New 2 part contracts are a rip off and confusing

[DH2074]

We have just come to the end of our contract 24 months and started looking for a new one only to find that EE have started this complicated rip off 2 part contract,  24 month data package with varying Mbps speeds and 36 month phone contract with an option for 24 month which bumps the price right up.... no loyalty bonus now either with 20% off 

So for a new phone and the same sort of package I'm looking at £80 plus per month I feel it's a bit of a rip off and a kick in the face of loyal over 15 years customers. 

The phone over the contract period is also more expensive than buying direct it's ridiculous how greedy these networks are getting 

Looks like we will be going else where this time round been a hell of a ride EE  

I would be interested to hear what other people think 

[Matt_124]

What 20% discount are you referring to?

24 Month bundled plans are also still available, but the self-service channels will default to Flex Pay if you're eligible for it. A lot of customers value being able to split their cost over a longer term of 36 Months, especially as it is interest free.

You also don't state what kind of plan you're looking for and what benefits you get with your current plan? Essentials, All Rounder, Full Works, Data Allowance or device you're looking for?

Calling EE or going in store and stating that you don't want a Flex Pay plan (Device Finance) will allow you to find one that suits your needs.

The device cost varies in a lot of cases but EE will cover the phone under warranty for the length of the contract, as such sometimes this can be reflected in the cost (particularly with Apple products which usually only have 12 months of manufacturer warranty).  In other cases the device cost can actually be cheaper than what it is to buy the device directly (was the case with the Pixel devices in the past where there was a £100+ saving on device cost vs retail price).

[Chris_B · Accepted solution]

@DH2074     So you’re happy paying a yearly price increase on a device that is actually going down in value.    Thats what you are doing when not paying via a flex plan.   

 Yearly price increase on the flex plan is just on the airtime part of the contract not the device contract.    The cost of the device is the same over 24 or 36 you’re just paying less each month over 36 months.      Looks like you actually need to look at it closer and do the actual math.  

[Northerner]

Hi @DH2074 

Maybe consider Sim only and buy your handsets separately if you even need a handset. EE SIM only deals offer some good deals. 

You can try speaking to EE CS to see what deals they can offer. 

Thanks 

[bristolian]

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@DH2074 wrote:

EE have started this complicated rip off 2 part contract,  24 month data package with varying Mbps speeds and 36 month phone contract with an option for 24 month which bumps the price right up..it's ridiculous how greedy these networks are getting 

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The new FlexPay plans were introduced as a result of consumer pressure, and intended to address some common points of complaint

1: Monthly prices not automatically reducing at the end of the minimum term when the phone has been "paid off"

2: Annual price rises applying to both the phone & airtime element

Your post is a good illustration of the "no-win" situation that networks find themselves in, that whatever position they adopt will attract complaints from unhappy users. The suggestion of having a SIM-only plan & purchasing your phone outright SIM-free, is a wise one - and is what you should validly compare a FlexPay plan against.

[DH2074]

The 20% perk discount was put on to my wife and my contract 2 years ago as a loyalty bonus having been with EE for years when we spoke to someone 2 years ago.

And not strictly true on costs, I've just Bought x 2 S25 Ultras from Samsung for £2040 which is approximately £600 cheaper than getting a device from EE  over 2 or 3 years and as for the warranty yes EE cover it but will only cover certain things (I know I tried)  so what I recommend is find a discount code for Samsung plenty available and buy direct from Samsung i also got 2 pairs of bud 3s free  and I'm paying interest free over 12 months so I'll get an all you can eat sim and that's it simple..... not being over charged for phones and data packages pays to shop about !!! 

[DH2074]

No but I am happy saving around £1200 on 2 devices and data packages 😀 compared to getting any plan anyone can offer 😉 

[DH2074]

Tried that hoping for that 20% perk but they would not offer anything this time round.... but yes that is what I would normally do and usually get a good deal.

[DH2074]

I've saved £1200+ over 2 contracts better than any flex plan or any plan for that matter 

[DH2074]

Now you do the Maths 😀😀😀