Go via phones4u or orange?

Gemsie

I've been with 3 pretty much since they started up and have never had a problem. I pay a pittance for a very good tariff and have always been happy. However, the signal has been awful in the entire area where I live for the past few months (I believe it's to do with 2G being switched off) and apart from me paying for a non-existent service, it started becoming a safety issue having no signal all the time!

I rang 3 yesterday and they confirmed that there is zero signal in my area, so gave me my PAC code. I'm wanting to move to Orange as that's what everyone round here has finally figured works, but I'm confused about a couple of things.

Do I go directly to Orange for a new contract, or should I go through phones4u/carphonewarehouse, getting exactly the same contract, but with a shiny free gift. Now I know the shiny free gift is there to encourage people to sign up with them but how on earth do they make their money?! If you go via phones4u, does the bill come from orange or them? Who do you go to if your phone breaks? Are these 3rd party companies trustworthy? I'm guessing there are some horror stories out there, but I'm hoping somebody can give me an impartial explanation about either going direct or 3rd party.

Thanks!

shazza39

I got my contract through phones 4u. Got an iPhone on orange and have had nothing but problems with it. Nothing to do with phones 4u, just can't ever get a signal. :mad::mad:

Think every company are the same whoever you get it through.

Raven

Dialaphone/Phones4u and Carphonewarehouse are about the safest providers out there but once you've got your phone from then on you'll be dealing with Orange so it really depends who is offering you the best deal (that suits you).

Check as many deals as you can and look at cashback deals also although you do have to follow through on them (where as a Free Gift has not)


Also look at the options when going through Quidco, whoever you end up choosing as this get net you a nice little bonus.




Raven

Raven

Forgot to say, if the phone breaks then you go back to the provider or the insurance company (if you take it out).



Raven

Parva

A plus point of going via Phones4u / CPW rather than Orange direct is that the phone will likely not be locked to Orange.