Refresh - Bold Claims

[Curr946 Level 26: Upbeat]

Hey folks,

Having been shocked by the price of the lumia 950 (thats a whole other story lol). I decided to review other networks, CPW and sim free options.

On the O2 website, they claim that 63% of refresh customers save. Well, I've done the math based on its current offerings and i don't think this is right. Not unless they are assuming 63% will pay off the handset early and save on line rental.

In fact, ive noticed that some plans are more expensive on refresh, never mind the handset.

I get that O2 are the only network to offer refresh, but i think they need to refresh their current handset pricing to stay competitive.

I guess the days when the network subsidised handsets are long gone.

Discuss

[Anonymous]

with price of handsets today i cannot imagine it being commercially viable to subsidise handsets

[MI5 Level 94: Supreme]

I've always considered all networks expensive for handset contracts so for years I've bought outright and taken sim only tariffs.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

The perks of refresh is that just that, you can refresh your handset whenever you want by paying off the device plan. 

Its ultimately up to the customer whether they wish to be locked into a 24 month contract, simo etc 

all handset prices are different on each network. I wouldn't be surprised if some contracts or handsets are expensive on other networks.

the other thing to consider Is which network gives you the best coverage in the places you go

[Curr946 Level 26: Upbeat]

Sure, but with that in mind why can CPW etc offer handsets on O2 cheaper than O2.

The issue of loyalty also comes up. There will be customers who will go to CPW and notice not only is the handset cheaper, but other sim only plans are too. And if CWP push thier own ID network...

[Cleoriff Level 94: Supreme]

I also buy the phone outright and go with a sim only contract. However many people do go for this plan so I doubt O2 would do anything about reducing prices. At the end of the day people always pay more when they buy on credit...

[MI5 Level 94: Supreme]

The irony is that CPW get commission from the networks which they use to offset the cheaper handset prices.
Beats me why the networks don't just knock that money off to sell direct!

[Curr946 Level 26: Upbeat]

Thats what killed Phones4U... and I must say... they are not missed.

[Pureview]

Lumia 950 is £70 more expensive to purchase and £150 pounds upfront on the contact I want. Both via O2. It would take nigh on 3yrs to get to stalemate. Not right on many a level.

[Pureview]

I personally feel Refresh is to blame. It relies on folk who must have a new phone everytime one emerges and will pay over the odds. Trouble is a normal 24 month contact dosen't exist on O2. This overpricing has only been evident to me since it's birth !