Airtime plan more expensive with new device

[BluestarIT]

I have a phone which has been paid off and an ongoing airtime plan with unlimited everything which is around 16.00 a month.  I now want to upgrade to a new device - which will obviously involve a new monthly device plan - but it seems I would also need to take on a new airtime plan which alone will cost me almost twice my current airtime monthly cost!

If the airtime service is the same - regardless of handset - why are the airtime plans all different prices depending on the handset?

Can I not just take on a new device - and pay that device plan - but retain my current airtime plan with its current cost?

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@BluestarIT 

You would need to buy the device elsewhere to keep your current airtime tariff.

All major manufacturers do payment plans now so can be paid off like an O2 device plan.

[madasaf1sh]

@BluestarIT 

No, is the answer to your last question from o2 at least, unless you buy it from the likes of Apple or Google and take their finance options instead, that way you stay on an Airtime only deal. 

In answer to your first question, that is how as a business o2 have decided to do things... 

You could look at the like of AO.com's mobile arm Mobile Direct I think it is and see what they can do, but it will be a new contract and you will have the faff of migrating your number to the new contract..

[jonsie]

Buy a phone from the manufacturer

You can pay monthly for it

That way you can keep your present sim and tariff

[BluestarIT]

Thanks for your response. It is helpful - along with the other two responses.

[BluestarIT]

Thanks for your response. That's helpful to know I hadn't completely misunderstood how O2 were pricing things.

[BluestarIT]

Thanks, Jonsie. Similar advice as from Madasaf1sh.  I'll look into the costs of doing it that way and then make a decision.

[jonsie]

Good luck @BluestarIT 

[MI5]

You're welcome @BluestarIT