Cancelling my contract because O2 now limits EU Roaming data

[Stef3]

Hi,
I have just requested a PAC code and the text informs me that it's estimated that I owe £425 in charges (SIM only contract). I was told in an email and by 202 that no early termination charges are payable at the moment due to O2 changing their T's & C's thus I can only assume that this text is telling me porky pies? I hope it will be corrected on the final bill? 🤞

[MI5]

@Stef3 

I would think twice and read the T&C's carefully as the email you received said you "may" have grounds to cancel without penalty.

You would need to prove that the changes are detrimental to yourself.

You also need to check what other networks are doing before you switch as the likes of EE will be introducing a daily EU charge, unlike O2 who are only limiting data use to 25gb per month.

[madasaf1sh]

@Stef3

The best thing to do is ring customer services, as only some contracts are eligible to be cancelled without any termination fees...

You can contact Customer Services on 202 from your handset or 0344 809 0202 from a landline

[Stef3]

Many thanks,
Well I told the 202 operator today that I wanted to cancel because I specifically bought the contract to roam in the EU. I asked him to confirm that I would be allowed to cancel without charge (Being only 2 months into a 24 month contract) and he confirmed that I would not be charged. I said I needed a PAC code and he told me to use the text PAC service which I did which is when I was advised of the estimated astronomical charges. It's a real pity I have to move from O2 because I have had good service however before taking out this particular contract I did a lot of research and have just wasted a lot of time. Not sure who to blame, O2 or Brexit 😉 ps I'll keep you informed if the process goes smoothly. I just hope the PAC thing is a 'bug'

[Stef3]

Actually, and for the sake of accuracy, the email from O2 I received on 25th June did not say "may" it actually said: "Because of these changes you have the right to end your tariff without having to pay early termination charge. Should you decide to end your contract, you must give us notice within 30 days of receiving this communication". I can only think O2 must be hemorrhaging customers as a result of this pricing change 😞 If they had a more reasonable EU roaming limit, say 50Gb/month I might stay with them.

[Bambino]

@Stef3 You might want to think about changing providers for the reasons you've mentioned. Did you honestly think O2 would be the only network to change their roaming policies?

Mobile roaming charges in Europe: What you need to know - BBC News

EE to reintroduce Europe roaming charges in January costing customers £2 a day (inews.co.uk)

[PhoneChanger]

@Stef3 as others have suggested it would be wise to check what other networks are doing here first before jumping off O2. O2 are only charging you if you use more than 25GB during each month.

I'm also assuming the Tariff you're on is more than 25GB of data? as if not you won't have grounds to leave without charge as you would always be paying for more than 25GB of data.

Finally, given you're on month 2 of 24 are you on a refresh plan? as if so you will have outstanding charged for the device plan which will need to be settled before you can leave, is this what you got on the text when asking to leave?

[MI5]

It's the 3.9% increase that gives rise to the rights to cancel as it is higher than the agreed rpi yearly increase.
https://www.o2.co.uk/termsandconditions/mobile/our-latest-pay-monthly-mobile-agreement
However, as all major networks are doing the same thing, there is little to be gained by moving.
The 25gb abroad data allowance is still cheaper than the offerings from EE.
Vodafone have also added a 25gb limit and Three have capped their EU data use to 12gb.