One of our friends from the media have spotted a post in a Facebook where a user was talking about the number on a newly purchased Smart Prepaid eSIM that’s already registered to GCash.
A Smart Prepaid eSIM with a Number Already Registered to GCash
In the post, the user complained of receiving text messages from GCredit, which is one of the services on the GCash app, despite the Smart Prepaid eSIM being “brand new.” There’s also a screenshot of the text message that’s reminding what we would presume is the former user, that the payment for GCredit is past the due date.
We reached out to Smart about this, and they said that the problem is on GCash’s side. Should customers reach out to their helpdesk, the response would be to reach out to GCash’s service channels to request for delinking of the old number.
On GCash’s side, there’s also a step-by-step guide on what to do in case there’s already an existing account for a new SIM. Below are infographics for both Prepaid and Postpaid:
![[postpaid]Globe TM](https://www.gadgetpilipinas.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/postpaidGlobe-TM-1-566x1024.png)
![[prepaid]Globe TM](https://www.gadgetpilipinas.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/prepaidGlobe-TM-566x1024.png)
Can SIM Numbers be Recycled?
While not explicitly announced, a bit of research would tell you that SIM Numbers can in fact, be recycled by telcos. As such, there is always a chance that you might get a number that’s already registered to an e-wallet app by its previous owner.
It Doesn’t End There
Consequently, what would happen if the SIM number has also been registered with a telco like Smart by the previous owner? is there anything you can do to take ownership of the new number?
If your prepaid eSIM number turns out to be already registered to Maya, do they offer the same service? we’ve reached out to them as well, but are still waiting for an answer. We’ll keep you updated!
Source
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
