Can I put my gophone number on hold

Hello @lawoodward!

How exciting to be studying abroad! I will be more than happy to help answer your question!

With Go Phone numbers, you will need to keep a balance on the account and make a phone call at least once a month in order to keep your number. The number will be kept for around 90 days before it will go back into the queue to be recycled. 

One thing I recommend doing in order to keep your number is when you leave; either give your phone or SIM card to someone, whom you trust, here in the states to make a quick phone call so the number won’t become inactive.

Thank you for reaching out to us! Enjoy your time aboard!

Katherine, AT&T Community Specialist

In addition to what @lizdance40 said, I am pretty sure there is no requirement to "make a phone call at least once every month" as stated by ATTCares. @ATTMobilityCare, could someone please confirm whether there really is a requirement to place a phone call a month?

@sandblaster  I'm glad you noticed that.  I read that once before and it has to be wrong.  Especially since we give out this information all the time to people traveling for long periods.  I would hate to think we are giving bad advice.   Picking through the Gophone terms, I dont see any usage requirement.  ?hmmmm?

Thank you @lizdance40.  I called AT&T and the rep who helped me said that I could put my number on hold for 6 months and when I was back in the US all I had to do was make a payment to my gophone account.  I hope she was correct! 🙂

Hi

Thank you for your reply.  I called customer service and I was told by the lady I spoke with that she could put my number on hold for 6 months until I return to the US and when I return I only need to make a payment to my account.  Is the lady I spoke with incorrect?

Hello again @lawoodward

Thank you for responding.

After some research, it does sound like the rep was talking about Reduce Rate Suspension.  Currently this service is only available to our postpaid accounts.

If you have any other questions, we are happy to help! Have a great rest of the day.

Katherine, AT&T Community Specialist

@lawoodward  The rep you spoke with was wrong.  That service is for postpaid accounts.  Prepaid cannot suspend service.   

The "use every month" is nonsense.  It isn't possible if you are out of the country for 4-6 months.   Still combing through TOS.

@sandblaster

https://www.att.com/legal/terms.prepaidPlanTerms.html

I keep re reading and see nothing about using the phone monthly.  People use this all the time, and have never been told to use the phone each month.  Not possible.  Another ATTCares boondoggle?

@lizdance40 I'm even more certain that monthly thing is wrong. The only requirement to keep a number and an account active is to keep a positive balance. That's why they have expiration dates on refill cards.