Using phone and texting. I don't seem to be able to do either.

Hello BrianAb_2142196 . first thing to check is your dashboard. Is there an active sim with a phone number? Does it show an active Smarty plan?

If the answer to above is 'yes', check for local network status: https://smarty.co.uk/network-status-checker

This will show up any local mast issues.