Switch to O2 from BeThere, plus cashback, plus special offer - couple questions

potatan

Hi.

I am currently with BeThere (Be) on an up to 24Mb contract and am very happy with their service, but the O2 offer looks very tempting particularly as I have an O2 mobile contract.

I've signed up with Quidco in order to try and get the cashback deal too.

My first question is about the discounts. O2 are offering 3 months free on their Premium and Pro services (I don't want the Standard package) - does this stack with the other stuff? i.e. do I get the O2 mobile discount *and* the 3 months free, *and* the Quidco cashback?

As an existing Be user, when I click through to O2 from Quidco and start filling in details, it recognises my Be status (from my phone number), and directs me to call Be for a MAC code. I haven't clicked further than this yet, as I'm wondering how this might affect the Quidco cashback offer. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance
Paul

Morn

Hi there.

From my experience, Quidco can be hit and miss depending more on the retailer than Quidco themselves.

Simply put as long as you have Cookies enabled on your browser and you go to the O2 store via the Quidco website you should be in a position to earn your cash back.

As for the introductory deal, I assume that it will not affect quidco as you will still be making a transfer to their network in the end and thus will be providing them with money.

Hope that helps a little.

potatan

Hi again,
This is the message I get from O2 when I check availability against my phone line:

Be broadband is currently activated on this BT landline number. Because Be is part of O2, you can move to O2 Broadband without any penalty and without giving Be your usual three month notice of cancellation. You'll need to get a MAC key from Be before we can take your order though. So please raise a ticket through Be's member centre (http://www.bethere.co.uk/memberhome.do), or give them a call on 0808 101 3430.

and then there is nothing left to click, or to complete the order. But the Quidco offer states that:

For genuine tracked transactions completed wholly online, you can earn...

so I'm wondering how I will ever be able to meet the Quidco transaction requirements.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

eco21

unfortuately looks like you wont be able to get the quidco part, unless you cancelled the Be* internet and got your MAC, and then progressed via quidco, maybe more hassle than worth

potatan

Yeah certainly feels that way. Mind you, I'm looking at the "Pro" offer, as I could do wtih an 802.11n router to cope with the 2' thick walls in my flat, so saving 3 months x £17.13 is over £50 anyway, plus I get a nice new router. I'm currently paying Be £17.50 a month so it's tempting.

The premium offer is more what I really need, e.g. I don't need a free static IP or extra support, but as my BeBox router won't reach all the rooms in my flat, I think 802.11n is the way forward.

I wonder if I can persuade O2 to chuck in the better router, for the Premium price instead of the Pro price?!

potatan

Well, I rang Be yesterday for a MAC code and they generously offered to reduce my monthly payment from £17.50 to £12. I was tempted but wanted to know if they could supply an 802.11n router as I get poor WiFi reception in certain rooms in my home. After a bit of haggling offline with a superior, the Be rep called back and said that a new router would be on the way.

Only now, it seems that the new Be router is only 802.11b/g i.e. the same spec as the one I already have (though it's a different model - mine is one of the older black Thompson modems).

Not sure where to go from here really. I guess I might wait for the new router to arrive and see if performance is improved in my flat's "dark spots".

eco21

To be honest, you would need to upgrade the wireless card in the laptop or desktop to take advantage of the N speed, as the new router is n/b/g/a compatible, whilst your laptop card may only be a/b/g so it might not be a great help,

Search for powerline adapters, these will help you out if your computer is stationary.

jeffmasson

i switched a few days ago.

When you get you mac from be the o2 site will let you in to the next step. Finger crossed i get the cash back as i went for the mid spec with 3 mounts free.

But with no o2 phone over a year its still cheaper than be without the cash back