02 to Three Mobile - When to switch?

aj23_2

I'm currently with 02 on a 500mb/500min/500txt tariff which is £6 a month. I've been with 02 for about 10 years now.

In the last 12 months, I've had three issues with 02, with them being at fault and wrongly charging for things I haven't used. Most recent was when they failed to take my direct debit and then gave me 5 days to pay or face paying late payment fees. I was in the middle of the South China Sea on a cruise ship, and struggled to get a GPS connection but just about did it. They wouldn't accept it was their fault, however the bank later confirmed it was as the money never left the account, whereas they said it 02 had of tried taking it, it would have been taken then returned to me if it had failed. It really annoyed me, but anyway...

I never used to use much data, as have Wi-Fi at work and home, and usually at one of them. However, recently I have been using about 300-400mb a month as I've been using Instagram and Twitter more while not on Wi-Fi but still watching that I don't exceed my allowance.

I've seen the link on MSE for Three Mobile's 12gb for £14p/m. Over the next two years, I will be spending a lot of time in SE Asia and Oceania, and will be using a lot of data for my social media business account postings directly related to my reasons for travel. So I want to go for this as that should be enough for my postings and comes out of my allowance as the destinations are all within Three Mobile's Advanced Roam at Home package (will be a lot cheaper than 02's Travel bolt on at £4.99 a day).

My 12 month contract ends on 16 Sept 2018, but I am leaving for Singapore and Australia for three weeks on 5 Sept 2018, and I want to be on Three Mobile's 12gb tariff before then.

When am I best to cancel with 02 and get my PAC code (I know I will have to pay the remaining month or two months depending on when I cancel)?

aj23_2

No one?!?!

mobilejunkie

No-one can make a value decision for you. Personally, I'd never end up paying for something without the benefit so wouldn't terminate the contract early. Either take out a second contract and cancel this one 30 days before the end of the minimum term (either by giving notice or requesting and exercising a PAC within 30 days) or cancel this one and pay for it anyway whilst starting another contract and (the ONLY benefit) being able to transfer the number now.

Unless you need more data while abroad before September why worry now?

aj23_2

mobilejunkie wrote: »

No-one can make a value decision for you. Personally, I'd never end up paying for something without the benefit so wouldn't terminate the contract early. Either take out a second contract and cancel this one 30 days before the end of the minimum term (either by giving notice or requesting and exercising a PAC within 30 days) or cancel this one and pay for it anyway whilst starting another contract and (the ONLY benefit) being able to transfer the number now.

Unless you need more data while abroad before September why worry now?

I'm not asking what is better value. I'm asking when the best time is to ask 02 for my PAC code and switch to Three Mobile. I only have one phone so even if I took out a new contact with Three mobile and kept my one with 02 going until September then I wouldn't get the benefit of one or the other still anyway? I can only use one at a time.

glennevis

If you think the Three deal may be only available for a limited time then grab it while you can.
You don't have to apply for the PAC code immediately. I had my Three SIM for a couple of months before I cancelled my old contract and switched.


ETA. Obviously, if you only have one phone you will need to insert your new SIM and get it registered when you receive it, and pop it in your phone at least once a month until you do switch.

mobilejunkie

aj23 wrote: »

I'm not asking what is better value. I'm asking when the best time is to ask 02 for my PAC code and switch to Three Mobile. I only have one phone so even if I took out a new contact with Three mobile and kept my one with 02 going until September then I wouldn't get the benefit of one or the other still anyway? I can only use one at a time.

No-one knows all the facts or your own preferences. Maybe you should make up your own mind with all the facts instead of asking others to guess them.

aj23_2

mobilejunkie wrote: »

No-one knows all the facts or your own preferences. Maybe you should make up your own mind with all the facts instead of asking others to guess them.

I listed everything above. The whole point of this forum is to ask others opinions of our uncertainties.

aj23_2

glennevis wrote: »

If you think the Three deal may be only available for a limited time then grab it while you can.
You don't have to apply for the PAC code immediately. I had my Three SIM for a couple of months before I cancelled my old contract and switched.


ETA. Obviously, if you only have one phone you will need to insert your new SIM and get it registered when you receive it, and pop it in your phone at least once a month until you do switch.

I think it (the price) has gone. It was an MSE blagged one. The actual tariff still exists at the original price. Only £1 difference.

I'm quite happy to stay with 02 until August or so, but ideally I'd be on Three Mobile's tariff by the end of August to save me paying £4.99 a day for 3 weeks in Australia in September (I'll be spending a lot of time in Three Mobile's roam at home destinations in the next two years so it makes sense to switch to them). Thank you. :beer:

mobilejunkie

aj23 wrote: »

I listed everything above. The whole point of this forum is to ask others opinions of our uncertainties.

No you didn't. You have since added that you only have one phone and since people aren't pschic they cannot guesss your own priorities, attitude to risk and many other things.

As for the "purpose" - like your original post that is a very limited description. However, by your definitition that's exactly what I did.

aj23_2

mobilejunkie wrote: »

No you didn't. You have since added that you only have one phone and since people aren't pschic they cannot guesss your own priorities, attitude to risk and many other things.

As for the "purpose" - like your original post that is a very limited description. However, by your definitition that's exactly what I did.

My OP was a very descriptive post. Why are you even posting here if you have an issue? If you can't provide any help or something constructive then don't bother.

And btw, most people only have one phone. Most people would say if they had two or more. The fact that I said switch in my OP shows that I have one phone....

Frozen_up_north

For the sake of around £30, the likely cost of quitting the O2 contract, I would just ask for the PAC and switch. It's not worth messing around for that amount.

BTW, have you checked the coverage on Three in locations where you might need it (back room of pub/club, supermarket, etc.)?

I am with Three and rather surprisingly at locations where I frequent, the coverage is generally better than Vodafone or O2, but it clearly depends on where you are.