Contract renewal time...

[QuietRiot1983]

I'm coming up to the end of my o2 contract, and as this is the first time, I'm not sure what to do for the best.

Do I let o2 contact me and sort of new terms/handset, or do I be proactive and call them?

I have noticed that the o2 shop has a very limited selection of handsets, so would I be in fact better letting my contract lapse and just searching for another deal on one of the many mobile phone websites?

I'm on a £30/month deal at the moment, with unlimited texts and 400 minutes, but I'm not sure maintaining that deal would let me get a good, free, handset.

Any help appreciated.


Confused.com!

[RobM83]

What do you want to do?

Do you want more minutes/messages? Or a lower cost per month?
Do you want a new mobile? Or are you happy with your current mobile?

You have shed loads of options but only you can dictate what you want to get out of it. Once you know that, it will be easy to make suggestions to help you out

Of course, you don't have to do anything. You can just let your contract run on the current terms, as it switches to a rolling 30-day contract once your minimum term is over. So if you're happy with your current deal and don't need a new phone, or you've not seen one that justifies committing to a new contract term, then stick as you are until you see a deal that suits.

[QuietRiot1983]

I suppose ideally I'd just like a new handset. I sold the one I got at the beginning of the contract, so the phone I'm using now is about 5 years old!

The £30 isn't an issue, I rarely go over my allowance, so that doesn't need changing.

[daniel_owen_uk]

Find the handset you like, check if it's exclusive to a particular network.

Knowing the networks it's available on, check which plans meet your budget and allowance requirements.

Check interweb for special offers and rebates (might be worth a look at quidco etc).

If it's not on O2 request your PAC and move (don't feel you need to be loyal, the majority of the networks are much of a muchness), might be worth checking the 3G map if you use the browser on your phone to make sure your home and work are covered, and anywhere else you frequent.

[QuietRiot1983]

Originally Posted by daniel_owen_uk

Find the handset you like, check if it's exclusive to a particular network.

Knowing the networks it's available on, check which plans meet your budget and allowance requirements.

Check interweb for special offers and rebates (might be worth a look at quidco etc).

If it's not on O2 request your PAC and move (don't feel you need to be loyal, the majority of the networks are much of a muchness), might be worth checking the 3G map if you use the browser on your phone to make sure your home and work are covered, and anywhere else you frequent.

That said, what's a good site for deals? I only know of phones4u, and a quick google revelas plenty of sites, not all of them look reputable though!

[tvdavid]

Try mobilephonesdirect.co.uk

[QuietRiot1983]

It's all bloody confusing!

I don't want cashback or a nintendo wii...just tell me the price!

[daniel_owen_uk]

Maybe if you let us know your requirements someone with a similar deal can suggest something?

[QuietRiot1983]

Well at the moment, I'm on 400 minutes to any network and 1000 texts for £30, I don't mind this staying the same to be honest, but I'd like unlimited internet if possible.

I quite like the look of a HTC hero or hero2 or whatever it is, so might play the "give me this this and this or I'll leave card" quoting that website as a reference!

[QuietRiot1983]

I don't understand why some of the deals available on other sites aren't available direct from the service provider. Am I missing something?

[daniel_owen_uk]

Nope, some people (such as Car Phone Warehouse), buy their own handsets and just get subs from the provider.

I have a 500 mins, unlimited text, unlimited (1GB) net for £30 on a 24 month contract with a free HTC Hero from them but that was few months ago, probably better deals about now.

[QuietRiot1983]

Originally Posted by daniel_owen_uk

Nope, some people (such as Car Phone Warehouse), buy their own handsets and just get subs from the provider.

I have a 500 mins, unlimited text, unlimited (1GB) net for £30 on a 24 month contract with a free HTC Hero from them but that was few months ago, probably better deals about now.

That's almost exactly what I'd want, been looking at this deal:

HTC HD2 - Great Mobile Phone Deals on O2

I don't mind paying a few quid for the phone, but ideally Id want unlimited internets!