I have an old phone I use for internet and games has no phone service on it I can t call or text anyone on it. maybe that’s what he had! Maybe her phone had the service!
I was getting ready to comment this exact thing. I use a prepaid phone service...if I don't pay--then I can't call or text without WiFi/internet connection and an app. Maybe this is what he meant. I can't see why he would "lie" and then pull the phone out. Essentially then he could text her the next day as they had planned.