MSE News: Orange to raise monthly mobile costs

timbstoke

My friend has received this notice today. I'll be advising her that if she wants to leave, don't acknowledge their claim that she can't - put it in writing to them that you wish to cancel your contract without penalty as the change is of a material detriment to you. If they feel that £1.50 a month isn't material, let them argue their case.

Vivienne53

I also have just received the text concerning the increase. As I only upgraded my phone & plan in October I thought I was safe! However on following the link to Orange World they state that as I've recently upgraded my phone I won't be liable for the increase until June 2012. How does that work? Very annoyed, been with them for years, note nothing was said about proposed increases when I upgraded!

rstoday

I'm confused! I think I should have received a text to tell me about an increase too, but I haven't. Obviously I'm not ocmplaining if they're not raising mine, but I just want to be clear.

I asked for my PAC code and was going to leave back around May / June time but they offered me a special deal of £5 per month. I wonder if this means I am on that deal for the duration of the contract and therefore not included? It's only a few pence for me unlike some of you, but I'm just not sure what to expect!

latecomer

I would expect nothing until it either happens or you get told its going to happen. If you dont get any notice and they put your charges up I'm certain you are within your rights to just terminate without charge but as you are only paying £5 a month you might be had pushed to get a better deal anywhere else.

If you do get notice you are in the same boat as everyone else.

kittyfantastico_2

I also got the text about price rises today.

To be honest though I'm not that bothered - lots of companies you contract for a service put their prices up mid way through.

I get a fantastic deal with Orange - as every six months or so I make sure I phone up - check I'm on the right tariff and ask for anything new that's been launched to be included. 9/10 they've improved what I get and my monthly fee has decreased.

I'll probably wait until the new year when the initial reaction has died down - and do the same and see if I cant make back the increase in some other way.

premierfella

kittyfantastico wrote: »

To be honest though I'm not that bothered - lots of companies you contract for a service put their prices up mid way through.

I don't doubt you, but who are these "lots of companies" as I can't think of any that I have personal dealings with.

kittyfantastico wrote: »

I'll probably wait until the new year when the initial reaction has died down - and do the same and see if I cant make back the increase in some other way.

Make back the increase by getting your PAC number and switching provider at the end of your contract - why would you want to stay with Orange given that they are a company that happily relies on such a shady term that they don't feel it necessary to mention in their pricing lists and which many question the validity of without also allowing early termination of the contract without charge?

kittyfantastico_2

Well off the top of my head I can think of the following - some of whom have allowed early release from any contract others haven't:
- my bank decreasing interest on savings or increasing interest on overdrafts etc
- energy companies
- broadband providers/tv service providers
- gym membership

I get a great service from Orange - reception in my area is really good - I get great customer service from the people I speak to on the phone - and what I pay each month (even including the new increase) is a lot less than Id get elsewhere - so why would I want to move?

At the end of my 24 month contract period (October 2012) I'll haggle with Orange to see what I can get - and then if I cant get better elsewhere - will sign up with them again.

jasonwatkins

daleski75 wrote: »

If a £2 increase is going to break your budget or cripple your finances then get a pay and go cheap !!! mobile phone and quit complaining

So you're advocating people default on their contracts to get a PAYG phone ? Fantastic advice.

Guys_Dad

tdsmithj wrote: »

The person mentioning above about spending on booze and macdonalds, this is a choice we are not contracted to. We have a choice over

Sorry to rant but everything just annoys me. The economy, goverment, banks and energy. It could be so much simpler.

also mentioned the the Forum has a Rants sub-forum ! :beer:

Guys_Dad

thischris1991 wrote: »

Not without paying the buy out charge. I said to the bloke on the end of the phone who told me the price to cancel and I told him bluntly that Im not paying the £480 that he quoted to end the contract. He then informed me that it would go to the debt collectors. I then said fine y me if it does then fine they can come round for all I care but at the end of the day I said to him that OFCOM have stated to me that I am allowed as a consumer to exit from my contract penalty free and your failing to allow me to.

So you have written proof from Ofcom that you can cancel the contract? Can you post a copy and make lots of people happy?

And you don't mind going on a national blacklist either?

Just the sort of educated MSE member that we all need. Welcome.