Advice on new contract please.

Smudgeboy

Hi all

I'm yer classic 'practical' mobile user - don't begin to understand half the techie stuff and certainly can't keep pace with all the developments, so can anyone provide some 'generalist' advice on my next contract and (maybe) phone?

Contract and kit: I'm a few days away from my current O2 contract finishing. I've been on 24-month contract that's provided me with 300 mins, 500Gb data, unlimited texts and O2's 'Travel' bolt-on, which is costing me £30 per month (£26.34 + VAT). I use a Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830 with the standard 2Gb SD-card for this.

Contract issues: I've NEVER exceeded any of my limits - probably not even close. I use the phone for a few calls, I only use data for a few e-mail, FB, Twitter or other check-ins a week, and then internet use in emergencies (directions, nearest coffee shop - those sort of emergencies). I don't play games, I don't download music or movies etc - ever. So, I reckon I'm paying way over the odds for a tariff with levels I don't need.

Phone issues: Compared to the iPhone 3 I had before, I don't really like this Samsung and I don't get on with Android - everything else is Apple (Ipad, Ipod etc). I've never got to grips with the slide vs. tap - it's incredibly sensitive, so I'm always opening things when I want to scroll through. The storage on it is poor - struggle to have more than a few apps, some of which never seem to be able to update because there's not enough space. And don't get me started on Samsung's 'Kies' synching software - it's a dog's breakfast.

The one thing I am happy about is O2 themselves - cost apart, I've been with them for about five years and ALWAYS had good customer service and good coverage. If I can stay with them, I'd like to, but it's not a deal breaker.

So, questions:

1. I don't want another long-term contract - 12 months at best, month-by-month even better. I also don't want to pay £30/month for my basic needs! I've been looking at Virgin's heavily-advertised £12/month deal for 1200 mins, 1Gb data and unlimited texts. Seems a bit too good to be true. Is it?

2. Should I go back to O2 and tell them I want to, in effect, downgrade my tariff? Will they listen?

3. Would I be better served staying with O2 and getting a new phone and tariff deal - and selling the Samsung on E-bay? Or would keeping the Samsung and just getting a new tariff serve me better.

Sorry for such "basic" questions - my head's a bit spinny with all the possibilities.

Thanks.

Herongull

If you've never come close to exceeding your current limits why on earth are you considering a sim-only contract with vastly increased limits?

If you don't use your allowance, then it's wasted - money down the drain.

Why not consider a much cheaper sim only contract with limits not so out of line with your actual usage? Generous sim only contracts can be had for around £4 per month (taking account of cashback).

Or go PAYG - you can get 150 minutes, 150 texts and 400mb free each month on PAYG

MillicentBystander

Have to agree with Herongull, a total waste of money to pay for stuff you won't ever use. As stated (but not named) Ovivo is worth a look - £15 upfront payment (which then becomes a credit on your account) and 150 mins/150 texts and 400mb data per month for nowt! And cheap out of allowance rates as well.

Harald

Why so expensive?
I'm currently paying £7 a month getting 100 mins, 3000 texts, 1GB of data and unlimited calls to my network (with FUP, 2000 minutes effectively)
One month rolling contract. Network - Three.
Fact, this is not available just like that, I was a client before and this is another SIM card, but my goal is to move all my family SIM's to one network and have tariff around £10 a month.

This is also cheapest way to buy a new mobile phone. Just do the maths.
For example - iPhone 5 (but you can choose anything you prefer). Cheapest tariff is £34/month with 24-months contract and £49 upfront.
It makes £24/month just to pay for the phone (i know, I would get more minutes, but I don't need it) which makes (24x£24)+£49=£625
So it's cheaper to go to Apple Store and buy sim-free phone (and it will be unlocked - a plus!) which is £529. Even if you use credit card (not very smart) it's probably cheaper

macman

Do you still have the old phone? Why don't you just take out a SIM-only contract or PAYG, using your old iPhone 3, if you were happy with it?
Absolutely no need for a shiny new (and expensive) handset if you don't want it.
PS: your contract doesn't 'finish'. If you do nothing it just carries on as before on a one month notice basis.