K3565 Activation problems

[phoopt]

I have used my USB K3565 previously - at least 12 months ago with no problem.
I tried again yesterday and today, but I cannot connect and am asked to activate my SIM.
Phoning or emailing the suggested contacts has not resulted in anything at all...!
My "Vodafone Mobile Connect Lite" window is stuck on "Searching for network...".
I am using version 9.3.5.1160
Huawei 3G modem E160X
Firmware = 11.604.20.01.00

What do I need to do to get my connection back again?

[Retired-Trev]

Hi phoopt

Let me firstly welcome you the the Vodafone eForum family. We like to see new faces here.

I would guess that your SIM is deactivated. I take it you have a PAYG dongle?

If so this would of been deactivated, as per terms and conditions section 6, if it had not been used for a 12 month period.

If it's a contract SIM that you are still paying for, you will need to speak to customer services to look into this.

Let me know how you get on.

Regards

Trev
eForum Team

[phoopt]

Trev, Thanks for your reply.
You are quite correct. My SIM has been de-activated.

I visited a Vodafone retail store today (the very one that sold me the USB Modem originally).
I was told that I should have used it regularly to keep it activated. When I bought it nearly 2 years ago I did so specifically because there were no restrictions on frequency of use. Although I cannot be certain, I was not made aware of the need to use it regularly. Today, I see that there is greater advice given to customers about keeping their SIM topped up, and this was certainly not discussed with me when I bought it.

I bought it to give to my elderly parents so they could occasionaly keep in touch with their grandchildren. This turned out to be only very rarely, and not at all in the last 16 months because sadly they both died.

Today I was told that the SIM has been de-activated, and cannot be re-activated. Additionally, I am told that the modem stick is now useless and I was advised to throw it away and buy a new one with a new SIM.
This is all very unsatisfactory, especially as there is about £14 worth of credit left out of the original £15.
I seem to recall the modem cost about £40 two years ago. Less than £1 of air time has been used - do I kiss goodbye to £39?
Your advice would be most welcome.

Kind regards

[Retired-Jon_V]

Hi phoobt,

Unfortunately if a Pay-as-you-Go number (whether this be for voice or data) is not used at least once every few months, the number is disconnected and recycled. Since we don't sell Mobile Broadband SIM's without a modem, it's also true that we can't reactivate your number, or supply a new number for use with the existing modem - and a new modem + SIM would need to be purchased to regain connectivity.

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news

Jon

eForum Team