O2 gauging ignores RPI

lucevdw

O2 price increase will be RPI plus 3.9% but they also say if RPI is negative 'we’ll only apply the 3.9%' like they're somehow doing us a favour.  If RPI is negative, surely there's no need for a mid-contract inflation price hike.  In fact, this policy is not only gauging and profiteering but also drives overall inflation further upwards.

I've been with O2 for years (b/c the customer service has been pretty good overall) but I'm not on a contract (pay monthly, sim only).  Wonder if it's worth trying to negotiate this with them or better to look around for a cheaper provider? 

jon81uk

Good luck finding a network that doesn't have an annual price increase.

Neil49

Move your number to another provider for a short while and in the meantime go onto Uswitch or this MSE sites sim free deals section and get a better price. Just wait until the April price increase had taken place 

For example, for an O2 12 month contract there's an MSE deal of 15GB data with unlimited calls and texts for £8 per month (same with Uswitch) or just 4GB data at £6 at Uswitch should you need less data.

As I say, don't switch until the price rise has kicked in (usually about 28th March with O2). 

HaroldWhistler

lucevdw said:

O2 price increase will be RPI plus 3.9% but they also say if RPI is negative 'we’ll only apply the 3.9%' like they're somehow doing us a favour.  If RPI is negative, surely there's no need for a mid-contract inflation price hike.  In fact, this policy is not only gauging and profiteering but also drives overall inflation further upwards.

I've been with O2 for years (b/c the customer service has been pretty good overall) but I'm not on a contract (pay monthly, sim only).  Wonder if it's worth trying to negotiate this with them or better to look around for a cheaper provider? 

Agreed. You could try Tesco Mobile which use the O2 network and don't have any annual price increase. Or Lyca Mobile on the O2 network. Or if you get a good Vodafone signal, then Lebara mobile. Or for a Three signal, try Smarty Mobile. 

jon81uk said:

Good luck finding a network that doesn't have an annual price increase.

One would hope that the remark to the OP is down to ignorance rather than sarcasm.

Tesco Mobile

Lyca Mobile
Lebara Mobile
Smarty Mobile
Superdrug Mobile 
etc.

ladruid

jon81uk said:

Good luck finding a network that doesn't have an annual price increase.

There's no luck about it... anyone still signing up for a long term contract... well they get what they deserve. There are many providers now who do rolling monthly deals using the main networks for the backhaul. A few examples :-

Giffgaff (o2)
Lebara Mobile (Vodafone)
ID Mobile (Three)
Smarty (Three)
1p Mobile (EE)

I think Giffgaff actually put their prices down not up...

savergrant

Prices depend on how much data they are allowing you to use, and how much their infrastructure costs. The great thing about rolling contracts is they are much easier to exit if your needs change. And because the networks know that they can't take the mickey with price rises. First thing to consider is do you have good coverage from all networks? Then how much data do you need? Do you need 5g, roaming, or WiFi calling? If so, how much extra are you prepared to pay for them?