like to provide a temporary number before your actual number moves over, this can be annoying but is perfectly normal and tends to disappear/sort itself out within 24hrs.
Using an eSIM?
- Be careful to only scan this when your provider tells you to – scanning too early can cause issues!
- if scanning with a camera is not an option, you can manually add one via the device settings using a code
Lost service during a port?
Your old SIM doesn’t work; the new one isn’t working either – try not to panic;
- Turn your device off an on again
- Take the SIM out and put it back in (the right way around)
- Remove the eSIM and rescan or try adding manually via your device’s settings
- Still nothing? Contact your provider!
Do I really need to keep all those SIM Cards in my drawer?
Generally no:
- Once a SIM has been activated with a number, it’s tied to that network and account.
- If you cancel the contract or the number is disconnected, the SIM is usually deactivated permanently.
- Networks don’t recycle old SIMs for new customers.
You can keep using the same SIM if:
- You’re just moving it between devices (phones/tablets/etc.)
- You stay with the same network
- We tell you it’s okay!
So, in conclusion, SIM Cards are essential for everyday communication needs for everyone and without them a lot of people and businesses would be in a pickle. They help businesses thrive and enable providers (like us) to send your bills accurately.
Speak to us!
If you are a business owner who’s thinking about providing SIMs for your staff (weather its just the one or a lot more!) get in touch today to see how we can help!
From dongles to devices, we know what’s what. We offer all major networks under one roof, so you can benefit from the networks you know and love but have the customer service and management from a small dedicated team.
