Orange changed package, no notification?

welshgasman

I've been with Orange since 2000, but in 2001 when my contract fiinished I went to a package equivalent to a Virgin package where I just paid for what I used by direct debit, no top up required and rate was 15p per min for first 5 mins per day, then 5p per min for the rest of the day. Calling the answering service was FOC.

Now I find that they have charged me for calling the answering service last month and the orange person tells me the rate is 25p per min all the time, so I get charged for the answering service call at that rate.?

Now lucky for me I've had to use another phone supplier for work commitments on an 600mins/1000 texts sort of deal, but was planning to go back to Orange phone as my usage would be back to very low, around £1 per month previously.

Can they actually change the package without even informing me.?

TIA

grumbler

welshgasman wrote: »

Can they actually change the package without even informing me.?

They can change, but they definitely can't do this without informing.

simax

They will have written to you at the address listed on the billing systems. So could you have moved since then so you wouldn't have got the letter?

Regardless, as you're no longer in contract with this deal, it's a case of put up with the charges, negotiate a better deal, or leave.

oopsadaisydoddle

simax wrote: »

They will have written to you at the address listed on the billing systems. So could you have moved since then so you wouldn't have got the letter?

Regardless, as you're no longer in contract with this deal, it's a case of put up with the charges, negotiate a better deal, or leave.

This is true. They sent letters to all Virgin customers telling them about the price change.

You are not held to contract and there are no basic monthly charges therefore as Simax says, you need to either leave or get a better deal.

welshgasman

Well I've been in the same house for 33 years, so letter went astray somehow.

As you say, there is nothing keeping me tied to them, loyalty counts for nowt these days. I have my other phone which still has 7 months contract to run., that is T-Mobile I also have a Virgin sim at 8p per min, so by bye Orange.

Thanks for the replies.

DonnyDave

welshgasman, see Is the OVP (Orange Value Promise) dead?

You may well be leaving Orange but T-Mobile is also part of EE so you remain with the same company.

welshgasman

I will, and yes I realise that I am still with the same company (well until December that is)

I called them up after the initial replies, to unlock the phone, and they wanted £20, which is more than the phone is worth (nokia 6210 ) They are meant to be calling me back today to see what they can do for me, so we'll see what transpires.

Thanks for the link.

Just had to click Thanks as you have indirectly led me to Ovivo which looks ideal for my needs.

DonnyDave wrote: »

welshgasman, see Is the OVP (Orange Value Promise) dead?

You may well be leaving Orange but T-Mobile is also part of EE so you remain with the same company.

Buzby

On the OVP calls to voicemail were always charged on the Virgin tariff, and they (Orange) copied this exactly, so I don't see the problem. The tariff is no longer available, and I certainly got a letter advising of the tariff change and a choice of options. I left shortly thereafter.

nearlyrich

I got a company mobile 10 years ago and I converted my Orange 15 min plan to this Virgin tariff...I got a letter a couple of months ago telling me about the increased charges. I just cancelled my answer phone the number is used for holidays abroad as it would be taking the wotsit to use my work phone abroad... my bill is 30p this month lol

virgo17

oopsadaisydoddle wrote: »

This is true. They sent letters to all Virgin customers telling them about the price change.

We have several of these OVP-Virgin accounts at our home. Our address has been the same for 25 years, yet not one letter has been received from Orange.

I imagine the OP and others are in the same boat.

welshgasman

Well it does appear mine went walkabout, but I've seen a copy posted here so can see the changes.

The callback promised never happened and I've had a text saying I am on the best plan.

I was never charged for voicemail. I went back over some old bills to confirm it.

Ah well, I do not have to make a decision until this contract is up in December.

virgo17 wrote: »

We have several of these OVP-Virgin accounts at our home. Our address has been the same for 25 years, yet not one letter has been received from Orange.

I imagine the OP and others are in the same boat.