Anyone using Orange 3G data services?

**Darren M** · 05-03-07

I bought a new 3G handset a few weeks ago. The Orange website says that you get 1GB of data per month free usage for the first 3 months and some free video calls (not that I use video). So I took advantage of this offer and I've had the phone connected to my laptop, which enabled me to work on the train when I had coverage.

This month my first bill came in at just over £380! I called Orange and pointed out the free data offer published on their website but they wouldn't have any of it. They said as I'd purchased the new contract and handset through their retentions dept, that the offer didn't apply. I wonder how many others have been caught out?

The annoying thing is, if I'd have known I could have bought an Orange data package - Orange World Access 400 for around £50 instead of £380+. I asked them about retrospectively applying this data package, but they said that wasn't possible either.

I knew they were desperate to recoup those 3G licence fees, but I for one won't be using their 3G data service again. I'll probably buy a vodafone data card now.

**ep90** · 05-03-07

I wouldn't bother with the vodaphone uk card either - for £25 you only get 250Mb a month! The same package with Vodaphone Ireland gives you 5Gb a month.

T-Mobile (UK) seems like a good deal £29 / month, unlimited but a fair usage policy of 1Gb applys. Though the T-Mobile software does not work with Vista.

**jrisby** · 05-03-07

i've had similar problems recently with them. charged twice for data services when i was on a free trial. similar amounts involved. i managed to get it removed in the end. tell them you will bin your phone and never use them again. have you been with them long? i've had the same account/number for about 13 years (crazy...) so that might have helped but do give it a go.

**Rich** · 05-03-07

Originally Posted by ep90

T-Mobile (UK) seems like a good deal £29 / month, unlimited but a fair usage policy of 1Gb applys.

I think its still a good deal, but it was £20/month (17+vat) when it launched with 2Gb and no VOIP restriction, and they were offering £73 commission. Still can't quite work out why I didn't go for it!

I read today that T-Mobile staff can give their friends half price line rental. (link). Maybe one of the networks/retailers would like to make us affiliates a great offer for a bit of extra promotion!

**Darren M** · 07-03-07

Originally Posted by jrisby

i've had similar problems recently with them. charged twice for data services when i was on a free trial. similar amounts involved. i managed to get it removed in the end. tell them you will bin your phone and never use them again. have you been with them long? i've had the same account/number for about 13 years (crazy...) so that might have helped but do give it a go.

I've been with them about 8 or 9 years and I've got 2 Orange contract handsets registered to my business. The problem is I've just signed up 2 new contracts, so I'm tied in. I even said I'd signup to one of their £50/month data plans if they could sort this out, but they wouldn't budge.

They're giving me the run around at the moment. I called customer services and asked about making a written complaint. They gave me an email address to use, the next day I got a email reply back telling me to call customer services instead. It sounds like they're using the old 'send the customer around in circles until they give up' technique. I've asked them to send me a postal address

**jrisby** · 07-03-07

Originally Posted by top5kit.com

I've been with them about 8 or 9 years and I've got 2 Orange contract handsets registered to my business. The problem is I've just signed up 2 new contracts, so I'm tied in. I even said I'd signup to one of their £50/month data plans if they could sort this out, but they wouldn't budge.

They're giving me the run around at the moment. I called customer services and asked about making a written complaint. They gave me an email address to use, the next day I got a email reply back telling me to call customer services instead. It sounds like they're using the old 'send the customer around in circles until they give up' technique. I've asked them to send me a postal address

i had just signed up to a new contract too (about 3 months in). i'd keep trying if i were you. tell them that you have a long memory and that you will walk away at the end of your contract, that you'll never use orange again, and that you will tell everyone how badly you were treated and never recommend them again.

**Darren M** · 07-03-07

Originally Posted by jrisby

i had just signed up to a new contract too (about 3 months in). i'd keep trying if i were you. tell them that you have a long memory and that you will walk away at the end of your contract, that you'll never use orange again, and that you will tell everyone how badly you were treated and never recommend them again.

Don't worry, I'm not going to give up on this one