You need the sim alive to recieve set up and confirmation sms. At least for whatsapp.

Had a similar problem with by bike buddies. Even tried to bribe them with beers. It ended up with me using my laptops simcard number to register whatsapp and I only use it eith this group. Everybody allways wonders, why they cannot use that number to call me. :)

Adult people drown them in martinis. So, Jar a week souds about right. :)