Excessive data use policy

[Anonymous]

Hi there, just wanted something clarified. I've read old threads on the matter, but would like information that's as up-to-date as possible.

I have an old contract, the 'iPhone simplicity 15 12 month', which i've had since April 2010 when the contract on my old 3g ended so i opted into sim only and keep the phone. 

I've always used a lot of data, especially since my wifi at home is terribly slow, so i do a lot of youtubing etc using the fairly quick 3g signal at my house.

Last month, however, i went a little bit nuts compared to how much I normally probably use, and hit about 4gb by the day before the bill date. A few days before i received a text from O2, saying that I was using a lot of data, and they would slow down or cut off my data connection unless I eased up. 

This upset me quite a bit, as to my knowledge O2 has no fair use policy, and it explicitly states on my contract and on my bills, that I am entitled to 'UNLIMITED DATA'. So out of my own stubbornness, I carried on regardless.

The day before my bill when i must have hit around 4gb, i received yet another text, informing me that i had used an 'extreme' amount of data, and they slowed down my data connection.

What an understatement! I couldn't even receive push notifications or check my emails. And being at university with no Wifi, It put a real strain on my day, as I had to log onto a computer to keep up to date with my affairs, to my inconvenience.

Yes, I was warned, but is this really fair? If I am paying for unlimited data, I should be allowed to use an unlimited amount of data. If there is a limit to how much I am allowed before my connection is either 'slowed' or cut off completely, this should be the number quoted in my contract and bills. Seriously considering a move to another carrier if this could potentially happen again.

Are O2 legally allowed to do this? 

[adamtemp64]

there has always been a fair use policy in place o2 will not publish what it is though

this phrase in the t&c that cover your date of contract

or

• in such a way that we reasonably believe adversely impacts the service to other O2 customers.

http://www.o2.co.uk/termsandconditions/archive/tariffs-and-bolt-ons/pay-monthly-tariff-terms-and-con...

[Anonymous]

So if it can affect other customers on o2 receiving a good service in the area - that could be deemed excessive.

If you use amounts of data to rival a broadband router, that could be deemed excessive.

And anything in between really.

Surely all universities supply free wifi?

[Bambino · Accepted solution]

Your 12 month contract from April 2010 is obviously expired, so you now must be on a one month rolling contract. If you are just using the sim and aren't interested in a new phone, why not just switch to GiffGaff? They use the O2 network and have monthly unlimited data plans.