Upgrading an unlatched airtime

[gmarkj]

So I took out a deal for a phone and airtime on 30th Sept 2021.

With the regulation about airtime and device plans having to be separated after 2 years, I should be able to "upgrade" my airtime to a new deal (at a lower price).

Following the sterling advice from others, I have chosen a new plan through Uswitch and then follow the steps.

What is odd is that after entering my details and saying I want to upgrade, it then tells me that I have to pay off the remaining device plan to upgrade or wait to 29 Sept 2024.

Surely this is not right?

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@gmarkj 

You need to have taken the original contract after December 17th 2021.

For customers who took out an O2 Refresh contract before 17 December 2021
If you cancel your Airtime Plan and there's an outstanding amount left on your Device Plan, you must pay this in full when you end your contract.

For customers who took out an O2 Refresh contract on or after 17 December 2021
If you decide to end your Airtime Plan within the first 24 months of the Device Plan, you’ll need to pay off your Device Plan in full when you end your contract.

If you're cancelling after 24 months but still within the minimum term of your Device Plan, your Airtime and Device Plans are unlinked. This means you can either; (i) continue paying for your Device Plan in instalments, or (ii) pay off your Device Plan in full.

https://www.o2.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/leaving-o2#:~:text=If%20you're%20cancelling%20after,yo....

[gmarkj]

Ah, so I can't "cancel" my airtime until my device is paid off because I took my deal out before the full unlatching came into effect.

Well that's just typical of my luck!

[MI5]

Yep, bad timing unfortunately mate.