iPhone issues with O2 - Looking for a new deal advice

[dreamshiner]

Originally posted in the shopping forum as I didn't notice this one. Think it may be more apt to keep it here. Mods, advice if I should close the other thread in shopping or link it through to this one please.

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Been prompted to do this by O2 customer services today, they have changed my contract deal.

Background - Singed up for a new 18 month contract Jan 09 and got 12 months free broadband. Pretty happy.

Girlfriend got a iPhone in Nov 09 and again I asked for 12 months broadband. Advised I wanted it to run after my one ran out. Was told OK and notes put on system.

Called them yesterday to put wheels in motion with respect to the changeover. Was told I'd have to cancel mine and have a 6-10 day no service period while a new contract for our telephone line was established.

Asked if the credit applied to my girlfriends account could be taken over to mine to ensure no break, told no. Asked if name of my contract could be changed to hers, told no. Asked if there was an easy way round this, told no.

Got a call back and advised they couldn't offer the free broadband as I live in a Home Access area and shouldn't have got it at all. It turns out the agent who signed me up in Jan 09 applied a credit of (12*£17.50) to my account.

Part of the reason my girlfriend took a £45 a month iPhone contract in Nov was because:

a) Free broadband would save £7.50 per month (£37.50 in real terms)
b) iPhone for free on £45 contract opposed to approx £95 up front - told could downgrade to another contract after 9 months (£27.50 in real terms for last 3 months of broadband contract).

Now in a position where I'm considering both our relationships with O2 (very happy up till now with them). As a result I've been checking old threads on here regarding buying a phone up front and getting a sim card.

http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/54517...-iphone-30day-

http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/47886...s-on-contract?

I know Quidco and Topcashback aren't offering the £100 deals they were for mobile contracts so at present the best I can see for a new iphone alone is with Tesco for £440 plus points and 3% cashback.

Any advice much appreciated.

[mightymouse]

so long as you pay your bills on time i think they are more inclined to keep you so just call them and keep haggling. go into town maybe phones4u and ask them for a deal to see if they can buy out your existing and then use it to talk to O2. they normally will come around.

[dreamshiner]

I think I will do that, I take it phones4u offer the best buyback offers?

In the meantime I reckon I will buy a iphone up front and then get a cheeky deal with it. I got an ignito at my last renewal so will use that on ebay and offset against the iphone cost.

As for my broadband, if I can't win o2 round, can anyone suggest a good company to go for? (no Virgin where I stay)

[Stoo]

Ask to be put through to retentions and stick to your guns..

If you've had your iPhone for the contract length you can request the O2 unlock it as well.

[dreamshiner]

The phone I got in Jan last year was the ignito on an 18 month contract, my girlfriend got a 3GS in Nov on a 18 month contract.

I was asking as it looks as if we are going to cancel her O2 contract as a result and I need to find an alternative. At present buying a phone and going on a simplicity tariff seems cheapest in the long run. However only if Quidco open their deal again.

[Rob_B]

You want to cancel an 18month iPhone contract after 2/3 months? won't that cost you a fortune & not be worth doing?

As for the phone, yes it seems getting a Pay&Go one then using either a SIMplicity SIM or unlocking is the best way.

Broadband, O2 is partnered with BE (I think) try them as the service should be the same

[dreamshiner]

I think I'm within my rights to cancel the iphone after only 2/3 months because the deal as offered has not been honoured.

[Rob_B]

Seems unlikely I'm afraid, the broadband wasn't part of your contract for the phone.

You'd probably have more luck getting some sort of refund onto your bill rather than a full cancellation of the contract which you've already said they don't seem willing to do.

I'd get them to clarify that first as otherwise you're stuck with the phone, ask for the recording of the call, they also have an escalation process somewhere on the site I think, you need to write a letter but it can sometimes work

[dreamshiner]

The broadband was offered as an extra as a valued customer and helped sway me to opt for them for the iPhone opposed to another network. I looked at it as a £37.50 contract in real terms. I don't think (even with hindsight) I would have stayed with O2 otherwise. It helped seal the deal and for me and was important and integral to me continuing with them.

About to call now, as they haven't replied as yet (2 days later and despite a promised call from a supervisor). Will follow up with an update.

[dreamshiner]

Update is, getting free broadband for a year and £20 credit to my bill as compensation for my time and hassle during the 3 calls.