Ukrainian operators annul numbers due to inactivity: how to avoid loss

Ukrainian mobile operators have decided to annul the numbers of subscribers who have not used their SIM cards for a long time. This decision involves the early termination of the contract or the automatic cessation of service to the number. In 'Kyivstar', prepaid subscriber numbers are annulled after 365 days of inactivity on the SIM card. In the case of contract subscribers, this period is reduced to six months of inactivity. After annulment, the number enters quarantine status for 90 days before being returned to circulation for other users. In 'Lifecell', they require topping up the account at least once every 365 days. If this does not happen, the number is removed from service and becomes available for new buyers. Vodafone has the strictest restrictions: a number can remain active for 370 days, after which it may be blocked with limited usage. Nevertheless, the subscriber has a recovery period of 90 days after blocking and an additional 30 days after deactivation. A mobile number is not the private property of the subscriber, but part of the state numbering plan regulated by the national regulatory authority for electronic communications. The operators have resolved the shortage issue by reallocating new network codes. Currently, there are 48.8 million active SIM cards in Ukraine, and to address the shortage problem, the NCEC has authorized the use of new network codes '77' for 'Kyivstar' and '75' for Vodafone.