Why more expensive than Carphone Warehouse

[Anonymous]

Been a loyal O2 customer for over 20 years and looking to upgraeto an Iphone 6s (32GB) or 7 (32GB) with 3GB data. Why can Carphone Warehouse offer these phones  with no upfront payment (O2 want £9.99) and a monthly cost of £36.50 and £39.00 per month respectively? O2 are looking for a monthly payment of £44.50 and £48.40.

I find this incredible!

[adamtemp64]

market forces and the buying power of cpw but with cpw no refresh tariff so tied in for 24 months

[MI5]

Go where it's cheaper for yourself.
No refresh from CPW and no o2 direct discounts but if it suits you, go for it.

[jonsie]

Loyalty means nothing. If you are happy to keep the phone for 24 months with the only way of ending the contract being to pay up the full term, then yes, go to the likes of CPW where you can get a deal that you can accept for yourself.

Every network is different, no need to pricematch on a phone that a blind man on a galloping horse could sell.

Pros to stay with O2?....only refresh and TU.

Cons....invariably dearer than independents but where you are tied in for a full 24 months with them.

Go with what you are comfortable with, its your money after all but don't expect any pricematching from O2.

[Cleoriff]

Refresh is becoming less of a deal breaker for some it seems. People watching their budget will generally choose a cheaper option...

[MI5]

Penny pinching at the end of the day and will ultimately be twice as expensive when you want to upgrade in 12 months time.
If you're not entitled to any o2 open discounts and are happy to keep phone for 2 years you may be better off, otherwise it's false economy.

[jonsie]

For sure, for some people the monthly outlay is critical and 2 years with a contract is acceptable.

If I had the choice, lets not start talking technical about phones locking to the first sim and then getting the phone unlocked unless it's paid for in full, I would choose the option to pay off the phone and being able to walk away with no penalty. Can anyone really know their circumstances in the next 2 years? We like to think so but no one can see that far ahead....

[Cleoriff]

Actually my first contract was with O2. It wasn't Refresh it was standard 24 months.

I did look after the pennies though....there was a sale on....

Being on Refresh is just as bad if your circumstances change. It's still a bill you can't pay. That's all I am saying...

[jonsie]

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@Cleoriff wrote:

Actually my first contract was with O2. It wasn't Refresh it was standard 24 months.

I did look after the pennies though....there was a sale on....

Being on Refresh is just as bad if your circumstances change. It's still a bill you can't pay. That's all I am saying...

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....but only half a bill compared to CPW......

[MI5]

And you own the phone so have an asset to sell on.