Old Orange PAYG tariff? Beware

Ectophile

The Orange web site has been shut down for some time, but there must still be people like me on old Orange tariffs.


If you are one, and you go into an EE store to top it up, then beware. Do not let the shop assistant change the SIM in your phone for a new one.


Instead of just topping up my account, the assistant swapped my SIM for a new one. Without telling me what he was doing, he then closed my old Orange account, and opened a new EE one on a much higher tariff.


He didn't even transfer the remaining balance from my old account.


I have now had my missing balance restored by EE, but their customer service people cannot reinstate an old tariff. I have a complaint open, so I will see what will happen.

Frogletina

Ectophile wrote: »

The Orange web site has been shut down for some time, but there must still be people like me on old Orange tariffs.


If you are one, and you go into an EE store to top it up, then beware. Do not let the shop assistant change the SIM in your phone for a new one.


Instead of just topping up my account, the assistant swapped my SIM for a new one. Without telling me what he was doing, he then closed my old Orange account, and opened a new EE one on a much higher tariff.


He didn't even transfer the remaining balance from my old account.


I have now had my missing balance restored by EE, but their customer service people cannot reinstate an old tariff. I have a complaint open, so I will see what will happen.

I was on T Mobile, and when I got a new phone I needed a smaller sim. I was told I'd need to go on EE but that nothing else was changed and I was given an EE sim. It was a total lie - PAYG tariff was totally different, and my telephone numbers were not transferred - however my balance was.

I was told that there was no way I could go back to T Mobile as it was no longer operating. I didn't pursue a complaint, although I should have done. I had to give £10 for the new sim, but I read later that if you change from T Mobile or Orange, then EE are supposed to give you £10.

Ectophile

Got a text from them today, saying they are pleased they could help, and they are closing the complaint. Had to phone back to tell them to re-open it again. :mad:


I should be hearing from the store manager next week.

flashg67

Best way to treat a company that treats you badly IMHO, is to move to another one - plenty to choose from.
Is an old Orange still competitive nowadays?

Moglex

flashg67 wrote: »

Best way to treat a company that treats you badly IMHO, is to move to another one - plenty to choose from.

Well, if you're the sort of person who is happy to walk away when a company have effectively stolen your money and screwed up your account, so that you have to pay more, I'd suggest that MSE is probably not the place for you.

But thanks for your input.

Ectophile

flashg67 wrote: »

Best way to treat a company that treats you badly IMHO, is to move to another one - plenty to choose from.
Is an old Orange still competitive nowadays?

Not really, compared to the smaller providers, but I didn't want the hassle of switching.


I was on their cheapest deal for people who only wanted phone calls and texts - no data.


If they can't put me back on the old tariff, then my only option will be to run down my credit and switch to another provider.

Chrishazle

Have a lok at O2 PAYG Classic, it's what wife and I are on (after years on their original PAYG tariff). Like you, we only want phone and texts (plus wifi if we're in range of a known router) and it's good - and cheap!

Ectophile

Chrishazle wrote: »

Have a lok at O2 PAYG Classic, it's what wife and I are on (after years on their original PAYG tariff). Like you, we only want phone and texts (plus wifi if we're in range of a known router) and it's good - and cheap!

Thanks. It looks very cheap to me.

leejay25

Thanks for the info my grandmother is on the Orange network so ill let her know

Gloomendoom

I was on Orange PAYG and switched to Three 123 PAYG.

A lot cheaper than my Orange tariff and no need to top up every six months like O2 Classic PAYG.

googler

I had an old Orange PAYG, too.

I spoke to customer service at EE via the contact page at their website, got a new SIM sent out by mail, balance transferred, with no issues at all.