O2's basic tariff

Ann · Oct 11, 2009, 10:01:09

I'm with Virgin at the moment but am looking to change because of late I can't get a signal inside my house which is very silly. So I looked at O2 but their tariffs are a nightmare. I don't use the phone much, just for a few texts so don't want their fancy options. They do do a basic tariff but it says by it's invitation only. How do you get an invite? Anyone know.

Otherwise I could go with Orange. Anyone have a preference between these two?

Simon · Oct 11, 2009, 10:30:57

Why not go for one of O2's Simplicity Tariffs, Ann? It's SIM only, so if your existing phone isn't unlocked, you'll need to either buy another cheap, SIM free phone, or take yours into a mobile phone shop to get it unlocked. They usually charge about a tenner for this. The O2 Simplicity deals start at £9.79 per month, on a one month rolling contract.

Ann · Oct 11, 2009, 10:45:03

Basically because I don't spend £9.79 a month on the phone.

I bought my phone sim free and not locked so that's not a problem. I think Orange's basic tariff that they bizarrely call racoon is maybe best unless O2 will invite me to their basic tariff. I may give them a call.

Simon · Oct 11, 2009, 10:52:00

Right, I've found the O2 Basic tariff, and it seems you need to be an existing Pay and Go customer to be offered it.

Lance · Oct 11, 2009, 11:07:29

If you are that much of a light user, would you not be better of with payg?

Ann · Oct 11, 2009, 11:33:36

Yup. It's pay as you go I'm looking at. I've just called O2 and they've never heard of the basic tariff so I guess that's out then. Shame as it is only 5p a text which suits me. I don't like a company that doesn't know it's stuff so I think I'll go with Orange.

Lance · Oct 11, 2009, 11:41:09

Might be worth a look at tesco, who use the o2 network

Ann · Oct 11, 2009, 11:45:26

You're right. Cheap calls and texts to five chosen numbers. I think I only ever text 4 people so that would suit me. Thanks for that.

Edit: further looking shows that pay as you go lite is even cheaper.. 4p a text. Great.

Lance · Oct 11, 2009, 11:59:59

No problem

Ted · Oct 16, 2009, 16:12:51

You could have a look at Asda mobile, PAYG, 8p calls and 4p texts any network, any time.

They use the Vodafone network BTW.

Ann · Oct 18, 2009, 19:58:51

Ah Ted, I never thought of Vodaphone at all. It's just not in my vocabulary for some reason. I've actually gone with Tesco who are with O2 and the Lite deal that isn't mentioned at all with the SIM card but I asked for it and got it. It is the same cost as the one you quote. I have no idea what sort of use means they will shunt me on to the normal tariff. Change over is tomorrow.