Orange mobile phone contract

[MustGetStraigh]

Hello,

Not sure if this is the right forum, please move it if it isn't.

I signed a 2 year contract with Orange for a mobile phone. It was for a company phone but the the company is no longer trading so I do not use the phone. In all I probably used about 200 mins over 3 months. I didn't pay the £30 a month for 2 months (lack of funds) and the have sold it onto a debt collection agency who want £670!
Has anybody else had this problem? Do I really need to pay for phone calls and phone hire that I haven't used?
Any advice would be appreciated.

[GeorgeUK]

Re: Orange mobile phone contract

As far a i am aware, you need to pay for the duration of the contract.

Do they have a copy of the airtime agreement - to prove this is your debt?
You might be able to make a reduced settlement offer to get out of the contract.

You might also want to check if they put a default on your credit file - incase this causes any problems for you. Only the company that puts the default on your file can take it off, so be careful with what they promise, and yes - they are able to remove defaults if they wish to. I would make that a condition of any settlement if your file is otherwise okay.

[MustGetStraigh]

Re: Orange mobile phone contract

Hi sorry should point out - it's my husband who posted the above; he tried to register as a separate member but I think the computer is automatically remembering logins?

I'll get him to try to register as himself again!

ps thanks George, I'll get him to have a look at this later.

[Never-In-Doubt]

Re: Orange mobile phone contract

Hiya

Your hubby needs to join using a new email address, he cannot register with a family email if you've already used it. Otherwise, no probs.

Regards to the query, mobile contracts are CCA Exempt so no chance of much there, but all-in-all is your hubby also defaulted etc like you - with the debts? If so, then i'd not worry too much about this - they won't be able to do too much, however if his credit is clean then it may be worth preserving his file - unless of course he's financially linked to you in which case his file would already be tarnished...

Basically as george correctly stated, when you welch out of an airtime contract then can charge you the airtime for the remainder of the period - to get the best deal he should have rung and told them he wanted to downgrade the phone to the minimum possible tarrif and then a month later ring and cancel, paying off the balance - sometimes there is a £15 per month deal (minimum tarrif) which would be £300 for the two years duration - better than £670 I guess

I've moved this post to the relevant thread, its nothing to do with UE.

[stevieb]

Re: Orange mobile phone contract

Hello,

Not sure if this is the right forum, please move it if it isn't.

I signed a 2 year contract with Orange for a mobile phone. It was for a company phone but the the company is no longer trading so I do not use the phone. In all I probably used about 200 mins over 3 months. I didn't pay the £30 a month for 2 months (lack of funds) and the have sold it onto a debt collection agency who want £670!
Has anybody else had this problem? Do I really need to pay for phone calls and phone hire that I haven't used?
Any advice would be appreciated.

o2 have just done the exact same thing!!
the first offer they wanted was 50% of the balance .. told them to shove it, as im taking the complaints further up the chain (I informed them of my situation, and they were not willing to help) when they drop it to 25% of the balance I will settle as long as they also remove the lock on the phone and give me my number back (had it since I was 21 ..)


edit ... what ive just emailed off to them .... fingers crossed

Hi,

I am fairly disappointed in the total contradiction of your customer services staff and now of BCW Group.

My account was in arrears 2 months, and when I spoke to o2 customer services we agreed that I could clear that amount and bring my account up to date when I got paid (outstanding £90) total of £125. When I rang up to pay my bills, I was informed that the bill is now £600+ and it would not be reconnected, I have just been informed that there will be other charges added.
I have kept o2 informed of my situation and have even asked for them to lower the tariff on this number, but was told this was not possible, now it seems the bill will go up exponentially as BCW group see fit.

I am willing to make the payment of £125 to bring this account up to date, and then request that the phone number is then put on a PAYG Sim card (as its now used for incoming calls only) and that there is an unlock code supplied for the Iphone 3GS that I have here.

Regards

me

[Never-In-Doubt]

Re: Orange mobile phone contract

Hmmm, if you get no joy gimme a shout mate cos I know the complaints head in the o2 centre here in Leeds.....

Worth a shot, but regardless, if you are on a pre-determined payment plan they they cannot just sell it to BCW Group - who do they think they are? I'd argue then threaten ofcom etc until they pull their finger out!

see this: http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/tell-us/telecoms/billing/

[stevieb]

Re: Orange mobile phone contract

Hmmm, if you get no joy gimme a shout mate cos I know the complaints head in the o2 centre here in Leeds.....

Worth a shot, but regardless, if you are on a pre-determined payment plan they they cannot just sell it to BCW Group - who do they think they are? I'd argue then threaten ofcom etc until they pull their finger out!

see this: http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/tell-us/telecoms/billing/

the reply sitting here when I got in ..

Hello Stephen

Thanks for getting in touch about your bill and reconnecting your
account.

I understand that you want to clear outstanding amount on your bill and
then reconnect your account. Your account has been disconnected due to
non payment of your bill . As your account has been disconnected in
middle of the contract, your account has been charged for the
termination fee and your bill is high. The concerns regarding the tariff
change, unlock code for your iPhone 3GS and moving to Pay & Go has been
discussed in later part of my email.

I'd request you to call our payment team on 08702 203 308. One of our
specialist advisors will discuss about the payments and reconnection of
your account. They'll also waive Off termination fee from your bill.

Our advisors are available Monday to Friday between 8am and 8pm,
Saturday and Sunday between 8am and 6pm.

Calls are free of charge from an O2 Pay Monthly mobile. Calls from other
phones will be charged at your Service Providers published rates.

You've mentioned that you want to lower your tariff. I'd request you to
reply to my email after your account will be reconnected. We'll then
help you in changing your tariff. We can only change your tariff, if
your account is active. Further, we'll also then unlock your iPhone 3GS.

However, if you transfer your number *********** to Pay & Go then
you'll be charged termination fee. Your Pay Monthly account will be
closed automatically, once your number will be transferred to Pay & Go.
The termination charge would be:

- number of months remaining in contract (11 months) *edit was a silly long contract*
- multiplied by the monthly line rental charge (£45.00).

So, you'll be charged approximately £495.00 if you cancel your contract
within its contract term and transfer your number to Pay & Go. If you
agree to this charge and still want to cancel your contract, please
reply to my email confirming this after clearing your bill and
reconnecting your account. We'll only be able to transfer your number to
Pay & Go, if your account will be active.

I'm sorry for any inconvenience that may have been caused and I
appreciate your patience with this matter.

I hope I've been able to help you with this matter.

Kind Regards

Vikas
O2 Customer Service

[MustGetStraigh]

Re: Orange mobile phone contract

Thanks Niddy, hubby is defaulted although not as many as me, but I guess that makes no difference! I'll get him to negotiate.
He said he tried to register with is own email address so I have no idea what he's done wrong.

Many thanks! Will let you know what Orange say...

[Never-In-Doubt]

Re: Orange mobile phone contract

the reply sitting here when I got in .. load of old bollocks....

What do you want though matey? If you specify exactly what you want to do and pay then i'll sort you a relevant response...... text me if you update this thread as I don't come here much!

[stevieb]

Re: Orange mobile phone contract

just so you know i rang them .. paid the £125 . got told it wouldnt be re-connected ...
after pointing out that they obtained funds under false pretences .. it was soon reconnected

now young vikas is working on dropping it to the lowest tariff they do AND then ill drop it to PAYG
sweet lol

[Never-In-Doubt]

Re: Orange mobile phone contract

Well done matey

[Wishfull]

Re: Orange mobile phone contract

i have the same with orange £800 od quid have offered them £200 as per nids advice to the dca will let you know the response i get as i get it