Due an upgrade but better iPhone 5 contracts on O2 available elsewhere. Why?

[Anonymous]

I'm now due an upgrade and I'm keen to go for the iPhone 5 but even though I've been a customer for years there really doesnt seem to be any benefit for staying loyal.

iPhone 5 handset costs £99 on the £36 a month contract but the same contract on O2 at somehwere like mobiles.co.uk the handset is free.

They also have better options, could even go down to £31 a month and only pay £49.99 for the handset. Am I better off cancelling current O2 contract to take up another O2 contract via a store that offers better rates? Does anyone have experience of this?

Thanks

[jonsie]

Makes a fair point though...bonus on it's way Pablo

[adamtemp64]

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@perksie wrote:

Don't you think the summer might be a bit optimist for all areas to be covered Adam?

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Not full coverage but I bet it will be in a few areas due to the network upgrades that have been going for 2 years already out of the 3 .

But O2 have already said 2015 98% indoor as opposed to target 2017 and O2 bought the coverage obligation lot I.E. have to provide it unlike all the others.

[Anonymous]

All fair points and opinions.

But with their large iPhone user-base from their previous exclusive rights period I'm surprised o2 are not doing more to retain their iPhone customers. The price promoise is not attractive.

[MI5]

The point is that they are retaining their customers. You still pay O2 for the contract and they make money on your calls etc.... They actually save money by not having to subsidise a phone to go with the airtime package...

[Anonymous]

I've no real loyalty or desire to stay with o2 now though, my original post inquired why such big difference on contracts of the same provider, which has been answered. Having looked today there are much better deals, particularly that include unlimited data from the likes of three.co.uk. I dont wish to purchase from carphone warehouse or mobiles.co.uk either but a lot of iPhone users do seem to be leaving o2 for other providers over these issues.

[MI5]

I'd agree with the caveat to check your signal with other providers first. It's no good having unlimited calls if you can't get a signal to use them..... If you can get a good signal and a cheaper phone/contract then go for it, why wouldn't you?