iPhone 3GS UK Discussion thread

[abandapart]

Reading around I sense a lot of anger and some lovely internet baiting hmmm. Anyway, I would be happy to pay for a new handset, its the paying off the remainder of my contract that I think is completely wrong. The best answer seems to be buy a pay as go 3gs, swap sims over, sell 3g and you'll probably end up spending £275 ish if you get a 32gb. Out of principle I will buy my phone from apple at not o2 (I refuse to line their pockets any further after this stunt). Plus it means my contract stays as it is i.e. no more additional months.

 

[DaftFunk]

Okay, that's just rude for no reason.

The simple fact is this - O2 subsidised the price of the iPhone 3G and then put together a set of tarrifs that (at the time) were actually pretty good value for money once you included the unlimited data and free wi-fi access. Presumably they have calculated a percentage of that monthly tarrif to recoup the subsidy. If they give you an early upgrade to the 3G S they're basically throwing money away.

I'd be very interested to know what handsets you were upgrading from on Orange and T-Mobile. If they weren't the most expensive handsets around then you may very well have already paid the subsidy off hence the 'free' upgrade. Besides, you're talking I'm afraid about your own experience not policy. I'm sure if either of those networks were in the same position as O2 they'd do EXACTLY the same thing on upgrades as you're a captive audience right now.

That being said, I wish all this rage over the lack of an upgrade path (which frankly is ridiculous - you signed an 18 month contract, please don't feel that you've got a RIGHT to get out whenever you like even if it is to upgrade to the latest toy) was being focused on areas where O2 are genunely treating their customers badly, e.g. the cost of the handset on tarrif (both versus the AT&T price and the rest of the UK market not to mention the previous iPhone) and tethering charges. Then we might actually see something useful come out of this instead of the usual something-for-nothing attitude and complaining.

We all understand it was subsidised but not to the extent that it accounts for 100% of the monthly line rental. I believe it was a Nokia E61.

I wasn't aiming to be rude, I just didn't think that some of the previous comments had any relevance than to spark a flame thread.

 

[DaftFunk]

I think we're all agreed that O2's tethering pricing is beyond ridiculous.

Yes you should add a bolt on, as you would be using more data than if it were just on the iPhone, then again they do sell it as unlimited 3G. But in the eyes of the ASA unlimited doesn't actually mean unlimited.

 

[jgbr]

Ok I have done the maths for you all to decide upon.

Based on a 45 Pound 16GB IPHONE 3g/3gs swap out contract that will keep running until December 2009:

To End contract at 3GS Launch = 270 Pounds up front.

Either 18 or 24month new contact =

18 months = 270 up front for buy out and 87.11 = 357.11
24months = 270 up front for buy out ONLY.

-----
However HYPO: Next Iphone next july.

6months left(18Month): 270 + Possible handset price+original cost = minimum of 627

12 months left (24month): Original pay out and new buy out = minimum of 810

Users at end of contact in December/January = 80 to 200 pounds only for handset. But Would be only 6 months into a 3GS if a 4G appeared.

Scenario for people who wait: 14months buy out 640 + 80 to 200 expect for upgrade cost to 3gs = 720 Pounds

*this does not include the "iphone 4g" price. ** based on the 45 pound tarriff.


In Summary should a new "4G" appears JULY 2010:

BUY OUT NOW and Renew at 18months AT 3GS LAUNCH MINIMUM COST = 627

BUY OUT NOW AND renew at 24 months at 3GS Launch = 810

Those who wait to upgrade from 3G TO 3GS at end (presuming most people end in Dec/Jan) = 720 Pounds.

 

[Mr Adam]

Hi guys, I'm new so be nice! I'm a UKer!

I am in New York City next week when the new iPhone is released.

Do any UK users know whether I will be able to buy an iPhone in the USA and then take up a contract with O2 WITHOUT buying the phone as well?

Works out cheaper but I doubt it's possible?

If not... can I buy a US PAYG iPhone and then use it with an O2 PAYG sim card?

 

[instaxgirl]

That being said, I wish all this rage over the lack of an upgrade path . . . was being focused on areas where O2 are genunely treating their customers badly, e.g. the cost of the handset on tarrif . . . and tethering charges.

^ Same. The iPhone is hideously expensive and the current PAYG prices are a JOKE.

Hi guys, I'm new so be nice! I'm a UKer!

I am in New York City next week when the new iPhone is released.

Do any UK users know whether I will be able to buy an iPhone in the USA and then take up a contract with O2 WITHOUT buying the phone as well?

Works out cheaper but I doubt it's possible?

If not... can I buy a US PAYG iPhone and then use it with an O2 PAYG sim card?

Your problem there is you'd need to unlock it once you got home. The current 3Gs are already shipping with a baseband that makes this impossible (or at least extremely tricky), I don't know about 3.0

Also I have the sneaking suspicion that you can't buy them PAYG in the US?

 

[JamieSkinner]

^ Same. The iPhone is hideously expensive and the current PAYG prices are a JOKE.



Your problem there is you'd need to unlock it once you got home. The current 3Gs are already shipping with a baseband that makes this impossible (or at least extremely tricky), I don't know about 3.0

Also I have the sneaking suspicion that you can't buy them PAYG in the US?

Correct

 

[RJE89]

I sympathise with those currently locked into a 3G contract (or any other mobile contract for that matter, as there really shouldn't be any differentiation). However, as people have explained numerous times in this thread a contract is a contract.

If O2 allow people to upgrade to the new iphone every 12 months (irrespective of whether or not their contract is up) not only are Iphone customers getting preferential treatment (something which is bound to generate resentment from their supposedly equally valued non-iphone customers) but they also lose a proportion of the money which they used to subsidise each phone.

Furthermore, many have argued that by signing them up to a 24 month contact O2 will have essentially got a pretty good bargain. This is a moot point if the person who has signed up to that contract expects to be able to upgrade in 12 months again.

As the saying goes, you can't have your cake and eat it.

 

[Stiss]

what pee's me off the most has to be on there website.

About the upgrades. Says something along the lines of "If your not eligible for a upgrade download the 3.0 Software on 17th June and you will gain access to 100+ new features".

Are they making out that this is an alternative provided by THEM!?

O2 have nothing to do with it and the way that comes across to me, they seem to be proud about it, like its a gift from them.

 

[DrCheese]

Anyway, I would be happy to pay for a new handset, its the paying off the remainder of my contract that I think is completely wrong

But you can buy a new handset, it's called pay and go. Be happy that o2 offer this, as totally sim free costs a ton more.
I don't understand why you think o2 should offer subsidised pricing to you without paying off the rest of the previous subsidised contract first

 

[rushmere]

Anyone in the UK can upgrade to a 3GS if desired.

You simply have to pay Apple's unsubsidised price if you are still within a contract, i.e. by buying the Pay & Go model. You can then swap over the SIM cards and continue your contract on the new iPhone. You don't need to pay off your contract or start a new one.

O2 subsidised the cost of the 3G and spread it over 18 or 24 months. They're not going to give you another subsidy until they've made their money back on the first subsidy, i.e when the contract has run it's course.

It's all very simple really, and I can't understand why some people seem so upset about it.

 

[Macjames]

I sympathise with those currently locked into a 3G contract

I don't, they should have realized what they signed up to. I knew that i might not be eligible for this new iPhone so it came as no surprise with 6 months left i was unable to upgrade.

I'm beginning to get sick of the moaners...

 

[PostHoc]

But you can buy a new handset, it's called pay and go. Be happy that o2 offer this, as totally sim free costs a ton more.
I don't understand why you think o2 should offer subsidised pricing to you without paying off the rest of the previous subsidised contract first

Agreed. Its just like any other phone contract. you wouldn't expect Vodafone to just let you off the last 6 months of your contract if a new blackberry came out that you wanted. You have to either pay or wait til the end of your contract. Thats just the way the world (and phone companies) work.

I'm glad i stuck with my 2G iPhone til now.
I'll be getting my 16g 3GS for...oh how about free? muah ha ha!

 

[jimf123]

I'm still using a 2G iPhone on the O2 iPhone tariff, although the contract ran out one month ago. Just called the Customer Service and was told that, although I'm eligible for an upgrade, I'd have to pay the same amount as a new customer to get the 3GS. Doesn't sound credible to me. Anyone in the same position inquiried, too?

Yep, I'm in the same position. I also phoned first thing this mornng and was told the same. I'm absolutely pee'd off with o2 with these prices. I deliberately didn't upgrade to the 3g so I could supposedly get this one without any contract concerns, but I really feel o2 have priced me out. I'll wait a week or so but it looks like I'll be keeping the original phone and choosing the simplicity20 tariff...

 

[Brettikuss]

So there's lots of you all out there seriously want the 3Gs and would be happy to start a new contract, as long as you don't have to play the end of contract fee of no of months left x contract value.

And I'm betting there's also allot of people like me who have waited for the launch and decided its just not worth it for the 3Gs, but still desperate for an iPhone

Would this be a possible solution, current iphone users transfer their 3G contract intact with 6 months left to users like me, they will then be free to get a new 3Gs without having to pay the end of contract fee. We new iPhone users get a 1 year old 3G on a 6 month contract.

This seems reasonable? Possible solution here?

I for one would be over the moon to be able to arrange this 😀

 

[londonmystery]

doesn't bother me.

I have 2 contracts on o2, one is currently on a Blackberry and is due an upgrade from 6th June 2009. the other is my original and then 3g iphone which is due on 11th december 2009. both are on £45 pm tariffs.
So I shall be upgrading to 3gs on release day for free and then waiting for the next version in 2010 again upgrading for free.

On a slightly seperate note. People say Apple are greedy well I think that their customer service is awesome.
I bought a Macbook pro 6 weeks ago, along with 3 year applecare, using student discount.
After news of the latest models I called my local store and made enquiries about exchanging it for a new 1 as mine was now out of date.
The store manager was happy to authorise a free replacement and also because it was bought with student discount also said I could have the free ipod touch offer as well.
they may be greedy but could anyone ever see dixons or pcworld do this???

 

[Petoz]

All of the "O2 are ignoring loyal customers" etc etc moaning is ridiculous. If you signed up to an 18 month contract, see it through, or pay out. The iPhone is a great phone, but still just a phone! Us iPhone users are not special, as some amongst us clearly think. We are just O2's revenue stream. As are the users of nokia, blackberry, samsung etc. They aren't allowed to upgrade early, and dont moan if they aren't allowed to when samsung's newest flip phone arrives. Give it up.

As for the upgrade, yes the 3Gs is a great upgrade, but so is 3.0. And that arrives next week, and it is free! It will be like getting a new phone. I will sit around and wait until next June when the next iPhone is likely to come out, and sign up right away as my contract will have run out. If O2 could let users upgrade every year, why on earth would they spread the subsidy of the phone over 18/24 months?!

And for all the users who have come to the end of their iPhone 2 G contracts, or are about to sign up to an iPhone contract for the first time, please do not complain next June when another one comes out. A contract is a contract. If you are worried, buy the phone pay & go, and use a simplicity sim. then you wont be tied down and wont have to complain when O2 rightfully deny you an upgrade early.

My 2 pence worth. Rant over.

 

[Gibson88]

So there's lots of you all out there seriously want the 3Gs and would be happy to start a new contract, as long as you don't have to play the end of contract fee of no of months left x contract value.

And I'm betting there's also allot of people like me who have waited for the launch and decided its just not worth it for the 3Gs, but still desperate for an iPhone

Would this be a possible solution, current iphone users transfer their 3G contract intact with 6 months left to users like me, they will then be free to get a new 3Gs without having to pay the end of contract fee. We new iPhone users get a 1 year old 3G on a 6 month contract.

This seems reasonable? Possible solution here?

I for one would be over the moon to be able to arrange this 😀

I would defiantly do something like this, hit me up with a PM if you are interested.

 

[NStocks]

On a slightly seperate note. People say Apple are greedy well I think that their customer service is awesome.
I bought a Macbook pro 6 weeks ago, along with 3 year applecare, using student discount.
After news of the latest models I called my local store and made enquiries about exchanging it for a new 1 as mine was now out of date.
The store manager was happy to authorise a free replacement and also because it was bought with student discount also said I could have the free ipod touch offer as well.
they may be greedy but could anyone ever see dixons or pcworld do this???

You are very lucky !

I have to agree... Apple know how to treat their Customers well

 

[ictiosapiens]

Anyone in the UK can upgrade to a 3GS if desired.

You simply have to pay Apple's unsubsidised price if you are still within a contract, i.e. by buying the Pay & Go model. You can then swap over the SIM cards and continue your contract on the new iPhone. You don't need to pay off your contract or start a new one.

O2 subsidised the cost of the 3G and spread it over 18 or 24 months. They're not going to give you another subsidy until they've made their money back on the first subsidy, i.e when the contract has run it's course.

It's all very simple really, and I can't understand why some people seem so upset about it.

Well, not quite, as included in the P&G price is a year's worth of unlimited data, which probably amounts to about £120... So no matter what, you are still overpaying...

 

[ryanwarsaw]

I have not read every post in this thread but.... my concern is that 02 will not unlock your current phone even after completion of the contract. Many iPhones have firmware currently unlockable so how are people going to sell their locked phones and then upgrade? To me the real outrage is this fact.

I haven't lived in the Uk for the past 6 months (yet I pay my contract every month) and I was told by 02 they will not unlock my phone now or ever. If people are going to pay off their contracts to upgrade they IMO deserve to be able to have their old phone unlocked to be able to sell it legitimately.

Sorry if this was brought up but being locked down after you pay your entire contract is just wrong on many levels.

Luckily I was able to unlock my phone and they don't get their greedy roaming rates but this seems just a tad over the top. It is my phone when my contract is done it is my hardware. Not unlocking your phone if your contract has already been completed should be illegal. Does anybody else agree? Should I be happy with my new found use of it being an iPod?

Also I can not even get my iPhone serviced here in India even if it wasn't jailbroken and unlocked. So I pay roaming fees to call the UK and then book a flight back to make a genius appointment? This is ludicrous.

Is there any legal angle in the UK which would force 02 to unlock phones if the contract has reached it's conclusion?

 

[voodoofish]

O2 have admitted they've cut the amount by which they're subsidizing iPhones -

A spokeswoman for O2 told ZDNet UK on Tuesday that iPhones are now "less subsidised [by O2] than they were before".

Source

Since you don't get anything extra in the monthly plans, basically the reason the iPhone 3GS is more expensive than the iPhone 3G is because O2 are making more money out of us!

 

[liketom]

O2 have admitted they've cut the amount by which they're subsidizing iPhones -

Source

Since you don't get anything extra in the monthly plans, basically the reason the iPhone 3GS is more expensive than the iPhone 3G is because O2 are making more money out of us!

how many customers has o2 gained since iPhone ? i bet the picked up a few to make it worthwhile

 

[samab]

Many iPhones have firmware currently unlockable so how are people going to sell their locked phones and then upgrade?

You sell the iphone to a person who is interested in getting O2 service.

 

[ryanwarsaw]

You sell the iphone to a person who is interested in getting O2 service.

That makes sense I guess. It will certainly make the resale value of the phone much lower and not threaten new sales.