O2 pull 'Cloud WiFi' access

r8frazer

As per thread title.

I've received a text from O2 today informing me:

https://www.o2.co.uk/wifichanges

Thoughts on this? Is it a potential contract get out?

gjchester

r8frazer wrote: »

Thoughts on this? Is it a potential contract get out?

Do you specifically have it in writing your contract included "The Cloud" or is it the less specific "use public hotspots" without a specific company name.

Unless it specifies "The Cloud" as a service it's unlikely to be a get out clause.

illuminate

however, I'm 99% sure that there is a clause hidden in their T&C that states it is a free service that they may withdraw at any time with notice.

drewziph

Can anyone confirm where we stand on this?

almillar

This isn't really a big deal in my book. A lot of o2 contracts, smartphone ones, included access to all of 'The Cloud's WiFi hotspots in the UK. These are, for example, a WiFi router in a coffee shop, connected to their broadband. You connect to the WiFi network (no password) and will be brought to their webpage, where you login or register.
o2 are starting their own similar service, called o2 WiFi, where they'll have loads of WiFi hotspots for people to use across the country, so really you're being moved 'in-house'. Is it a loss of service? Well if your local cafe has a 'The Cloud' hotspot and you don't get an o2 one instead, maybe you can squeal, but I don't think you'll get very far.
'The Cloud' is, rather confusingly, a company that provides the above service. 'the cloud' (no capitals) refers to storing your info somewhere on the internet. YouTube, GMail, GoogleDocs, Facebook, YouTube etc are all essentially examples of cloud storage.

Tony5101

The Cloud was bought by Sky, and they're going to be rolling it's services out to Sky customers early next year - so unless you were simply looking for an O2 contract get out, rather than being bothered about using the service....if you're a Sky subscriber, then you'll still get to use the service anyway.

[Deleted User]

From T&C's

Included Wi-Fi and Web Bolt Ons for iPhone Customers only
The Wi-Fi and Web Bolt On is included at no extra cost for customers connecting or upgrading to any iPhone tariff until further notice. O2 reserves the right to withdraw or amend this offer at any time on reasonable notice. Participating customers will receive 30 days notice via text message if changes are made to their disadvantage. Excessive usage policy applies see Data Bolt Ons terms below.
Selected devices may be available from O2 with an inclusive Data and Wi-Fi Bolt On. Please note that not all devices can facilitate use by you of the Wi-Fi element of this Bolt On (for reasons including device incompatibility or restrictions upon O2), which may prevent the Wi-Fi service from being available to you.

http://www.o2.co.uk/termsandconditions/iphone#

Dxxx

elysiumuk_2

"The Cloud" service usage is stated on the frontpage of my contract as part of the service I have paid for. The Cloud is no longer going to be available to O2 customers due to purchase by sky therefore I believe this is a clear change in my terms and conditions.

I've just got off the phone to O2 who claim that it isn't a change in the terms and conditions as it is a free service. My argument is that it wasn't a free service as you would have ordinarily have to pay for access to The Cloud when I signed up to this contract. The fact that this has now been removed has prevented me from accessing 50% of a wifi service I agreed to when signing up.

Any thoughts of how I should progress this. I really want to terminate this contract and have 18 months left.

gjchester

elysiumuk wrote: »

Any thoughts of how I should progress this. I really want to terminate this contract and have 18 months left.

Document what it will cost you to get the same service and take them to court.

O2 have stated there position, and are unlikely to move.

NFH

elysiumuk wrote: »

I've just got off the phone to O2 who claim that it isn't a change in the terms and conditions as it is a free service. My argument is that it wasn't a free service as you would have ordinarily have to pay for access to The Cloud when I signed up to this contract. The fact that this has now been removed has prevented me from accessing 50% of a wifi service I agreed to when signing up.

Any thoughts of how I should progress this. I really want to terminate this contract and have 18 months left.

You're absolutely right. If O2 are claiming that it's "free", then they are in breach of Schedule 1 Regulation 20 of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, which states that "Describing a product as ‘gratis’, ‘free’, ‘without charge’ or similar if the consumer has to pay anything other than the unavoidable cost of responding to the commercial practice and collecting or paying for delivery of the item" is a commercial practice which is in all circumstances considered unfair.

Make O2 pay the £7/month that it will cost you to buy this service yourself. I have successfully done the same with another mobile network who failed to provide wireless internet in the advertised manner.

davegtiuk

Elysiumuk, I agree.
It was a factor in my decision to subscribe to O2 for my ipad.
They sold it as part of the package and now they are not delivering.
I plan to take this further.