"Tx2" <this.is.an.inv@lid.address.u.know.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.204189a6a1126ed59896c4@News.Individual.NE T...

I signed up for an 18mth O2 contract last June. It's a basic £17 per
month contract, run of the mill.

My circumstances have changed, and I would like to upgrade my tariff to
nearer £35 per month, but also my handset to an Orbit.

O2 say I can't, that is, I can upgrade my tariff, but not the handset.

I was rather surprised at this. I want to double my spend with them (and
then some) but they aren't prepared to upgrade my handset to something
more appropriate to my needs. Happy to take more money from me, but not
give me a better deal in doing so.

OK, a contract is a contract, but some flexibility wouldn't hurt,
expecially as I have been a customer for a few years now.

I called customer services who were quite terse with me, so whilst
somewhat annoyed, I asked to speak to cancellations. The latter seemed
quite happy for me to buy my way out of the contract. Customer retention
policy seemed nil.

I can't afford to buy my way out as they suggest a figure of £192 is
what I can expect to pay (I don't agree with their maths but...)

Is there any other way around this, save taking out a new contract, that
anyone can suggest?

I'm happy to stay with O2, I just want to upgrade my tariff, *and* my
handset.

--
Change to the new plan AND pay the upgrade fee, which might be what you are
really asking how to avoid.
That is the only way around it as you can't afford to buy your way out of a
contract or take a new one.