can I get a new handset when out of contract?

thelurch · 25-10-2009, 9:19 PM

As title really!

Im in my first ever mobile contract with the iphone 3G and have 6 months to go to the end of the 18 months.

I will want to get another iphone handset when the contract ends and will be happy to go again with O2. My handset has been used "naked" and has suffered minor scratches to the screen and back but the back has a crack in it which runs from the middle of the dock connector port "north" for about a cm.

I havent dropped it once so can only assume its happened from an awkward removal of the charging lead.

The handset functions ok at present.

What do O2 offer those who have just come out of contract and want a new handset? Im happy to pay the same sort of figure I paid for the handset when I took out the contract ie £99 ish and not the £500 odd pay as you go figure!

Has anyone recently renewed their contract and been supplied a new handset?

Many Thanks

Officer M168 · 25-10-2009, 9:44 PM

Normally about 2 months before, you be able to upgrade to a handset of your choice, price pending tarrif and phone. You may be able to upgrade to the 3gs for free but knowing o2 they will proberbly want to squeeze as much money out of you.

chelsea.tone · 25-10-2009, 9:52 PM

If its still in warranty, get it changed.

Badger0-0 · 25-10-2009, 10:29 PM

You will get a new handset no problem, but the deal possibly won't be as good as you get now.
You're generally better moving to another company for the absolute best deals, in my experience.

It might also be worth actually letting your contract expire, as opposed to going in two months early, as I'm guessing they'd be willing to offer a bit more, knowing you can jump.

I've never really played that game though, so could be wrong

roxyskinflint · 27-10-2009, 4:25 PM

im in the same boat, got 6 months left on my 3G,

heres a question, when the contract ends in march can i keep it going for a few months just on a rolling contract?

My reasoning for this is that i dont want to sign up for another 18months and i dont want the 3GS, im prepared to hang fire till the summer and get the latest version of the iphone when i comes out, may even change networks

Badger0-0 · 27-10-2009, 4:31 PM

Quote:

heres a question, when the contract ends in march can i keep it going for a few months just on a rolling contract?

Absolutely. You just stay exactly as you are. The beauty is you can cancel anytime you like because you're no longer contracted

I've stayed years on the same deal, but out of contract.

Of course you don't get a nice shiny new phone

Officer M168 · 27-10-2009, 4:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roxyskinflint

im in the same boat, got 6 months left on my 3G,

heres a question, when the contract ends in march can i keep it going for a few months just on a rolling contract?

My reasoning for this is that i dont want to sign up for another 18months and i dont want the 3GS, im prepared to hang fire till the summer and get the latest version of the iphone when i comes out, may even change networks

Keep it going as much as you like on a 30 day rolling contract.
If you decide to upgrade then you will have to go on another 24 month

broooce · 27-10-2009, 4:44 PM

heard of a few people who go onto simplicity for £20 a month inc unlimited data use to wait for the new model, dont know if that checks out

SeedyR · 27-10-2009, 4:56 PM

I asked about this awhile ago, and the guy in o2 said it was still up in the air about upgrading (and probably now more so due to the exclusivity being lost). I was told that at the end of my 18 month contract, I could get a 3GS (cost would be the same as a new customer, no upgrade discount) or just stay as I am and continue on the current tariff.

I'm probably just going to stay as I am, as I'd rather just wait for the next iPhone which I imagine will be June/July time than get tied into another contract.

Badger0-0 · 27-10-2009, 5:01 PM

Quote:

I'm probably just going to stay as I am, as I'd rather just wait for the next iPhone which I imagine will be June/July time than get tied into another contract.

It's also a great feeling when you have them in the net, as opposed to them having you in theirs

RobM · 27-10-2009, 7:31 PM

My 18 months is up at the end of Jan, so my plan is to sit tight and wait until the next iPhone is announced and see what that brings. If it's in June as per every other year, it wont be a long wait until I can get that and renew my contract.

Although the temptation to phone O2 today and ask them to send me a Palm Pre is strong....

It's an unfortunate misconception that people have, that they sign up to an 18 month contract. You don't. You sign up to a contract with a minimum term of 18 months, that's the significant difference.

Unsurprisingly the operators are keen for you to think you have to do something at 12/18/24 months so don't expect them to be too keen on re-educating you.

silent_tr · 28-10-2009, 12:37 PM

i called o2 last night, my 18month contract ends in febuary and i managed to only pay £40 on a £45 per month contract to terminate early to take out a new contract with them for the 3gs

speak to cancellations

Wee Steve · 03-11-2009, 3:52 PM

Has there been any speculation or rumour regarding a new iPhone for next year?

My contract will end in May 2010 so I don't want to be taking out another contract for 18/24 months to upgrade to a 3GS if something shinier is likely to be on the horizon soon after!

chelsea.tone · 03-11-2009, 4:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wee Steve

Has there been any speculation or rumour regarding a new iPhone for next year?

My contract will end in May 2010 so I don't want to be taking out another contract for 18/24 months to upgrade to a 3GS if something shinier is likely to be on the horizon soon after!

I'll eat my 3GS if there isn't a new iPhone next June/July