Buying new iPhone through 3rd party website

garion1987

Hi everyone, I hope you can help.

On 13 March, my 2 year contract with )2 for my 16GB iPhone 4s is coming to an end.

I want to get a new 16/32GB iPhone 5S as my new phone, but am unsure of the best way to go ahead.

I have looked at the MSE cheap iPhone guide, and have found new contracts with O2 or Vodaphone for £37 a month (my preferred amount) with £0 upfront (O2 and Vodafone charge) for the handset. The only catch is that I would have to buy the phone through a 3rd party, rather than dealing directly with O2 or Vodaphone.

I have spoken to O2 customer services to see if they could match this 3rd party offer that I have found, and was told that they are not able to price match 3rd party operators, and only other high street shops. I pointed out that I could just let my O2 contract expire, and then re-apply through the third party and get it cheaper, and while they were sympathetic, they said there was nothing they could do.

Ordinarily, I would just go through the 3rd party to save money, but if I do this, I assume I will get a new SIM and therefore a new number, but I would rather keep my existing one. Once my contract with O2 expires on 13 March, if I then make an application through the 3rd party, and subsequently enter into a contrac with O2, will I be able to request that they transfer my money to the new contract I have agreed?

If anyone can help, I would be very grateful.

grumbler

garion1987 wrote: »

...I pointed out that I could just let my O2 contract expire,

Your contract doesn't 'expire'. Only minimum term does.

Ordinarily, I would just go through the 3rd party to save money, but if I do this, I assume I will get a new SIM and therefore a new number, but I would rather keep my existing one. Once my contract with O2 expires on 13 March, if I then make an application through the 3rd party, and subsequently enter into a contrac with O2, will I be able to request that they transfer my money to the new contract I have agreed?

What money?
Even if your account is in credit after you cancel it, they will transfer it to your bank account or send you a cheque: Reclaim Phone Credit: Have you switched providers?
However, O2 used to be the only network that allowed transferring the number from the cancelled account to a new one.

garion1987

Thanks for your help Grumbler.

By expiry, I meant that on 13 March, my 24 month contract with O2 will come to an end.

Also, apologies, but I meant "number" rather than "money" - as in, once I apply for a contract with O2 through a 3rd party website, can I request that O2 transfer my old mobile phone number to my new contract and handset?

Sorry for the confusion - hope you can help.

grumbler

garion1987 wrote: »

By expiry, I meant that on 13 March, my 24 month contract with O2 will come to an end.

I can only repeat that your contract doesn't come to an end. It goes on until you give a month's notice to cancel it.

can I request that O2 transfer my old mobile phone number to my new contract and handset?

You can ask, not request. Othere networks don't allow doing this, but O2 are the only network that reportedly does allow.

RedTiger

Have you looked at tesco mobile? They have 5S contracts starting from £36 p/mth on their anytime upgrade plans. You don't mention what level of allowances you need so their plans may not suit but might be worth a look.

Which third party are you currently thinking of buying from?

beth464

garion1987 wrote: »

Hi everyone, I hope you can help.

On 13 March, my 2 year contract with )2 for my 16GB iPhone 4s is coming to an end.

I want to get a new 16/32GB iPhone 5S as my new phone, but am unsure of the best way to go ahead.

I have looked at the MSE cheap iPhone guide, and have found new contracts with O2 or Vodaphone for £37 a month (my preferred amount) with £0 upfront (O2 and Vodafone charge) for the handset. The only catch is that I would have to buy the phone through a 3rd party, rather than dealing directly with O2 or Vodaphone.

I have spoken to O2 customer services to see if they could match this 3rd party offer that I have found, and was told that they are not able to price match 3rd party operators, and only other high street shops. I pointed out that I could just let my O2 contract expire, and then re-apply through the third party and get it cheaper, and while they were sympathetic, they said there was nothing they could do.

Ordinarily, I would just go through the 3rd party to save money, but if I do this, I assume I will get a new SIM and therefore a new number, but I would rather keep my existing one. Once my contract with O2 expires on 13 March, if I then make an application through the 3rd party, and subsequently enter into a contrac with O2, will I be able to request that they transfer my money to the new contract I have agreed?

If anyone can help, I would be very grateful.

Have you looked at Carphone Warehouse or Mobiles.co.uk? You can certainly upgrade through them and keep your number (and save a lot compared to going with o2 direct). I have used them a few times now. Have a look on the "upgrades" tab. Also, don't forget Quidco/Topcashback. Quidco are currently doing £60 cashback on 5S contracts with Carphone Warehouse.

in_the_Cotswolds

If you want to buy the phone outright and get a sim only contract Apple are doing interest free over 10 months until the end of March.

lonestarfan

in_the_Cotswolds wrote: »

If you want to buy the phone outright and get a sim only contract Apple are doing interest free over 10 months until the end of March.

That's really good. I bought the phone 5s in Nov and paid cash - think it was £549 - I didn't even ask if there was an interest free deal as i didn't know they do that. I have a virgin £7 pm sim in it but think 3 do it for £6.90.