Ridiculous O2 Bill!

rosesbythestairs

Hey everyone, I'm new here, so apologies if I've posted this in the wrong thread or whatever!

Basically, I've had an o2 contract for about 9 months now, so last month I reduced my tariff to the lowest one. Since then, I've been texting as normal, because the operator didn't make it very clear how many texts I was allowed, etc. I thought I might have to pay a bit extra, but my bill came through today and it's 184 quid! Granted, I sent a lot of texts, but who doesnt?

Anyway, I know I've been stupid, and it's my fault, but does anyone know if it's possible to negotiate with them? I've phoned a couple of times and tried to reason with them, and said if I'd known, I would've bought a bolt on for 7 quid (something which I was only made aware of today) providing me with unlimited texts.

They reckon they cant do anything, because it says in the notes that I was informed of the text limit. I really wasnt made aware of it at all, it's kinda unfair. And 180 quid is ridiculous lol.

Anywaaays, thanks everyone.

purple12

I'm afraid it's one of those things you have to probably check for yourself when you get a particular package but I know it's easy to be wise after the event. I haven't tried negotiating with them but I suppose it's always possible - doesn't sound very likely though.
Unfortunately it is an expensive lesson in making sure you know what you're getting into Good luck with it in any case

Badger_Lady

You should definitely renegotiate your contract up to one that allows you to make your usual number of inclusive texts (really should have done this at the beginning - I'm surprised the O2 team didn't try and encourage you onto a bigger contract..?).

As for the bill you've got now, I assume you were sent details of your new contract in the post at some point, which would have shown the tariffs etc? In which case, you really don't have a leg to stand on

This happened to me once with Orange when I started using WAP - my bill was nearly £200 :eek: but I just had to stomach it and make plans to reduce it for the future. I'm now on a package that covers everything I do for £35 a month.

Be aware, too, that you may have already overspent this month - what period does your bill cover? If you're already halfway through the next month and have been texting again, you need to stop now in the hope that your next bill will be lower.

Hope that helps an incy bit - welcome on board, by the way!

rosesbythestairs

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly!

With regards to the overspending this month too, apparently I've just hit my limit, so I've stopped texting from now, to avoid another heart attack next month lol.

And no, I wasn't sent a letter detailing the tariff actually, which is a bit bad! The operator just vaguely mumbled and swapped it over for me.. wish I'd never changed it now! Ironically, I'd done it to SAVE money lol.

I suppose you're both right, it's one of those unfortunate things. I just wish I'd known about that bloody bolt-on for 7 quid!

I'm gonna keep trying anyway, perhaps if I say how much I'd be willing to pay, they seem to like that for some reason! Wish me luck!

Woby_Tide

rosesbythestairs wrote: »

Granted, I sent a lot of texts, but who doesnt?

at c.10p or so a text I'd imagine the number of people sending 1500+ texts per month on here is low.....whilst the way they have handled your transfer is bad, to assume the cheapest possible contract would include such things was a touch naive. But it's also a lesson in why the cheapest deals aren't always the best, always make sure you check which tarrif suits your usage in terms of minutes/texts/GPRS for example

johnllew

rosesbythestairs wrote: »

Basically, I've had an o2 contract for about 9 months now, so last month I reduced my tariff to the lowest one. Since then, I've been texting as normal, because the operator didn't make it very clear how many texts I was allowed, etc.

You made a conscious decision to alter your tariff; why did you not check to see what your new tariff included? To carry on texting regardless without any idea of the charges was somewhat foolhardy, wasn't it?