[insomniak123]

Right, my orange contract I think runs out in a couple of months, and I am thinking that I will move to T-Mobile (as their tariffs will work out cheaper for me)

I've always been with orange, had a few PAYG phones and then simple switched to contract, which I've had for 3 years now.

I know the basics of changing, but I just need some clarification on some bits of it.

1) is there a way of checking exactly when my 18 months is up with orange?
2) PAC code - do I ring orange in the last month of my contract and get that sorted and ready?
3) What happens when the 18months is up? Do orange just cut me off or do I need to speak to them anyway? I forget what happened last time
4) Anything I need to know or have forgotten? I'm going to go into a T-Mobile store, is this wise or will I get a better deal online?

I've been a loyal customer at orange for ages, but I'm swayed by the WebNWalk unlimited internet, and the flexT packages, which will suit me much better now

Oh, and I already have the phone I want, so the best thing to do is get the best 'free' one from T-Mobile and sell it on? Do they do any deals if you don't take a handset with the contract?

Turns out that my current handset (n95) is locked to orange (i bought it off someone on here in fact) - and orange probably won't give me an unlock code as I'm not officially the owner (in fact according to them, I'm still using the D900 they sent me last year!)
Lucky as I can get one for free on the tariff I want, just going to be a proper PITA getting the settings straight on the new one! (plus numerous apps that I've paid for on my current phone that will need to be transferred across :o ) this might get messy

Thanks

[insomniak123]

Just noticed some more details about WebNWalk -

they say with the standard webnwalk that it doesn't count for "downloads" (isn't everything you look at on the net 'downloaded' ? )

Also say you can't use your phone as a modem for your PC (thus routing HDSPA through my N95 into my girlfriends home PC which is still for some reason devoid of broadband!)

How could they restrict this? Do they know when my Nokia is connected to my PC?

WebnWalk Plus allows downloads, but is more expensive. I'm not overly sure I understand all of it, as Plus and Max both come with a little USB thing to connect to the PC - how does this connect to your phone contract?

Very confused now, might end up staying with orange yet

[Tomfoolery]

Originally Posted by insomniak123

Just noticed some more details about WebNWalk -

they say with the standard webnwalk that it doesn't count for "downloads" (isn't everything you look at on the net 'downloaded' ? )

Also say you can't use your phone as a modem for your PC (thus routing HDSPA through my N95 into my girlfriends home PC which is still for some reason devoid of broadband!)

How could they restrict this? Do they know when my Nokia is connected to my PC?

As standard for new contacts HSDPA is disabled for the standard web'n'walk.

You get a 1GB fair usage, you're not supposed to use this for connecting to your PC, but in reality there's not much way they could tell (they probably won't say much unless you go over the fair usage). You're not supposed to use instant messengers either, and depending on the ports it uses, they might be able to tell in this case, I'm not sure. Normal internet downloads on your phone (apart from chargable ringtones, backgrounds etc. from the T-Mobile portal) are all included in this allowance.

However, they don't mention that HSDPA is disabled anywhere and generally seem to keep quiet about it - so in my case I rang them up, argued (reasonably and calmly) for a bit, and they phoned me back a bit later offering me an upgrade from web'n'walk to web'n'walk plus for free. This gives you HSDPA, a 3gb fair usage, and they don't care if you connect it to your computer. You connect your phone to the computer and use it as a modem, you don't get the USB thing unless you're on the internet only package.

As a side note, I've found T-Mobile customer service excellent, a lot better than any of the other operators I've been with.

[insomniak123]

Think I'll have to go for WebNWalk plus then, would like HSDPA without hassle, this'll make it smooth if I want to use the laptop too - can't be doing with the hassle of arguing my point

One more Q, If I get a PAC code from orange, then use it on when I sign up to T-Mobile, will my number and thus my contract just disappear from orange (assuming I pay the end of my contact out)?

[Tomfoolery]

I'm just about to go through the same myself.

As far as I know, when you ask for your PAC code, that starts the process of cancelling. However, your account only actually gets cancelled if you use the PAC code within about 30 days - if you don't use your PAC code your account won't get cancelled. If all goes well using the PAC code your number gets ported over and your old account will be completely cancelled.

Someone might correct me on this if I'm wrong.

[insomniak123]

just to say I just successfully negotiated a network unlock code from quite a nice chap at orange - obviously hadn't been there long

one load off my mind that I won't need to plump for a longer t-mobile contract just to get my phone for free

one downside was that the orange dude told me I had 6months left of my 18month contract I thought it was only 2!

might have a bit of a rethink re: switching to T-Mobile just yet!

[insomniak123]

i know there's an orange emplyee that posts on here sometimes, maybe he could answer this ?

what are my options for ending my contract early? I've had the contract over 12months but extended it earlier in the year to get a better deal and a new phone. now i'd like to end the contract early possibly but I think the only way to do it is to pay off the remaining months fees, which would be 3 months @ £35 p/m .

Any ideas