Virgin Media O2 Slams Rivals for Ripping Off Customers on Phone Contracts
Customers Paying for Phones They Already Own
Virgin Media O2 has accused rival firms of “swindling” customers by keeping them locked into contracts that continue charging handset fees long after the phone is paid off.
A fresh survey reveals nearly 4% of UK mobile users on EE, O2, and Three are stuck on rolled-over contracts. Virgin Media O2 claims this costs consumers a staggering £530 million every year for phones they no longer owe anything on.
Split Contracts: Virgin’s Fair Play
The network says it’s been ahead of the game for over a decade with its split contracts. These deals automatically drop the monthly cost once the handset is paid off. Today, split contracts make up over 95% of Virgin Media O2’s plans.
Rivals Hit Back
But rivals aren’t taking the accusations lying down. They insist they also offer plans where customers pay a fixed monthly fee covering airtime, usage, and phone payments. Once the initial contract ends, users own their phone outright and can switch to cheaper deals focusing only on calls, texts, and data.
What You Need to Do
Virgin Media O2’s claims serve as a warning: Always check your contract terms. Don’t keep paying for your phone after it’s paid off — shop around for a better deal to save cash.
