Some Advice needed for mobile upgrade

aesir

Hello, Im looking for some help. I am trying to help my partner get a new phone. She has decided upon a Google Pixel 2. I have found mobiles.co.uk to be the cheapest around however I have found that the price varies quite significantly depending on whether you are upgrading or taking out a new contract:

New contract:

Pixel 2 64gb on O2, 4gb data, unlimited minutes and texts. £0 upfront. £29 per month for 24 months. Total cost = £696

Upgrade:

Pixel 2 64gb on O2, 4gb data, unlimited minutes and texts. £279.99 upfront, £26 per month for 24 months. Total cost = £903.99

This seems like an awfully large difference considering it is the exact same phone, on the exact same tariff. I haven't got a reply from mobiles.co.uk yet but surely this is a kick in the teeth for loyal O2 customer? Is there a way to get the phone at the "new contract" price but keeping her current phone number?

Many thanks

JJ_Egan

Port out the current number .

mobilejunkie

1) Take out a new contract.

2) Obtain a PAC from the old one and use it to transfer the number to a different network on a PAYG sim.

3) Transfer the number back to the new O2 contract.

Use a cashback site to order the new deal via Mobiles.co (though I stopped using them when several cashbacks weren't honoured). If it's a cashback contract (different type of cashback) make sure you know what you're doing with it.

Or she could try the network direct for a so-called "upgrade".

It isn't worth doing anything until she's within 30 days of her minimum term 'cause she'd pay for the remaining months of that anyway. Upgrades might be possible sooner. In any case, if she does not give 30 days' notice or obtain a PAC and exercise it within 30 days her existing contract will continue until she does. Of course, she could do that any way and use the existing sim in a new unlocked phone you buy for her contract free.

aesir

I've read though that you can't port a number to a be contract from the same network provider? I can't find any confirmation to the contrary on o2's website, only guidance on porting to/from O2 and a different network?

mobilejunkie

As I explained.

Further, "customer loyalty" is a concept only recognised by wishful thinking customers and company marketing departments. In both cases it rarley exists nowadays.

aesir

Too true, it seems

Cisco001

aesir wrote: »

I've read though that you can't port a number to a be contract from the same network provider? I can't find any confirmation to the contrary on o2's website, only guidance on porting to/from O2 and a different network?

I think this is how others do it.
1) ask PAC from O2
2) Get a PAYG SIM e.g. Giffgaff/ tesco etc. Top up £10 - 15 and buy a bundle. Port your number out to PAYG SIM
3) Ask PAC from Gifffaff/ tesco.
4) Start new contract and port it back.

I have a look on mobiles.co.uk. EE have the same tariff for £675. Ring O2 and ask them to match? I assumed EE signal ok in your area, if they don't agree, just move.

By the way, if you have to stick to upgrade deal, check carphonewarehouse

Google Pixel 2 128GB
4gb data, unlimited minutes and texts. £120 upfront. £29 per month
Total £816.
https://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobiles/pay-monthly-tariff.html#!/t_network/O2/sort/relevance/tab/upgrade/model/GOOPIXEL2128GBWHI

aesir

thanks for going to the effort of finding that, i will definitely look into it. Carphone warehouse have the phone on O2 and say they will price match high street retailers (so dont think they will entertain matching mobiles.co.uk) but if they match EE then that might be the way forward, thanks!!!

mobilejunkie

Unlikely to, even though Mobiles.co is part of CPW, in fact.

Frozen_up_north

Go SIM only, forget the phone + SIM deals and steer clear of CPW sales people! Sales have only one function and purpose, to make a profit for their employer, you the customer are in the driving seat... not them.

aesir

Thanks, but cant afford to buy the phone upfront (and her current phone is on its way out)