Didn't Change To Sim-Only After Commitment Period

[jclloydy2]

Hello!

I've just discovered / realised that I could've switched to a sim-only contract in Nov 2015 (a two year period to cover the cost of the handset + tariff).

As such I've been paying the original price of £37 a month since then.

Is there any recourse for this overpayment or do I have to take it on the chin?

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi @jclloydy2

Yes a Pay Monthly Contract drops onto a 30 Day Rolling Contract when the 24 Months has passed.

It's then up to the Account Holder to decide to upgrade to a new tariff and included phone , go to Sim Only or Payg.

"Take it on the chin" I'm afraid as it's not really an overpayment and I'm assuming you've still been using the minutes, texts and data allowance per month. 

[jeffkinn]

It's very common for people to continue paying full price for a contract that includes a handset once the two year period is over. This has been quite a lot of publicity especially on the moneysavingexpert website.

It isn't an overpayment in the sense that you mean it and you certainly won't be able to get anything back from the network. It's always a good idea to upgrade as soon as possible, especially if that means you can move to a cheaper tariff.

[jclloydy2]

Thanks both.

My fault I guess. Should've been more aware.

I did use the minutes and texts (but assume a sim-only would also include minutes and texts - at a cheaper price?).

I guess in an ideal world Vodafone would have alerted me before the period, then periodically at 3 month intervals. I consider it an 'overpayment' in the sense that Vodafone clearly didn't have my best interests in mind.

Thanks again

[jeffkinn]

If you mean should Vodafone have told you that you could reduce your monthly payments, I suppose in an ideal world they should have done. But I'm not sure that any company would do that unless they were forced to by a regulator or legislation.

[jclloydy2]

Agreed 

Or if they wanted to retain my business.