[phicoh]

The service is that you can receive messages. The service is not that you are the only one who can receive those messages. If someone commits fraud and obtains a SIM with your number then the telco is in general quite willing to correct the error. Maybe they will even given you an extra copy of the messages that were lost.

It's like going to a fast food restaurant and later complaining that the meat is of low quality.

[jtbayly]

Am I paying for my number or not? If I am, then if they give it to somebody else while I’m still paying for it, that is breach of contract.