Three tariffs- can you get rid of the video minutes?

FlameCloud

Hi all,

I'm coming to the end of my tariff on O2 and am seriusly considering changing to three, mainly because the renewal on current contract is rubbish!

I've been looking at three's mix and match tariffs, and looking at my last years bills the mix and match 300 would be more than sufficient. I want the N95, yet they only offer this with video calling minutes at an extra £9 a month.

Does anyone know if it is possible to get this dropped, as I dont really need it and probably never will use it!

I realise that 3 are probably using it to subsidise the cost of the phone but thought it would be worth a shot!

GunJack

the video packs aren't compulsory with the tariffs, but as you quite rightly point out they are using them to help subsidise certain phones. If you can live without the n95, then get the tariff for standard £15 a month, plus go through quidco for £30-odd back. If you drop the video packs on more expensive handsets, the monthly cost goes up and/or you may have to pay a certain amount for the handset. Think the combo you're looking at would mean paying quite a lot for the phone up front.

GunJack

just checked 3's website - £24 a month gets you the N95 on m'n'm 300, so that's £9 a month for the phone £162 over the life of the ctt...no option to ditch the video mins

z4kir

To help with the cost when you sign up use "recommend a mate", will get you and a mate £30 each (pm me if you don't know anyone on three).

Also they used to offer you a code to get a free bluetooth headset if you asked a question online, apparently they no longer do this but if you ask they may give you a code to get £20 off instead...

diamonds

NOPE

300 txt/min units & a N95 for £24 is a great deal add internet x series silver for £5 - its just not an MSE ultra-great deal, look at the other networks N95 deals below - if you want a N95 its got to be on 3 or T-mobile for thier £5/£7.50 internet add ons or else voda/Orange/o2 will be laughing at you RE : your internet usage charges

Orange N95 on even the £35 a month plans is £89.99 upfront - NIL POINTS

o2 is free on £30 a month plans - 400min/1000txts or 500 mins/100 txts

Vodafone only has N95 8GB - which frankly is crap considering you can buy a 8GB memory card for £50

T-mobile Flext 30 £25.00 a month & £7.50 web n walk internet, £9.99 for N95 ( upto 450 mins/900 if you will use more than 300 units on 3 for extra £3.50 a month, T-mob mins come out of £90 allowance at 20p & texts at 10p )


conclusions :

T-mobile for extra mins & even then T-mob is better for higher text users than 3

3 - for skype, msn/yahoo messenger as only attraction points for 3

Verdict : internet, calls and text user : T-mobile

FlameCloud

Thanks for all the advise- at least I know the proper cost now!

T-mobile is a no no- my street appears to be a complete dead zone for the network and both my mum and brother had to cancel phones on that network.

I think I'm going to go for the three contract anyway- O2 are refusing to budge on their current offer, which is no better than new customers get.

Ah well, thanks again!

[Deleted User]

Flame - did you talk to retentions? You have to threaten to quit, then you get passed to a department with real power to give you offers.

This time (2 weeks ago) I got a K850i free and 750mins (+100 texts) on an 18 month contract for 20 quid a month.. this was when I told them I wanted to get something like the 3 mix and match.

Only retentions will deal.. the upgrade people are hopeless

diamonds

mix n match 300 with N95 = £24 a month good deal

max n match 500 with N95 = £27 a month Great deal

http://threestore.three.co.uk/?id=1184&PAYG

GunJack

AND - don't forget to go through quidco for some cashback if buying direct from 3....