Contracts?

[TiG]

Hi guys,

When you are on contracts with mobile operators are there any things that make you stay with a network other than number of minutes and texts?.

Obviously I do work in the mobile industry and this question has just come up following me spending a day internally in a workshop going through and understanding the thoughts of various marketing and retention specialists.

I'm a technical guy and for me the added stuff seems pointless, anything that really adds value to you to stay with a network?.

Would the chance to Win physical prizes every month of your contract make you stay any longer if there was a better deal elsewhere?, my viewpoint is i don't think so.

But then that's why i'm a technical guy and not a fluffy marketing manager..

But please tell me i'm not alone?

TiG

[Funkstar]

It took a lot for me to move from O2 to T-mobile. Partly it was about the deal, but at the time t-mobile were the only ones with a decent data package, so they got my custom.

However there were other considerations. T-Mobile have a roaming agreement in Angola where my parents are, so if I was to visit i can still use my phone. Weirdly O2 wouldn't even let me call Angola, even though my dad could call me on an Angolan mobile. They are also the only network that gets a signal in my office. I'm the only one that gets calls and texts at work, it confuses the hell out of a couple of the women when my phone rings

I say it took me a long time to switch; I'd been with O2 for years and years. Probably could have had a better deal from other networks over the years, but I'm lazy and couldn't really be bothered swaping networks. Once the 48hour network migration comes into effect this may change my opinion, 7 days is just a pain in the neck.

[djw74]

Staying with a network is ez if it covers my needs and is less than 20% more expensive than everything else. Competition is the core for me. And at this point I almost come to expect either a new free or cheap phone with contract as well.

but no, a chance greater than 1/5 of winning something (even just a free phone (After mir) without mailing in rebate, just free). Needs to be good chances to even come close to enticing and qualify in above statement.

[shadowmaster]

I'm with tmobile contract for 4 years now, and the only reason I have stayed is because I'm still on their advantage plan (half price) , and each time I upgrade I refuse to let them wriggle their way out of it. Plus their reception is good.

[Guy]

Where I live, if your not with Vodafone you wont get a proper signal, I switched over to Orange, and have regretted it ever since. Yes Orange gave me the HTC TYTN II for free, and Voda wanted a stupid amount for it, and the mins/txts/data that Orange give, wipe the floor with what Voda could have done at the time, BUT if I cant use my phone when I am at home whats the point

[dave87]

Coverage - first and most important factor.

I'm with Vodafone because of the locations I use it in, they offer the most consistent coverage everywhere I've tried. If I can't use the phone (and included usage) I'm paying for, I'm not going to stay with a network.

Contracts

One size does most definitely not fit all - I want to be able to pick the price plan that suits me, and not start off with a £20/month contract that ends up costing me £50. Being able to pick what is important (minutes/texts/internet) is what I want to be able to do.

Handsets

I've never paid more than £50 for a handset (on contract), and I doubt I ever will. However, I always end up with pretty decent handsets. K700-K750-K800-8600 Luna-Xperia X1 in recent years. So finding a contract and a handset I want, at the right price is key, especially on upgrades, I don't want to go online and find the same phone for a new customer at half the price.

Customer Service

Sounds silly, but I actually like talking to physical people, rather than an answerphone/voice activated dohickey etc. Give me UK customer services, and in the case of vodafone, access to them 24 hours a day.

Billing

I want my bill, I want a physical one, itemised, and no, I'm not paying extra for it.




I think that is all I can think of atm, I'll get back to you if I think of any more

[Andeh13]

Customer service is a massive massive point for me, especially when they're allowed to be human and have a sense of humour! Id pay a bit extra for quality customer service, hence me staying with t-mobile & their flex packages!