Accidental 'free' data and calls...is it to good to be true?

Rodders2409

Hello All,

I wanted to see if this is a common thing.

Two years ago I signed up to a new mobile phone contract,  it was a two year cash back type contract and being a diligent kind of fella, I recovered all the cashback and the deal worked out to be a good cost effective way of getting a decent mobile,  and then I'd just switch to SIM only for a couple of years.

So it only dawned on me yesterday, because I dropped the phone and cracked the screen, that the contract ran out seven months ago.

I had no reminders or offers to switch or extend the contract, nothing!

This morning I checked if I was still paying anything and nothing was going out to O2 beyond the 24th month payment. All of my data, calls etc still function perfectly.

Now I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, but has anyone heard of this happening before?

And, the phone works perfectly with a cracked screen...😊😇

Andy7856

I had similar with an ISP many years ago (PIPEX) I had a great deal with them that no company could even match some obscure legacy tariff I had for ages. .  They failed to bill me for a number of months - when they realised their mistake they simply cut me off.   When I called them, they said we cant reopen your previous tariff, you will need to migrate to more expensive deal.   Perhaps that was all part of their plan I don't know. I

So would say at some point O2 will catch up with their error, and simply cut you off - and that could be when you really need a phone!   But enjoy your perks cos it may well be short lived. 

DullGreyGuy

Most contracts after their fixed term go onto a rolling contract basis... your original contract should state what happens after the term. 

Outside of regulated industries there is no requirement for companies to warn you about your fixed term ending etc, some regulated industries do specify requirements. My experience of O2 is that they never contact me about my contract but they phone regularly about the Mrs phone that happens to be in my name so it does seem a bit of hit and miss.

Be aware that just because they arent collecting the DD for some reason that doesnt mean the monies arent due so its worth considering if its still the best deal or if you should cancel and buy a new deal. I'd be surprised if they never notice however that said I have had free webhosting for over a decade after I was given an "extended trial" of a product that didnt meet my needs at the time but they never cancelled the trial.

Rodders2409

Thanks Andy and Dull Grey...

I've checked the contract and it simply states that the 24month term is it, nothing about extended tariff's etc..so I'm minded to simply leave well alone and if I am cut off there's no shortage of ways to communicate nowadays !

Fingers crossed that the past 6months of freebie usage continues   

Andy7856

Why dont you check your online account?  One possibility is your account is vastly in credit (for what ever reason) and you are simply burning through that credit - hence no payment needed on recent bills.   You could find they owe you money infact but simply repaying via bill credit.   Check your online account.

Rodders2409

Hi Andy, I went to check my O2 account but its been cancelled, as in I can't access it. I get Emails so they recognise my Email account but when I use my password it doesn't access....then when I try asking them to reset my password using my mobile number I get all the way through security and change my password only to constantly have an 'error message' stopping me getting to see any contract details. 

I've tried many times over the last few days so, I've hit a dead end and will just sit back an wait.

I also checked I'd not overpaid any monthly fees and that they'd definitely paid me back all the cashback....so I can't see me having any credit with them.

400ixl

I hope you are putting that money to one side.

They will be entitled to charge you when they work out that you haven't been billed and it will come as a backdated lump request.

Rodders2409

Hi 400ixl

I've crawled through the T&Cs and there are zero clauses stating that they have any claim upon charging for services supplied outside the stated contract term, which was 24months. Can you advise why you're so certain that this is inevitable, cheers.

400ixl

The 24 months would have been the minimum contact term, it rolls onto a monthly contract after the minimal term unless cancelled.

Would be extremely unusual for that to not be the case.

simax

Unless you’ve given O2 30 days notice to cancel, your agreement will keep going on a monthly basis. Probably best to do the decent thing and ring them.

virgo17

simax said:

Unless you’ve given O2 30 days notice to cancel, your agreement will keep going on a monthly basis. Probably best to do the decent thing and ring them.

Agree with this. Even if they have omitted to bill you it could end up in an unpleasant situation. I would save myself the worry and contact O2.