The demise of TuGo

[Beenherebefore]

As an app developer perhaps O2 were a little naive when they launched TuGo.

Just as Tim Berners-Lee never thought that his invention would ever be used to distribute images worldwide that contravened legislation and also allowed terrorists to learn how to make IEDs, probably O2 never thought that customers would use TuGo in a foreign country or use it when connected to a cellular network.

In other words use TuGo for purposes that O2 never intended.

They developed a product so that customers could make and receive calls and SMS using a wifi broadband connection because they couldn't connect to the cellular network.

It was the clever customers who found that there were other ways to use TuGo.

So can we really criticise O2 for withdrawing the product ?

Certainly we can criticise them for not having a viable alternative in place before closing TuGo.......one that would allow all customers to make and receive calls and SMS using wifi broadband.

[Cleoriff]

I would have to disagree with the statement 'they didn't realise TuGo could be used abroad'.

Based on my own circumstances it was used as a selling point by the CS advisor when I swapped from PAYG to Contract.

My reason for change was the amount of top ups I needed when abroad. The advisor (based in Leeds) discussed the cost of the contract and made particular reference to the benefits of TuGo stating I could use it in Spain.

If it was a loophole discovered by customers then why didn't O2 disable it?

Three have a 'similar' app. It can't be used abroad

So yes I can be extremely critical of O2 for withdrawal of the product.

They have also discontinued World Chat and International Favourites

Says it all really.

[Beenherebefore]

I was referring to "the app developers" not some CS advisers who are known to give incorrect advice.

Perhaps it was those CS advisers who discovered the potential uses of TuGo rather than O2 customers.

Also you changed from PAYG when ?......just after TuGo was released in 2013 ?

In this 2013 review, no indication of its potential use.

http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2013/03/o2s-tu-go-app/

[Cleoriff]

I know who you meant @Beenherebefore. Sadly customer never talk to app developers. We talk to CS and usually believe what we are told (or did) .

I changed over shortly after Tu was released and actually it was no good for me when abroad as I hadn't got access to WiFi

Point I am making is Tu has been used as a selling point.

If we clever customers 'abused' it by using it abroad... then the app developers should have plugged the loophole. 

I think they are closing anything that can be used abroad... purely to recover loss of revenue caused by the June 15th EU roaming regulations...

[Beenherebefore]

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@Cleoriff wrote:

If we clever customers 'abused' it by using it abroad... then the app developers should have plugged the loophole. 

I think they are closing anything that can be used abroad... purely to recover loss of revenue caused by the June 15th EU roaming regulations...

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At least we agree on those 2 points.

If TuGo is still available in countries that haven't introduced roaming regulations then that's pretty conclusive.

[Cleoriff]

I 'think' it is still available in some of the South American countries. Someone posted a list a couple of days ago. Can't find it now....

[MI5]

But not on Movistar in Spain.

[Anonymous]

May I pay a compliment to all those senior members who are going 'above & beyond' with this ending of TuGo by O2 ... endless patience with the very many customers who are 'bewildered' & are asking for help

They & the admin team etc know who these senior members of the community are

I am all kudo'd out for the meantime

btw, I have no knowledge of TuGo to impart to customers ... but ... 'enjoy' reading the thread(s) about the demise of TuGo

Keep Calm & Carry On Regardless 

[adamtemp64]

https://tu.com/en/ shows where it is currently available scroll down

[gmarkj]

What is even better is if you check the FAQ and then help.

Guess where it links to?