What is 02 network/customer services like?

Scottish_Princess

Hi guys,

I'm after the SE W910i and have seen, what look like, some good deals on 02.
I was wondering if anyone could tell me their experiences with 02 both in terms of tariffs available, coverage and customer services. Some people on here seem to have been with 02 for quite a number of years.

I live in the North East of Scotland, but also have a house in Lancashire.

Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

mum2one

I dont know anout reception in your area sorry, but Ive been with 02 for over 10 years, and have been really impressed with thecustomer service, Ive had no problems with them.

If its got to be 02 tariff, try direct off the website, but ifs its any network for tariff on contratc TMobile got through their website, theyve got really good deals on at the mo. My friend he wants the new K850i ( new phone just out), spent 2 hrs searching all deals, networks etc.

matrix999

Customer Services and Coverage Top Notch!!

HTH

Kai

Generally their customer service has always been very good and they are very generous with their policies. For example, if you upgrade your handset you've got 14 days to mess about with it and if you really can't get on with it, you are free to send it back to begin negotiations again. (Please don't abuse this great policy.) Contrast with 3, if you get the handset you aren't allowed to really do anything with it (even though you've got 14 days to change your mind!) Also, there's a recent thread here by a T-Mobile user who is in dispute with them over a change in mind over an upgrade.

Getting through to someone at O2 is usually very quick and I think they use UK call centres. Staff seem to be generally on the ball.

Vodafone are ok too, they definetely have an Irish call centre, but on occassions I've had difficulties with them over minor things. Can't fault their coverage though, but their plans can be expensive.

It'll come down to a few factors, price, coverage, features I suppose. For example if you value network coverage and don't mind the price to pay for it, then Vodafone is your network.

O2 come fairly close with coverage, but also offer very good value for money and especially so if you get a retention deal. Another bonus with O2 is that their phones generally come with very minimal branding and are usually unlocked (which is very nice if you have access to other networks or you simply want to sell your phone). Vodafone I find especially bad for branding - going as so far to changing the functions of buttons on the K800i I seem to recall. It'll also cost you £20 to unlock it unless you fancy waiting for a year to be able to unlock it for free. 3 are even worse for unlocking as you'll have to cough up all the remaining line rental + £20 (although you get that line rental back as credit).

For both of the above, if you want any sort of data allowance, then forget it. They both seem to be in the stone ages (more so with O2).

Can't comment on Orange or T-mobile although some friends on Orange do have issues with Orange customer services, but I have just joined 3, purely for the data tariff and while it's got slightly bumpy, but nothing major so far.

Hope this helps.

princesslizzie

I sound terrible, but I do like the fact they use UK only call centres. Sometimes I feel terrible for not understanding people on the phone! I like O2 - they can be a bit dippy with their service & I've had a few issues but they have been rectified quite quickly & with an apology.

LiamM_2

I'm a big fan of O2. Coverage, reception and network performance has always been good for me. Calling Customer Care is free from your O2 handset and UK based and have always been really very helpful.

They're launching Broadband on Monday... going to be interested in their offering as if the service / price / support is as good as the mobile service it may tempt me to switch.

Recommended!

matrix999

I'll second what everyone is saying about the UK Customer Services Call Centre! Its great that when you phone O2 you know your going to get through to someone in the UK.

ZINXYX

I do agree with all that's been said about O2, been with them for just 16 months and do like quite a lot.You even get O2 treats from 6 months into your contract which may be free mins,texts or data.

Llyllyll

Kai wrote: »

For both of the above, if you want any sort of data allowance, then forget it. They both seem to be in the stone ages (more so with O2)

O2 now do a good web bolt-on (http://www.o2.co.uk/mobilestariffs/tariffs/consumerdatabolton) and I'm going to take 2 new contracts out with them very soon.

Kai

Llyllyll wrote: »

O2 now do a good web bolt-on (http://www.o2.co.uk/mobilestariffs/tariffs/consumerdatabolton) and I'm going to take 2 new contracts out with them very soon.

I still stand by my original comments though. If you compare O2's web bolt on for £7.50 per month, no instant messaging, no voice over ip, not even sure if you are allowed to access email. The limit for 'unlimited' is frankly pathetic too with a maximum of around 200Mb before you are warned.

Compare this to T-mobile's Web 'n' Walk £7.50 p/m gets you 1Gb limit at the very least.

Compare it again to 3, where instant messaging/skype is free with their most basic Mix 'n' Match plan. £5 extra p/m gives you 1Gb internet.

Don't forget that O2 don't have HSDPA either, so you're currently stuck with EDGE or GPRS.

For calls, yes O2 are good, but for data, forget it.