Why is O2 the most expensive mobile service provider around?

[Anonymous]

I've been with O2 since BT cellnet, but over the last couple of years, I have gradually noticed that all other networks have much better deals around.

Could someone tell me what is so special about O2 that allows them to charge higher than other providers? Do they have better signal? Coverage? Customer service?

I am currently on the simplicity, with 5 months left on my contract, but able to upgrade for free any time, I have chosen to buy and iPhone 5 from apple instead, with the intention of trying out a few other networks when my 5 months run out.

I am not talking about 3rd party deal sites, simply searching on other major providers main site nets plans that are cheaper, gives more data, text, etc. If we use SIMS only plan as a way to measure the price of contracts, O2 is literally THE most expensive of the major mobile networks in the UK.

Could someone tell me, why they think O2 deserves to charge more? Because vaule wise, I do not see any point in staying with O2 any longer (not even a loyalty bouns). 

Before any O2 die hards start yelling "leave, more network for me" or "plenty of customers to replace you", please understand the reason I am posting this is because I still care, otherwise I would simply vote with my wallet, I am fairly sure there are plenty of network capacity left in O2, that the fact there is someone waiting to replace my "spot" appears an outlandish argument.

[jonsie]

If indeed you can take advantages of all they offer. The benefits for me are Tugo....and ..er... Tugo.

Priority is a waste of time, priority ticket are difficult to get with the stupid process you have to go through and no local offers without negating any of the savings by travelling to a major city.

So, coverage and price should be the FIRST considerations when taking out a two year contract. I am happy with both and Tugo is a much used bonus when travelling overseas. Priority is pretty much useless if you have no coverage....to be honest it's pretty useless to me even with good coverage!

[MI5]

Coverage should be the main priority, period.

[Anonymous]

For an internal project I'm working on, comparing prices across all networks either sales or retentions wise, I can assure you - from what I've heard from customers as well as actual evidence to the fact...

O2 can be expensive (as you get other perks) ... but we aren't the most expensive - there is more to a contract than just what you pay per month...

As I say to customers... sometimes the cheapest deal per month, isn't the cheapest long term.  f you're more focused on the monthly bill rather than the "big picture" -- you're missing a few things.

Admittedly there are contracts out there that are "cheaper" ... but cheap doesn't always mean "best".  Of course if you're on a budget I can understand that... I just don't understand high end phones and a cheap/nasty budget tariff.. it defeats the object of it all when customers expect/demand it - you don't pay cheap for a high end car... phones are no different..

[jonsie]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

...you don't pay cheap for a high end car... phones are no different..

---

....unless you go for one of the Chinese phones which have all the specs (better specs in a lot of cases):smileywink:

[Curr946]

aye but.. how long will they last before the cheap glue turns brittle and it falls apart hahaha

[jonsie]

There speaks a man who has never owned or handled one....

[MI5]

Or lost one

[jonsie]

---

@MI5 wrote:
Or lost one

---

Ouch

[Curr946]

 tooshay folks, tooshay

[Cleoriff]

I feel there is a lot of snobbery attached to the sentence 'cheap low budget phones'..

The Chinese are fast becoming a force to be reckoned with in the mobile phone market....as some senior members  will confirm,, as they own phones from China.

I bought a cheap Samsung Prime from Spain (about £140) I loaned it to someone who is used to top end  phones. He was extremely impressed (particularly with the camera)