O2 unveils its revolutionary O2 Custom Plans

[Marjo]

• O2 custom plans give customers complete control and flexibility over how and when they pay for their device
• Customers can select their airtime plan, choose how much they pay upfront and how they want to spread the remaining cost of their device– from 3 months up to 36 months

From today, O2 pay monthly customers will have a new way of paying for their devices with the freedom to tailor an individual plan to suit their needs and lifestyle, choosing how much they pay for their new device upfront combined with the ability to spread the remaining cost of their device from 3 to 36 months, all at 0% APR.

This means every O2 customer gets the best value regardless of their contract length and will never pay for a device they already own, proving once more that O2 is the true customer champion as the only UK mobile network operator to offer this level of flexibility and transparency.

This latest innovation builds on O2’s flexible tariffs, launched last November, which give customers the ability to increase or decrease the cost of their airtime plan each billing month, depending on how much data they anticipate using.

To help customers explore the different ways that they can tailor their plans O2 has launched an online calculator.  Using the calculator, new and existing customers can flex their upfront costs, contract duration and airtime plans to understand which option best suits their individual needs.

Nina Bibby, CMO, O2 said: “In 2013, we revolutionised the market with the launch of O2 Refresh which separated the cost of customers’ device and airtime plans.  Our custom plans mark the latest step in breaking away from one size fits all approaches, recognising that all our customers are different and individual, and so are their needs. As the first UK mobile network operator to offer this level of transparency, flexibility and control we’re giving even more power to the consumer.

“Our revolutionary custom plans give new and upgrading customers the freedom to tailor an individual plan to truly suit their needs and lifestyle, with the added peace of mind that the plan they sign up for will continue to be right one for them.”

O2 devices are also now supplied unlocked from their sim and regardless of how many months customers choose to repay their device cost over, the total cost will remain the same. With custom plans, O2 does not penalise customers by adding interest or charging early termination fees, and customers are free to pay off their device in full, at any time. Furthermore, customers who want to upgrade can unlock the value in their latest device via O2 Recycle.

Customers can keep track of their data usage through the My O2 app.  Data usage in the UK will be updated on the app every 30 minutes, while data usage in Europe may take up to 24 hours to update.  This enables our customers to keep check their monthly usage to ensure they’re on the best value airtime plan for them and make the decision if they need to move their tariff up or down to suit their needs.

Custom plans are available on all pay monthly devices. For more information on custom plans, visit: www.o2.co.uk/custom-plans

[Cleoriff]

@Marjo

This sounds very innovative and flexible to suit the needs of many.

My only concern is the assurance for customers that the website has ALREADY been updated to allow this to happen today and also customer services are totally aware of it.

What we don't need is someone trying it, having problems, contacting CS and them not knowing what the customer is talking about.

I don't mean to appear negative but we have seen so many new things started, without having everything in place to ensure it all goes smoothly. (O2 Travel Inclusive is the one which springs to mind)

[MI5]

What an excellent idea

[Cleoriff]

@MarjoOne more thing for clarification.

I read your article as this is available for new and EXISTING customers. I presume that means anyone can do it, even if you have an existing contract?

[Anonymous]

That is a great idea but is it open to existing customers already with contracts running? 

[MI5]

It will be when upgrading. You won’t be able to change half way through a contract.

[Anonymous]

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@MI5 wrote:
It will be when upgrading. You won’t be able to change half way through a contract.

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Exactly what I thought 

[Cleoriff]

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@MI5 wrote:
It will be when upgrading. You won’t be able to change half way through a contract.

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@MI5  Not being facetious, but how do you know that? I asked the same question in my second post. If that's the case they need to make it very clear, as it isn't at the moment.

Currently it says

New and existing customers can flex their upfront costs, contract duration and airtime plans to understand which option best suits their individual needs.

[Marjo]

Hey guys, thanks for your comments, glad to see you're liking the news. I'm checking for some clarification on our end on your question @Cleoriff, @Anonymous and will get back to you.

Update: 

It’s for new and upgrading customers. Existing customers can get in on the action if they’re on an O2 Refresh contract currently, and pay off their device plan in full in order to upgrade early.

[MI5]

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@Cleoriff wrote:

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@MI5 wrote:
It will be when upgrading. You won’t be able to change half way through a contract.

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@MI5  Not being facetious, but how do you know that?

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Theory based on the following facts:

Refresh customers can already reduce their monthly payments by overpaying a lump sum.

Credit agreement already signed and in place for 24 months so cannot be extended.

Upfront payment irrelevant once a contract is in place.