A friend has a problem.

Ex husband is paying for a multi SIM contract and not co-operating
otherwise on other stuff.

She wants to find out her data allowance. The contract was started c.
2013 so probably very low like 100MB. Voda told me nothing of use but
did tell me they never automatically upgrade the allowances.

Obviously she has the phone so can receive an sms to her number.

I suggested this

Walk into a Voda phone shop and tell them
- I want to find out my allowance
- I want to upgrade it to the latest offer, same cost as at present
- you can send me an sms if you like (I have the phone right here)
- the account holder is not co-operating and I don't want to involve
him.

Unless they are fecking stupid and useless (go for somebody older) you
should get something.

The other thing is how would one start a new contract (Voda or not)
and transfer the number to that. I cannot see this is possible without
the ex's co-operation.

What would be the suggested way forward?

I wondered if installing a Voda app and getting info that way would
work without alerting the main account holder.

Peter <occassionally-confused@nospam.co.uk> wrote:
> A friend has a problem.
>
> Ex husband is paying for a multi SIM contract and not co-operating
> otherwise on other stuff.
>
> She wants to find out her data allowance. The contract was started c.
> 2013 so probably very low like 100MB. Voda told me nothing of use but
> did tell me they never automatically upgrade the allowances.
>
> Obviously she has the phone so can receive an sms to her number.
>
> I suggested this
>
> Walk into a Voda phone shop and tell them
> - I want to find out my allowance
> - I want to upgrade it to the latest offer, same cost as at present
> - you can send me an sms if you like (I have the phone right here)
> - the account holder is not co-operating and I don't want to involve
> him.
>
> Unless they are fecking stupid and useless (go for somebody older) you
> should get something.

Probably I wouldn't reveal point 4 unless needed to: ie just ask 'how do I
find out my allowance, here's my phone' and take it from there. There is
maybe a *#...# code or a number to call that will reveal it.

Although if she doesn't know the security details on the account that could
be awkward.

> The other thing is how would one start a new contract (Voda or not)
> and transfer the number to that. I cannot see this is possible without
> the ex's co-operation.
>
> What would be the suggested way forward?
>
> I wondered if installing a Voda app and getting info that way would
> work without alerting the main account holder.

Might do, or might send an email to the account holder. If they say 'we'll
just send a code to your email', say 'I only have access to email on my
desktop computer'.

Another option would be to get a second eSIM (could be another network) and
just use the existing SIM for voice and SMS. Assuming the phone takes
eSIMs, which many recent ones do. She can also make and receive calls on
the new number without them showing on any billing records seen by her ex.

Theo

Theo <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote

>Probably I wouldn't reveal point 4 unless needed to: ie just ask 'how do I
>find out my allowance, here's my phone' and take it from there. There is
>maybe a *#...# code or a number to call that will reveal it.

And you are not wrong!! After google turning up a ton of garbage (like
codes for Vodafone India etc, 44555 delivers the plan details and the
monthly data allowance!

It correctly shows my 10GB data allowance.

Can one assume that this is always roaming too? That wasn't the case
until maybe 10 years ago, IIRC.

That still leaves open the Q of how to wangle Voda to port that number
to a fresh SIM.

I meant phoning 44555.

You get some info by voice and the rest arrives via sms.

On my friend's phone, Voda is asking for a 4 digit PIN. On mine it
didn't. Bugger.

Peter <occassionally-confused@nospam.co.uk> wrote:
> A friend has a problem.
>
> Ex husband is paying for a multi SIM contract and not co-operating
> otherwise on other stuff.
>
> She wants to find out her data allowance. The contract was started c.
> 2013 so probably very low like 100MB. Voda told me nothing of use but
> did tell me they never automatically upgrade the allowances.
>
> Obviously she has the phone so can receive an sms to her number.
>
> I suggested this
>
> Walk into a Voda phone shop and tell them
> - I want to find out my allowance
> - I want to upgrade it to the latest offer, same cost as at present
> - you can send me an sms if you like (I have the phone right here)
> - the account holder is not co-operating and I don't want to involve
> him.
>
> Unless they are fecking stupid and useless (go for somebody older) you
> should get something.
>
> The other thing is how would one start a new contract (Voda or not)
> and transfer the number to that. I cannot see this is possible without
> the ex's co-operation.

Can she not send a PAC request to 65075? Then start a new contract
somewhere else and port the number over.

I did this recently with my partner and I don't remember it needed any
special permission from the account owner.

> What would be the suggested way forward?
>
> I wondered if installing a Voda app and getting info that way would
> work without alerting the main account holder.
>

On 30/11/2023 07:57, Chris wrote:
> Peter <occassionally-confused@nospam.co.uk> wrote:
>> A friend has a problem.
>>
>> Ex husband is paying for a multi SIM contract and not co-operating
>> otherwise on other stuff.
>>
>> She wants to find out her data allowance. The contract was started c.
>> 2013 so probably very low like 100MB. Voda told me nothing of use but
>> did tell me they never automatically upgrade the allowances.
>>
>> Obviously she has the phone so can receive an sms to her number.
>>
>> I suggested this
>>
>> Walk into a Voda phone shop and tell them
>> - I want to find out my allowance
>> - I want to upgrade it to the latest offer, same cost as at present
>> - you can send me an sms if you like (I have the phone right here)
>> - the account holder is not co-operating and I don't want to involve
>> him.
>>
>> Unless they are fecking stupid and useless (go for somebody older) you
>> should get something.
>>
>> The other thing is how would one start a new contract (Voda or not)
>> and transfer the number to that. I cannot see this is possible without
>> the ex's co-operation.
>
> Can she not send a PAC request to 65075? Then start a new contract
> somewhere else and port the number over.
>
> I did this recently with my partner and I don't remember it needed any
> special permission from the account owner.

Seconded.

Had a very similar setup with Voda and transferred the first number out
by PAC request and new contract.

D

>> What would be the suggested way forward?
>>
>> I wondered if installing a Voda app and getting info that way would
>> work without alerting the main account holder.
>>
>
>
>

On Thursday, 30 November 2023 at 07:57:37 UTC, Chris wrote:
> Peter <occassional...@nospam.co.uk> wrote:
> > A friend has a problem.
> >
> > Ex husband is paying for a multi SIM contract and not co-operating
> > otherwise on other stuff.
> >
> > She wants to find out her data allowance. The contract was started c.
> > 2013 so probably very low like 100MB. Voda told me nothing of use but
> > did tell me they never automatically upgrade the allowances.
> >
> > Obviously she has the phone so can receive an sms to her number.
> >
> > I suggested this
> >
> > Walk into a Voda phone shop and tell them
> > - I want to find out my allowance
> > - I want to upgrade it to the latest offer, same cost as at present
> > - you can send me an sms if you like (I have the phone right here)
> > - the account holder is not co-operating and I don't want to involve
> > him.
> >
> > Unless they are fecking stupid and useless (go for somebody older) you
> > should get something.
> >
> > The other thing is how would one start a new contract (Voda or not)
> > and transfer the number to that. I cannot see this is possible without
> > the ex's co-operation.
> Can she not send a PAC request to 65075? Then start a new contract
> somewhere else and port the number over.

Last day I think for this offer: -
https://www.uswitch.com/mobiles/sim-only-deal/340fa40fd0d4c9855d027447aace08bce87b04fa/

O2, 40GB, unlimited calls, data, 5G, EU roaming, 1 year. £8pm.

or

https://www.uswitch.com/mobiles/sim-only-deal/0409c0b3211007317084cd7f8bcaf05ffb3e0941/

Talkmobile, 4GB, unlimited calls, data, 5G, EU roaming, 1 month. £4.95p pm. Runs on Voda's network so should work in phone if it is locked.

>
> I did this recently with my partner and I don't remember it needed any
> special permission from the account owner.
> > What would be the suggested way forward?
> >
> > I wondered if installing a Voda app and getting info that way would
> > work without alerting the main account holder.
> >

On 29/11/2023 19:15, Peter wrote:
> A friend has a problem.
>
> Ex husband is paying for a multi SIM contract and not co-operating
> otherwise on other stuff.
>
> She wants to find out her data allowance. The contract was started c.
> 2013 so probably very low like 100MB. Voda told me nothing of use but
> did tell me they never automatically upgrade the allowances.
>
> Obviously she has the phone so can receive an sms to her number.
>
> I suggested this
>
> Walk into a Voda phone shop and tell them
> - I want to find out my allowance
> - I want to upgrade it to the latest offer, same cost as at present
> - you can send me an sms if you like (I have the phone right here)
> - the account holder is not co-operating and I don't want to involve
> him.
>
> Unless they are fecking stupid and useless (go for somebody older) you
> should get something.
>
> The other thing is how would one start a new contract (Voda or not)
> and transfer the number to that. I cannot see this is possible without
> the ex's co-operation.
>
> What would be the suggested way forward?
>
> I wondered if installing a Voda app and getting info that way would
> work without alerting the main account holder.

Having never been in this exact situation, I can't comment on the
various options given in the replies, nor suggest my own, although to me
the suggestion of requesting a PAC and opening a new account seems the
best, because ...

I just wanted to make the point that, from the point of view of the
security and privacy of the person involved, what is required is to open
a new account in their own name that they control, and not rely in any
way upon the old one. If that means losing the old number, though
hopefully it won't, then so be it, it's better to do that than be
controlled even in a small way by someone you no longer trust.

--

Fake news kills!

I may be contacted via the contact address given on my website:
www.macfh.co.uk

Java Jive <java@evij.com.invalid> wrote:
> On 29/11/2023 19:15, Peter wrote:
>> A friend has a problem.
>>
>> Ex husband is paying for a multi SIM contract and not co-operating
>> otherwise on other stuff.
>>
>> She wants to find out her data allowance. The contract was started c.
>> 2013 so probably very low like 100MB. Voda told me nothing of use but
>> did tell me they never automatically upgrade the allowances.
>>
>> Obviously she has the phone so can receive an sms to her number.
>>
>> I suggested this
>>
>> Walk into a Voda phone shop and tell them
>> - I want to find out my allowance
>> - I want to upgrade it to the latest offer, same cost as at present
>> - you can send me an sms if you like (I have the phone right here)
>> - the account holder is not co-operating and I don't want to involve
>> him.
>>
>> Unless they are fecking stupid and useless (go for somebody older) you
>> should get something.
>>
>> The other thing is how would one start a new contract (Voda or not)
>> and transfer the number to that. I cannot see this is possible without
>> the ex's co-operation.
>>
>> What would be the suggested way forward?
>>
>> I wondered if installing a Voda app and getting info that way would
>> work without alerting the main account holder.
>
> Having never been in this exact situation, I can't comment on the
> various options given in the replies, nor suggest my own, although to me
> the suggestion of requesting a PAC and opening a new account seems the
> best, because ...
>
> I just wanted to make the point that, from the point of view of the
> security and privacy of the person involved, what is required is to open
> a new account in their own name that they control, and not rely in any
> way upon the old one. If that means losing the old number, though
> hopefully it won't, then so be it, it's better to do that than be
> controlled even in a small way by someone you no longer trust.

+1

Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote

>Can she not send a PAC request to 65075? Then start a new contract
>somewhere else and port the number over.

How do you do that?

I did a google and this involves logging into the account. It doesn't
appear possible with just a call or sms.

Peter wrote:

> Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote
>
>> Can she not send a PAC request to 65075? Then start a new contract
>> somewhere else and port the number over.
>
> How do you do that?
>
> I did a google and this involves logging into the account. It doesn't
> appear possible with just a call or sms.

should be, text PAC to 65075, and should get a code by return, I've used
it and the process was fine.

<https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/switching/switching-mobile-phone-provider>

Then get a new phone and/or SIM, which will come with a temporary
number, then use the PAC to migrate the old number over.

Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote

>Peter wrote:
>
>> Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote
>>
>>> Can she not send a PAC request to 65075? Then start a new contract
>>> somewhere else and port the number over.
>>
>> How do you do that?
>>
>> I did a google and this involves logging into the account. It doesn't
>> appear possible with just a call or sms.
>
>should be, text PAC to 65075, and should get a code by return, I've used
>it and the process was fine.
>
><https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/switching/switching-mobile-phone-provider>
>
>Then get a new phone and/or SIM, which will come with a temporary
>number, then use the PAC to migrate the old number over.

Right, but the earlier mentioned 44555 request (which works for me
straight) is secured by a 4 digit code known only to the ex, so isn't
the PAC going to be similarly secured?

This is barely related but some years ago I was being fuct over by an
ISP (Clara) who refused to let go of a connection (refused to allow
another ISP to take over the ADSL) and I solved it by getting BT to
terminate the landline number.

Peter <occassionally-confused@nospam.co.uk> wrote:
>
> Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote
>
>> Peter wrote:
>>
>>> Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote
>>>
>>>> Can she not send a PAC request to 65075? Then start a new contract
>>>> somewhere else and port the number over.
>>>
>>> How do you do that?
>>>
>>> I did a google and this involves logging into the account. It doesn't
>>> appear possible with just a call or sms.
>>
>> should be, text PAC to 65075, and should get a code by return, I've used
>> it and the process was fine.
>>
>> <https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/switching/switching-mobile-phone-provider>
>>
>> Then get a new phone and/or SIM, which will come with a temporary
>> number, then use the PAC to migrate the old number over.
>
> Right, but the earlier mentioned 44555 request (which works for me
> straight) is secured by a 4 digit code known only to the ex, so isn't
> the PAC going to be similarly secured?

No.

It's simply a text message. Not an account request.

On Thu, 30 Nov 2023 21:45:02 +0000, Peter
<occassionally-confused@nospam.co.uk> wrote:

>
>Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote
>
>>Peter wrote:
>>
>>> Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote
>>>
>>>> Can she not send a PAC request to 65075? Then start a new contract
>>>> somewhere else and port the number over.
>>>
>>> How do you do that?
>>>
>>> I did a google and this involves logging into the account. It doesn't
>>> appear possible with just a call or sms.
>>
>>should be, text PAC to 65075, and should get a code by return, I've used
>>it and the process was fine.
>>
>><https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/switching/switching-mobile-phone-provider>
>>
>>Then get a new phone and/or SIM, which will come with a temporary
>>number, then use the PAC to migrate the old number over.
>
>Right, but the earlier mentioned 44555 request (which works for me
>straight) is secured by a 4 digit code known only to the ex, so isn't
>the PAC going to be similarly secured?

When I requested a PAC from Virgin Media I sent PAC by text to 65075
and got a response asking me to reply with the date of birth of the
account holder. Maybe different network operators have different ways
of checking the authenticity of the PAC request.

Chris

On Thu, 30 Nov 2023 20:59:37 +0000, Andy Burns
<usenet@andyburns.uk> wrote:

>Peter wrote:
>
>> Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com> wrote
>>
>>> Can she not send a PAC request to 65075? Then start a new contract
>>> somewhere else and port the number over.
>>
>> How do you do that?
>>
>> I did a google and this involves logging into the account. It doesn't
>> appear possible with just a call or sms.
>
>should be, text PAC to 65075, and should get a code by return, I've used
>it and the process was fine.
>
><https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/switching/switching-mobile-phone-provider>

That page includes the text:

Customers who have more than one number linked to their
account – for example those with family mobile packages
– will need to request their PAC online or by phone.

So perhaps not that simple after all.
--
Roger

Roger <invalid@invalid.invalid> wrote

>That page includes the text:
>
> Customers who have more than one number linked to their
> account – for example those with family mobile packages
> – will need to request their PAC online or by phone.
>
>So perhaps not that simple after all.
>--

Exactly, and if it was that simple it would alo be very simple to piss
random people off :)

The 44555 route finally worked, with a good guess for the 4 digit code
;)

It is a 1GB contract, so presumably (??) this will also be 1GB
roaming, but maybe not? Was not always so.

Peter <occassionally-confused@nospam.co.uk> wrote:
>
> Roger <invalid@invalid.invalid> wrote
>
>> That page includes the text:
>>
>> Customers who have more than one number linked to their
>> account – for example those with family mobile packages
>> – will need to request their PAC online or by phone.
>>
>> So perhaps not that simple after all.
>> --
>
> Exactly, and if it was that simple it would alo be very simple to piss
> random people off :)

How? The PAC requests to the short number only work for the phone number
making them.

> The 44555 route finally worked, with a good guess for the 4 digit code
> ;)
>
> It is a 1GB contract, so presumably (??) this will also be 1GB
> roaming, but maybe not? Was not always so.

Your guess is as good as any's.

On Sat, 2 Dec 2023 09:14:40 -0000 (UTC), Chris <ithinkiam@gmail.com>
wrote:

>Peter <occassionally-confused@nospam.co.uk> wrote:
>>
>> Roger <invalid@invalid.invalid> wrote
>>
>>> That page includes the text:
>>>
>>> Customers who have more than one number linked to their
>>> account ? for example those with family mobile packages
>>> ? will need to request their PAC online or by phone.
>>>
>>> So perhaps not that simple after all.
>>> --
>>
>> Exactly, and if it was that simple it would alo be very simple to piss
>> random people off :)
>
>How? The PAC requests to the short number only work for the phone number
>making them.

That's true, but not everyone has good security on their phone. If
someone else were able to gain access to your phone for a few moments
they could request a PAC and steal your number.

Chris

On Saturday, 2 December 2023 at 09:14:44 UTC, Chris wrote:
> Peter <occassional...@nospam.co.uk> wrote:
> >
> > Roger <inv...@invalid.invalid> wrote
> >
> >> That page includes the text:
> >>
> >> Customers who have more than one number linked to their
> >> account – for example those with family mobile packages
> >> – will need to request their PAC online or by phone.
> >>
> >> So perhaps not that simple after all.
> >> --
> >
> > Exactly, and if it was that simple it would alo be very simple to piss
> > random people off :)
>
> How? The PAC requests to the short number only work for the phone number
> making them.
>
> > The 44555 route finally worked, with a good guess for the 4 digit code
> > ;)
> >
> > It is a 1GB contract, so presumably (??) this will also be 1GB
> > roaming, but maybe not? Was not always so.
>
> Your guess is as good as any's.

Depends on the M[V]NO. O2 (up to 25GB) and Talkmobile (MVNO on Voda) allow roaming, EE, Voda and Three do NOT in 3's case despite boasting on the side of a bus parked outside Parliament that they would not - hard to pity any suckers who fell for this con trick a second time!

notya...@gmail.com <notyalckram@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Saturday, 2 December 2023 at 09:14:44 UTC, Chris wrote:
>> Peter <occassional...@nospam.co.uk> wrote:
>>>
>>> Roger <inv...@invalid.invalid> wrote
>>>
>>>> That page includes the text:
>>>>
>>>> Customers who have more than one number linked to their
>>>> account – for example those with family mobile packages
>>>> – will need to request their PAC online or by phone.
>>>>
>>>> So perhaps not that simple after all.
>>>> --
>>>
>>> Exactly, and if it was that simple it would alo be very simple to piss
>>> random people off :)
>>
>> How? The PAC requests to the short number only work for the phone number
>> making them.
>>
>>> The 44555 route finally worked, with a good guess for the 4 digit code
>>> ;)
>>>
>>> It is a 1GB contract, so presumably (??) this will also be 1GB
>>> roaming, but maybe not? Was not always so.
>>
>> Your guess is as good as any's.
>
> Depends on the M[V]NO. O2 (up to 25GB) and Talkmobile (MVNO on Voda)
> allow roaming, EE, Voda and Three do NOT in 3's case despite boasting on
> the side of a bus parked outside Parliament that they would not - hard to
> pity any suckers who fell for this con trick a second time!
>

I have a Vodafone contract and that allows European roaming at no extra
cost, and this is a relatively new contract.

Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote

>I have a Vodafone contract and that allows European roaming at no extra
>cost, and this is a relatively new contract.

I wonder if that would have been true on a contract *known* to have
started in 2013?

However the allowance is 1GB so I suspect it had at some stage been
upgraded because a 1GB data contract was quite pricey in 2013, no?

(Voda)

Peter <occassionally-confused@nospam.co.uk> wrote:
>
> Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote
>
>> I have a Vodafone contract and that allows European roaming at no extra
>> cost, and this is a relatively new contract.
>
> I wonder if that would have been true on a contract *known* to have
> started in 2013?
>
> However the allowance is 1GB so I suspect it had at some stage been
> upgraded because a 1GB data contract was quite pricey in 2013, no?
>
> (Voda)
>

I imagine it would allow roaming. I think the best course of action is for
your friend to speak to Vodafone. It can’t be the first time this has
happened.

Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote:
> Peter <occassionally-confused@nospam.co.uk> wrote:
>>
>> Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote
>>
>>> I have a Vodafone contract and that allows European roaming at no extra
>>> cost, and this is a relatively new contract.
>>
>> I wonder if that would have been true on a contract *known* to have
>> started in 2013?
>>
>> However the allowance is 1GB so I suspect it had at some stage been
>> upgraded because a 1GB data contract was quite pricey in 2013, no?
>>
>> (Voda)
>>
>
> I imagine it would allow roaming. I think the best course of action is for
> your friend to speak to Vodafone. It can’t be the first time this has
> happened.

They can't. The contract is being controlled by an borderline abusing ex.

Peter <occassionally-confused@nospam.co.uk> wrote:
>
> Tweed <usenet.tweed@gmail.com> wrote
>
>> I have a Vodafone contract and that allows European roaming at no extra
>> cost, and this is a relatively new contract.
>
> I wonder if that would have been true on a contract *known* to have
> started in 2013?
>
> However the allowance is 1GB so I suspect it had at some stage been
> upgraded because a 1GB data contract was quite pricey in 2013, no?
>
> (Voda)

Honestly, I'd say the priority is to get shot of the contract any way she
can. Roaming is a secondary issue.