Mobile phone charges

bubbleun

Hi

I've just received a massive bill with orange :eek: , because I severely went over my "free" minutes.

Is there anything I can do? Is there any legislation regarding a fair cost of mobile to mobile phone calls, has anyone one had any luck with orange offering goodwill gestures?

Kind regards

Crazy_Jamie

Sounds to me like you're on a road to nowhere here. There is legislation regarding unfair terms in consumer contracts, but I doubt Orange's charges for going over the minutes (which, last I checked, is their Pay As You Go rate anyway), would come close to satisfying it. I also doubt you'll get anywhere asking for goodwill gestures. You must have been aware that you went so far over your minutes, or at the very least you should have done. Now you've just got to pay for the consequences of that. If you're going to be doing this sort of thing on a regular basis upgrading your tariff may be a cheaper option for you.

billsavings

bubbleun wrote: »

Is there anything I can do?

Pay it !!!

sporedude

Your responsible for the charges, So just pay them

[Deleted User]

Always the first time posters :rolleyes:

rachyrach2k

dont be so patronising. we all have to start somewhere

spirit

Unless Orange had you in an armlock to make those extra calls then I would say no, they don't have to issue you a goodwill credit. It's a case of taking responsibility for things you have done.

However, if you have a problem paying the bill then I would advise you speak to them about it and I'm sure they will come up with a payment plan for you.

Buzby

That'll be the 'Hobson' Plan.

You tell them you cannot afford it. They make soothing noises and when you don't pay the bill, service is restricted, before being turned off.

The debt is then sold on to a 3rd party collector who doesn't give a toss about your dispute. Meanwhile your credit files is being fried to show you in default of the contract, which some lenders will treat as toxic (like a CCJ).

Pay as you Go - it's a no brainer, really.

spirit

I would be very surprised if they take that attitude Buzby. I'm sure they are like other SPs who would rather get some money out of them bit by bit. Referring the debt to an agency is usually the last resort if the customer buries their head in the sand.

mrsthrifty_2

I found Orange very helpful at the start of OH's contract when they offered him options by text and he was supposed to reply to cancel if he didnt want the service and he didn't :rolleyes: they credited without any hastle but ....

going over your minutes unless you can prove you didnt make the calls is another issue.

I thought the phone kept a log of the minutes used !!!

you can check your monthly useage by going online to your account !!!

Buzby

spirit wrote: »

I would be very surprised if they take that attitude Buzby.

I agree the stance is counter-productive, and does nothing to engender loyalty, but if you have read the various forums on how networks are being totally inflexible in matters such as these, my 'vision' is by far the most accurate,

Taking 3UK as an example, a promise to pay an outstanding amount of £150 over three months at £50pm until the balance was clear was 'agreed' before the service was restricted after day 14 (despite the £50 being paid). By day 30 the service was cancelled and a letter advising which DCA would be pursuing the debt sent.

By day 60 the debt was sold to an outside agency. The offer of payment was conditional on service being maintained, so they were the bringer of their own downfall. I'd be interested to hear the experience of other consumers of different networks. However I fear they are equally inflexible.