offer from 02 - "get out anytime" contract???

jools88

Hello All.
I have been with O2 for a few years now, the last two being on a contract basis. Currently paying £15 pm for 200 mins 100 txts as upgraded last year to a K800 with a discount on my tariff. Effectively will be out of contract at the end of this month. Yesterday O2 retentions offered me this: that I continue to pay £15 pm for the next 12 months, thereafter reverting back to £30 pm. However - I could "walk" at any time before the 12 months is up and have no balance to pay. Similarly, if I wished to take out a new contract/upgrade at any time before the 12 months, I can. (A week ago. I was offered £15 pm with £100 back onto my account if I didn't take out a phone, but that would then tie me in for 12 months, or effectively pay £80 in total if end contract earlier. The chap I spoke to yesterday though said that he couldn't understand why I had been given that offer as I did not spend enough!!!)
I'd be grateful for the forum's comments on O2's offer. I am trying to see "the catch"???

gema21

Just to get this straight, they offered you your line rental at a discount but no phone upgrade and you could upgrade at any time?

Surely the catch is that your going to get tied in from the point you choose to upgrade. By the sound of it, it's like they don't think your going to move networks and so by stalling your phone upgrade, it looks like your getting a good deal by receiving money from them while you decide. Personally I think it's an excellent deal, especially if your happy with your allowances and phone at the moment and theres not that many phones out that are better than a K800i in my opinion.

MrRincewind

if you decide to go for that deal i would ask for it in writing because it does sound just as the previous poster described, i would only agree if they will confirm the deal either by email or in writing,

If the advisor refuses to do this i would make a complaint because i get the feeling should you come 6 months down the line and decide to cancel/move your service you may well discover your in the middle of a new contract, and you have not gotten the deal you thought you had.

jools88

Thank you to both MrRincewind and Gema21 for your helpful replies. I did grill the advisor when I spoke to him yesterday and he confirmed I could walk at any time before the 12 months without having to pay the balance. I suggested that if I decided to leave after a month then that's all I would pay, just the month and nothing else and he said yes. However - just to be on the safe side - I will ring to confirm it all tonight AND ask for it in writing.

Thank you again!