MSE News: Mobile operators forced to offer 12-month contracts

Guys_Dad

It seems to me that this is an EEC conspiracy aimed at two of our finest institutions - Vodafone and Quidco.

If this comes in, then this will mean that you have no chance of getting your cashback paid for a Vodafone contract via Quidco within the duration of your contract if you decide to go for it. :(

Lynsey

Guys_Dad wrote: »

It seems to me that this is an EEC conspiracy aimed at two of our finest institutions - Vodafone and Quidco.

If this comes in, then this will mean that you have no chance of getting your cashback paid for a Vodafone contract via Quidco within the duration of your contract if you decide to go for it. :(

Are people still using Quidco??

I see the cost of phones being more on 12 month contracts for high end phones - they obviously won't be free or heavily discounted. You may still have to take out a longer contract with a high end phone to make it beneficial.

I'm with MJ on this, I did prefer 12 month deals (12 months free on a 12 months contract where possible) with low value phones.
Very profitable, especially when getting the cashback from a decent cashback site (approx. £50 a time).

Lynsey

flyingscotno1

Would buying phone outright and Sim Only for 12 months not be cheaper in most instances than a 12 month contract? Obv. high initial outlay but would be interesting to see.

Lynsey

flyingscotno1 wrote: »

Would buying phone outright and Sim Only for 12 months not be cheaper in most instances than a 12 month contract? Obv. high initial outlay but would be interesting to see.

Not if the contract is either 11 months or 12 months free on a 12 month contract (if redemption goes to plan) and together with any cashback from a cashback site. There are actual profits to be had together with free mins/texts/data.
But I understand what you are saying if you don't want to go with a redemption deal, then phone and sim only may be the best option for you.

Lynsey

DUTR

I remember my 1st contract £300 for the basic handset Nokia 2140, £17.63 per month for 15 mins tetxs were 5p a go, so I think in real terms prices have come way down.

Exhortation

New law comes into force May, new iPhone due June (probably). "Free" iPhone on a 12-month contract? That'll be £75 a month, please! People will pay it, too...

Lynsey

Exhortation wrote: »

New law comes into force May, new iPhone due June (probably). "Free" iPhone on a 12-month contract? That'll be £75 a month, please! People will pay it, too...

I see it going the other way - say still £30 pm contact but the phone won't be free or heavily discounted - say another £400+ for the iphone.

People will still pay as you say. I'm glad I'm not into new gadgets, but appreciate that people do like their "toys". We all have our vices I suppose.

Lynsey

Typhoon2000

Every network I think has a 1 month rolling and 12 month contract, not sure what the problem is here (with UK operators anyway). Mayne they dont publicise them as much as they do their 18/24 month contracts which come with the 'free'(subsidised) high end phones.

plumber2009

All this ruling means is that the phone operators have to offer 12 month contracts.

Nothing is really going to change as most people will adopt 18/24 month contracts to make them affordable. The only people who will take 12 month contracts will be those who can afford a large down payment for the phone itself or can afford high monthly premiums, such as £75 p/month as suggested.

DUTR

plumber2009 wrote: »

All this ruling means is that the phone operators have to offer 12 month contracts.

Nothing is really going to change as most people will adopt 18/24 month contracts to make them affordable. The only people who will take 12 month contracts will be those who can afford a large down payment for the phone itself or can afford high monthly premiums, such as £75 p/month as suggested.

I suppose they already do offer 12 month contracts, does not mean it has to include a handset :beer: