Why am I paying so much?

[Anonymous]

I currently have the Samsung S3 on a 24month contract which ends in April 2014 and pay £42 a month for unlimited calls, unlimited texts and 1GB data. (up front cost was £90)

I have just seen the Samsung S4 being offered at £37 a month for unlimited calls, unlimited texts and 2GB data with an upfront cost of £69.99

.....anyone else see something wrong here? Why am I paying more for an older model and with less data? When i originally took the tariff out, it was £40 a month but then i got a lovely email from O2 before xmas saying that for whatever reason it is now going to cost me £42 a month. I have been with O2 for about 3 years now and i know its not as long as alot of people but i'm wondering why i'm getting screwed over with my tariff? 

I have all intentions to stay with O2 as i think their service is great and I intend to get the newest model of Samsung Galaxy next year (whatever it might be) but, i don't think O2 are being fair to their current customers.

If anyone could come back to me explaining this I would appreciate it. 

[MI5]

Tariffs change from time to time, some get better, some get worse. They vary with market demand etc. It's nothing personal against you it's just competitive business practice.

[perksie · Accepted solution]

Prices are changing all the time, if you take out a long contract you will see this, if this was a few years ago prices might well be rising and you would be happier.

Personally I buy my phones sim free and use a Simplicity contract to be in a better position to adjust to price changes.

You must have been ok with the deal when you took it out and no doubt your next one will be cheaper.

[Anonymous]

I recently thought the same on my 02 payg contract.

I was paying £25.50 a month and recently changed it to £17.50 per month. Only difference is the allotment of call time minutes which I didn't really use anyway !

I also choose to buy sim free factory unlocked phones.

[Anonymous]

You agreed to that price at the time you took up the deal. If you don't want that now, you could pay off the remainder of your contract. Or are you just after the phone? You could purchase the phone sim free then put your sim in the s4 then carry on with your contract. You could also look at O2 refresh a new monthly tariff where you do a 24 month deal but pay the cost of the phone in a phone agreement by paying so much a month rather than all upfront then separate airtime agreement with it

[Anonymous]

This is one of the reasons I buy sim free deals are always changing its the way of the world

[jonsie]

With smart phones evolving at their present rate it makes no sense to tie into a 24 month contract, however, for some it's the only way to get their hands on the latest phone. The problems are there for all to see when tariffs change or people tire of their present handset.

[Anonymous]

I always buy sim free as well, much easier plus stay on my deal that suits me

[version7point0]

Some sound advice in this thread DigiNymph.