o2 restrictions on customers wishing to buy Apple Watch

lmarshall025

The new Apple Watch with cellular technology was released a couple of months ago now and will revolutionise how we communicate.

In early October, my o2 contract ceased for my old iPhone 6S and I was persuaded by them to opt into a 12m sim-only contract which would give me three months to decide if I wanted to upgrade my phone or not. The reason I went with this was for flexibility.

One week after my 'cooling off' period, I was told I would be receiving the new Apple Watch with cellular for Christmas. I immediately phoned o2 to ask what their plan was to support this tech. They replied firmly, and have ever since, that they have no plans to consider implementing this technology.

I then asked o2 that, in order to have the freedom to use this technology, would they release me from this contract? The reply was 'yes, if you pay 11 months at £19 per month'.

Here is the issue: I don't want to leave o2. I use Priority, and quite frankly I could do without the hassle of moving provider. However, they refuse to acknowledge customers who want this new tech implemented (I don't need my new Apple Watch tomorrow, but I need to know the o2 tech to support it is coming)

My provider is RESTRICTING my consumer choice as to what devices I can buy and I believe this is illegal. They want free money from me for leaving when I am being forced to leave due to them not providing the service comparable to EE.

Has anyone else here had experience of dealing with this and the question is: do you think this would stand up in relation to Consumer Rights Law?

Thanks in advance.

TadleyBaggie

I'm not sure O2 is to blame for not offering this, my understanding is that Apple got EE to sign up for this in exchange for a exclusivity clause.

I honestly don't think that any Consumer Rights have been breached, as I'm sure you were never promised support for the Apple Watch mobile data service when you signed up for another year.

powerful_Rogue

lmarshall025 wrote: »

The new Apple Watch with cellular technology was released a couple of months ago now and will revolutionise how we communicate.

In early October, my o2 contract ceased for my old iPhone 6S and I was persuaded by them to opt into a 12m sim-only contract which would give me three months to decide if I wanted to upgrade my phone or not. The reason I went with this was for flexibility.

One week after my 'cooling off' period, I was told I would be receiving the new Apple Watch with cellular for Christmas. I immediately phoned o2 to ask what their plan was to support this tech. They replied firmly, and have ever since, that they have no plans to consider implementing this technology.

I then asked o2 that, in order to have the freedom to use this technology, would they release me from this contract? The reply was 'yes, if you pay 11 months at £19 per month'.

Here is the issue: I don't want to leave o2. I use Priority, and quite frankly I could do without the hassle of moving provider. However, they refuse to acknowledge customers who want this new tech implemented (I don't need my new Apple Watch tomorrow, but I need to know the o2 tech to support it is coming)

My provider is RESTRICTING my consumer choice as to what devices I can buy and I believe this is illegal. They want free money from me for leaving when I am being forced to leave due to them not providing the service comparable to EE.

Has anyone else here had experience of dealing with this and the question is: do you think this would stand up in relation to Consumer Rights Law?

Thanks in advance.

They are not restricting your consumer choice. Your choice was to get a 12 month sim only deal, and that is what they have provided you with. If you wish to void your contract early, then you will have to pay up.

As it stands, watches such as the Apple watch and the Gear S3 use an e-sim. At present only EE have the technology to offer an e-sim.

PHK

powerful_Rogue wrote: »

They are not restricting your consumer choice. Your choice was to get a 12 month sim only deal, and that is what they have provided you with. If you wish to void your contract early, then you will have to pay up.

As it stands, watches such as the Apple watch and the Gear S3 use an e-sim. At present only EE have the technology to offer an e-sim.

and Apple have an exclusivity agreement that would stop another provider selling or supporting it.

pmduk

As a consumer you had the right to chose whether to enter the contract. The supplier has the right to decide what services to offer.

System

O2 don’t have to support all the latest tech and services that a mobile phone provider can give.

Regarding the Apple Watch and O2 read this article

https://www.macworld.co.uk/news/apple/when-will-apple-watch-3-lte-come-o2-3664181/