Purchase and not activate SIM

[planteater]

I live on the road and getting a new SIM is virtually impossible. Yet having a phone is critical. I’m thinking of the best means to have a backup without wasting money. I have a second iPhone with me that i currently use only on WiFi, so I have the phone already

Would it be feasible and permissible by either Verizon or ATT to purchase but not activate a SIM? Only keeping it in the event I lose my phone. I have other non-phone devices to access the internet that could conceivably be used to activate it.

If that would not do it, I’ll just purchase another line and not use it.
I’m asking you guys, because frankly, you probably know more than a random support person.

 

[Steven-iphone]

To my knowledge you cannot have 2 sims active with the same phone number. You may want to look at an option like Google Voice for a backup number (accessed over WiFi). Unless you are playing with the sim card - damage is unlikely.

 

[konqerror]

Yes, you can buy a second SIM as a spare. You will likely have to call in, go to a store, or find an unofficial source (eBay).

Keep in mind, there's been security issues with fraudulent SIM swaps used to take over bank and other accounts. Typically, remote SIM swaps are authenticated by sending a SMS to the phone to prove that you already have access to it. If your existing SIM/phone is not working, they may make you go to a physical location in order to show ID.

 

[planteater]

Yes, you can buy a second SIM as a spare. You will likely have to call in, go to a store, or find an unofficial source (eBay).

Keep in mind, there's been security issues with fraudulent SIM swaps used to take over bank and other accounts. Typically, remote SIM swaps are authenticated by sending a SMS to the phone to prove that you already have access to it. If your existing SIM/phone is not working, they may make you go to a physical location in order to show ID.

That would not work. I drive a truck and the only place I can get to is Walmart, and that could easily be a week or more in some cases before I could get to one. I need a phone every day to do my job.

I go home every two or three months,the next time being in a couple weeks. I may just activate the second phone at Verizon at that time. Or see what a different, cheap carrier price would be.