Am I Paying too much?

RoboDog

Hey guys, I am on a monthly Orange contract, paying 36 pounds per month (net). I have a blackberry with unlimited monthly internet, 700 minutes & 100 texts per month....I use only about 400 of those minutes.....Do you think that I am paying too much? How can I reduce it? I am about 3 months into an 18-month contract. This is my 3rd 18 month contract with them.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Cheers

platterfish

Take a look at this thread - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1825687 You may be in your rights to cancel the contract due to recent call charge increases.. and then just search for a better deal or renegotiate your current deal with retentions..have a read through!

RoboDog

I already had a look at that, but would it make a difference to me? My contract has more than enough free minutes for me to use & it also covers unlimited internet. So would the per minute charges affect me?

platterfish

Did you recive a text stating some changes in minimum call charges? They have got a bit stricter with who they class as 'eligible' over the last few days i think, however, as i understand..

Your contract gives you the right to go over your minutes and dial 0870 numbers ... of which, you will have to double check, but it is likely your contract states will incur a minimum charge of 5p - this is rising to 15p so could be a disadvantage to you in the future, and is grounds to cancel under their terms.

Have you called many 0870 numbers from your phone over the past three months?

Keep an eye on this article too - http://www.bitterwallet.com/orange-increase-charges-can-you-cancel-your-orange-contract/15723

correct me if im wrong someone!

RoboDog

Thanks for the update. Do you think that this is an option for me -
I cancel my current contract & keep the blackberry. After that, I start a new sim only contract with them which includes unlimited internet. I assume that this would be considerably cheaper.

platterfish

Yeah, i do think thats a good option for you :-) - keep an eye on those threads though, have a good read through, lots of different scenarios there! You should be in your right to cancel - as long as you are currently on the lower minimum charges, and yours will be rising - orange are being a bit difficult i think, and there advisors are being rude, but its worth a try i guess..

RoboDog

OK so I managed to call them & they did not put up much of an argument. Infact, they agreed to switch me directly to a SIM only contract on the spot. It worked out to 20 quid a month with unlimited internet & email, 300 minutes (enough for me) & 100 texts. Do you guys think that is worth it or can I do better than that?

Fork86

RoboDog wrote: »

OK so I managed to call them & they did not put up much of an argument. Infact, they agreed to switch me directly to a SIM only contract on the spot. It worked out to 20 quid a month with unlimited internet & email, 300 minutes (enough for me) & 100 texts. Do you guys think that is worth it or can I do better than that?

Considering 02 are doing a SIM only Contract for 19.99ppm offering 800 mins, unlimited texts, and the option to add unlimited internet, I would say it isn't worth it and you can do much better or cheaper.

RoboDog

Thanks for the info Fork!
Is the unlimited internet included in the 19.99?

Snakeeyes21

Yes. You can choose between a few different bolt ons

CharleneUK

Vodaphone have 500 mins, 250 text, unlimited email and internet, unlimited landland, blackberry for £25, so yes, you are paying over the odds, I reckon. Plus they are doing 3 months free line rental at the minute. (24 months contract though)
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Per month500
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