Advice Needed! iPhone Conundrum...

randombirdpr

Hi Everyone,
I am getting out of my contract with 3 (Avoid at all costs!) and they have offered me 2 options.
I'm not sure what's best and I need some advice.
I have been with them 6 months and I have an iPhone 4s 64gb. I've had terrible issues with the signal and after 6 weeks they have finally said I can leave with no penalty.
The options I have are:
1. Get a refund on the initial £279 I paid for the phone upfront and be released from my contract. I would then need to take out a new contract from another provider. The best for my needs that I have found is 02 for business - an iPhone 4s 32gb with no upfront fee and then £38pm + VAT (as I am a business user and VAT registered I can claim that back) for unlimited minutes, unlimites texts and 1gb data.
2. Pay them for the handset. They have said I need to pay £150 but I think I can get them down on that. I would them be free to get a sim only contract elsewhere. The best I have found is 02 business £21pm for unlimited texts, unlimited calls and 1gb of data.
Does anyone have any advice on which way I should go?
Thanks very much!

Buzby

Far far better to pay for the phone outright from them - AND getting them to agree to a full unlock so you can use any network.

THEN opt for a SIM PAYG deal. You seem blinded by stating you are looking at contract optinos. Why? The only reason - to get a discounted handset - doesn't apply to you. PAYG means you are in control and switch to any network when and were YOU choose. No minimum terms, no risk to your credit files, and no need for a Direct Debit. A triple-win!

smartphone

Good points made by Buzby and I would agree about buying the phone outright. Personally though, I'd go down the SIM only route but go for a 30 day rolling contract...you can then do as you like with regards network. Again, make sure Three unlock the handset if you buy it.
Also, consider the SME Business options, which include rolling SIM only contracts as well. You'll get better customer service whichever network you're on, and probably a slightly better deal. Definitely worth shopping around.

smartphone

And I just noted the SIM only option you mentioned was O2 Business...duh, am learning to read posts fully!

randombirdpr

Thanks to both of you for your responses.
The only fear I have with PAYG is that it is expensive, expecially on data. I have no issue paying a direct debit and my perception is that contract deals are cheaper - am I wrong?
I use about 1000 mins, 300 texts and about 850mb data per month by the way...
Thanks again!

grumbler

Buzby is obsessed with promoting PAYG.
The only reasonable PAYG option for you is giffgaff wtih 800 minutes for £20 or 1500 for £25.
On a sim-only contract you can get 1200 minutes for £18 (talkmobile).

randombirdpr

Thanks again.
I'm quite dubious about going with giffgaff, talkmobile or any other companies apart from o2, orange or vodafone as my experience with 3 has been so bad!

grumbler

If you mean signal, then giffgaff=O2, talkmobile=Vodafone.

randombirdpr

cheers for all of your help!

markdoc_2

I can recommend giffgaff, even the £10 goodybag gives truely unlimited data and texts. Plus 250 mins.
You can get bigger goodybags for more calls.
I switched 2 months ago and havent looked back

DUTR

markdoc wrote: »

I can recommend giffgaff, even the £10 goodybag gives truely unlimited data and texts. Plus 250 mins.
You can get bigger goodybags for more calls.
I switched 2 months ago and havent looked back

Ovivio is about now, that is one I would consider.