An Observation about ekit SIM cards if you plan on using them in the USA.

[flir67]

I just got this sim card it works well and switching between global and us number is a piece of cake. came with 10.00 and got it off of ebay ekit seller.

[dennism3]

I've had this for a while and for the first time ever the sim registered on Canada Rogers with the +44 number but wouldn't with the +1 number. When I called customer service they said it had to be activated due to 7 days inactivity. I have had many periods of more than that inactivity. Does the inactivation not happen all the time?
So anyway I have to check this out before heading for the US and making sure I activate online?? before a trip.

[PhotoJim]

It does happen all the time. You can activate it by calling the toll-free number 1-888-513-8804, or there is a number on the SIM phonebook you can dial when you're connected via the +44 side.

[MATHA531]

Their literature does indicate that after 7 days of inactivity, the US portion of the sim is deactivated for making calls and receiving calls in the USA....but the claim is that it remains valid if people dial the US number and you're outside the USA...I have had it go inactive all the time and generally activate it. TGoday during an inactive period, I dialed on my regular mobile the e-kit US number (I'm in the USA) and the call went to voice mail...BTW while you're inb Europe (or elsewhere outside USA or Canada) there is a code number you can call to activbate US service....it's on the sim and should be listed in your phone book.

[frenchfry]

Or just pay the 50 cents a month for it to be active all the time.

[rfranzq]

Originally Posted by MATHA531

BTW while you're inb Europe (or elsewhere outside USA or Canada) there is a code number you can call to activbate US service....it's on the sim and should be listed in your phone book.

From ekit:
"If outside the United States or Canada (and about to enter the United States or Canada), dial the Easy Dial number 870 "
Please note:
* Your ability to make outbound calls in the US and Canada is hibernated 7 days after your last call in the US or Canada, however the +1 number remains active and will receive calls and text messages for up to four months after the last use of the service. You can reactivate the ability to make calls in the United States and Canada in three ways: online at www.rechargeminutes.com, over the phone using our self-service menu, or over the phone with a Customer service representative.

[rfranzq]

Originally Posted by frenchfry

Or just pay the 50 cents a month for it to be active all the time.

It is not clear to me that the 50 cents has anything to do with activation--just holding onto the USA phone number if it is inactive for more than 4 months.
ekit says:
"* You can retain your US number indefinitely by paying 50c per month by signing into your account online, clicking on "Account Details" under "My account", and then clicking on the option to extend the life of the US number (otherwise after 4 months of inactivity your US number may be changed when you go to use it again; you will receive the new US number via text message). "

I have not had a phone number change on me. I have 3 dual IMSI ekit SIMs and two SIMple Calling usa phone number only SIMs.

Has anyone here lost a US phone number on an ekit SIM?

Also, the unactivation/hibernation of the US number seems to be flaky at times, that is not '7' days but sumetime after 7 days.

[frenchfry]

I have only had my sim card for 2 and half weeks. On day one I activated the US number and setup the 50 cents a month deal. I have not had to reactivate the US but that one time. I would rather pay the 50 cent a month than have to log on or call a certain number to activate. It seems that the 50 cents a month does the trick. I will post if it does not.

[GadgetKen]

Using the ekit sim in Nevis right now on Cable and Wireless LIME. Cheaper to call US then my Digicel Bermuda chip but Digicel is cheaper for local calls and Sms(both chips active in a dual sim phone). Both are a bargain compared to hotel room phone. Haven't decided yet whether ekit 50 cent/month charge worth it or not to keep US number and possibly active all the time. ekit sim worked all days but in transit at SXM and yesterday for some reason; used Digicel chip when that happened. Not good enough hotel wifi quality for SkypeOut but gmail and web surfing are fine on my Sony Mylo. Will use Digicel in ANU en route back to US because ekit rates there are too high. Pluses on ekit over defunct um/um+ are no failed callback charges, decent audio quality, and no noticeable voice latency.

[unclerap]

Used it in USA and UK, works fine but expensive. DOES NOT WORK IN SOUTH AMERICA, NO SERVICE, CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THE REP WAS INCOMPENTENT. Use a diff service, these guys are awful.