[Figo1984]

Been a loyal customer of Orange for around 6 years; and in them 6 years I've spent an absolute fortune with them however I have stuck with them due to them being quite helpful.

Up until my most recent contract I have always had a 12 month contract with them, however last time (as I needed a magic number) I decided to go to 18 month contract.

Now 12 months have passed and my phone is starting to look old and I really need a new one. However I am tied in on an 18 month contract; so have 6 months remaining.

I've heard stories of other companies (ie. Carphone Warehouse & Phones4U) buying you out of your remaining contract but not too sure if I want to do this as want to stick with Orange.

My current deal is a Sony Ericcson K810i; Orange Network Dolphin 30. Usually bills now are rarely over £40.

I'm looking at the Nokia N82 as it has a superb camera. Only downfall is it doesn't have a light for videoing in dark and most of my videos will be when out drinking....so dark. Looking at staying on a similar contract but don't want to say I'll sign up to 24 months or something like that and be stuck with the new phone for two year

Heard the networks are cutting down on being nice etc.

Any advice on what to do is much appreciated!....

[unclesomebody]

I would advise phoning them up and askign nicely. A lot can be done in this way, just try to speak to someone in England as they may be more sympathetic. I think it's customer services that you want, but I can't remember for sure. You might be able to just pay a small upgrade free for your new phone, but it depends on your recent monthly bills.

[fredd500]

What you need to find is another network who are willing to buy you out (if such a thing exists). Then phone Orange and tell them you are cancelling. You will be put through to "Retentions" who have more power in trying to keep you.

There is no such thing as a free phone, Nokia do not sell their phones to Orange for nothing so all contract phones are subsidised, hence the low prices on contract compared to PAYG. Hence once you have signed up, they need to make their money out of you by tying you in for 18 months.

In the UK, we need to think ourselves lucky, the Apple iPhone in the US on AT&T is a two year contract. Fortunately in the UK on O2 it is only 18 months - probably because the UK market won't yet accept a 2 year tie-in, but you can guarantee its on its way!!