24 Month Plan but only 12 Months Warranty

This really pisses me off, just about all phones sold on contract lock
you into a 24 month contract yet you only get 12 months warranty on them.

Most phones these days don't even last 24 months before developing
problems and you are stuck with the junk until the contract is up. This
leaves you two options pay big $$$ to have them repaired or $$$ to pay
your contract out to upgrade.

This really sucks especially if you make lots of calls, SMS or GPRS data
each month and use a high end phone.

The phone companies are quick to get the money off us each month but
they are not prepared to provide us with decent phones on a reasonable
contract.


--
The views I present are that of my own and NOT of any organisation I may
belong to.

73 de Simon, VK3XEM.
<http://web.acma.gov.au/pls/radcom/client_search.client_lookup?pCLIENT_NO=157452>

---

› See More: 24 Month Plan but only 12 Months Warranty

Simon Templar <[email protected]> wrote:
> This really pisses me off, just about all phones sold on contract lock
> you into a 24 month contract yet you only get 12 months warranty on
> them.
> Most phones these days don't even last 24 months before developing
> problems and you are stuck with the junk until the contract is up. This leaves you two options pay
> big $$$ to have them repaired or $$$
> to pay your contract out to upgrade.
>
> This really sucks especially if you make lots of calls, SMS or GPRS
> data each month and use a high end phone.
>
> The phone companies are quick to get the money off us each month but
> they are not prepared to provide us with decent phones on a reasonable
> contract.

No one is forcing you to get involved in a contract. You can
buy the phone outright and not bother with a contract at all.

The phone companies are not the handset manufactures and do not provide
the handset warranty. The warranty is provided by the manufacturer and
is identical, whether you buy the phone outright or recieve it for
free/subsidized, for agreeing to 2 years service with the network
provider.

If you want your phone to be covered by a waranty for the life of the
contract, Optus dealers and probably other stores allow you to extend
the warranty at a smal extra fee ($3.30 per month for the first 12
months or $36 up front) much the same way, stores like Harvey Norman
with sell you an extended waranty for regular household applicences.

Most peoples mobiles do last 2 years. Other than replacing the battery.
I have phones that are 5 years old that still work perfectly.

If you are heavy handed or an extreamy heavy user of a mobile, expect
to either purchase the extended warranty or be prepared to shell out
for another mobile during the contract life. Of course you do have the
option of buying your phones outright with no contract what so ever.


Simon Templar wrote:
> This really pisses me off, just about all phones sold on contract lock
> you into a 24 month contract yet you only get 12 months warranty on them.
>
> Most phones these days don't even last 24 months before developing
> problems and you are stuck with the junk until the contract is up. This
> leaves you two options pay big $$$ to have them repaired or $$$ to pay
> your contract out to upgrade.
>
> This really sucks especially if you make lots of calls, SMS or GPRS data
> each month and use a high end phone.
>
> The phone companies are quick to get the money off us each month but
> they are not prepared to provide us with decent phones on a reasonable
> contract.
>
>
> --
> The views I present are that of my own and NOT of any organisation I may
> belong to.
>
> 73 de Simon, VK3XEM.
> <http://web.acma.gov.au/pls/radcom/client_search.client_lookup?pCLIENT_NO=157452>

Simon Templar wrote:
> This really pisses me off, just about all phones sold on contract lock
> you into a 24 month contract yet you only get 12 months warranty on them.

I must have been fortunate at my last contract renewal - Optus threw in
the extended warranty for no extra charge. Mind you there's no problems
with the actual handset itself so far... *touches wood*

"Simon Templar" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:451ea3a2$0$4674$61c65585@un-2park-reader-01.sydney.pipenetworks.com.au...
> This really pisses me off, just about all phones sold on contract lock you
> into a 24 month contract yet you only get 12 months warranty on them.

then buy outright and you dont have this problem

> Most phones these days don't even last 24 months before developing
> problems and you are stuck with the junk until the contract is up. This
> leaves you two options pay big $$$ to have them repaired or $$$ to pay
> your contract out to upgrade.

that is YOU, the customers fault. you want something for nothing, all the
time.

you never want to pay anything for your phone, even if it makes economical
sense. you pushed out contract lengths from 12 months, to 15, to 18, and now
to 24.

> The phone companies are quick to get the money off us each month but they
> are not prepared to provide us with decent phones on a reasonable
> contract.

see above. you dont understand simple economics

Michael wrote:
> "Simon Templar" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:451ea3a2$0$4674$61c65585@un-2park-reader-01.sydney.pipenetworks.com.au...
>> This really pisses me off, just about all phones sold on contract lock you
>> into a 24 month contract yet you only get 12 months warranty on them.
>
> then buy outright and you dont have this problem
>
>> Most phones these days don't even last 24 months before developing
>> problems and you are stuck with the junk until the contract is up. This
>> leaves you two options pay big $$$ to have them repaired or $$$ to pay
>> your contract out to upgrade.
>
> that is YOU, the customers fault. you want something for nothing, all the
> time.
>
> you never want to pay anything for your phone, even if it makes economical
> sense. you pushed out contract lengths from 12 months, to 15, to 18, and now
> to 24.
>
>> The phone companies are quick to get the money off us each month but they
>> are not prepared to provide us with decent phones on a reasonable
>> contract.
>
> see above. you dont understand simple economics
>
>

Paying the phone off isn't getting something for nothing. It's just the
same type of deal you get if you buy something interest free from the
likes of Harvey Norman.

"Rod Speed" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Simon Templar <[email protected]> wrote:
>> This really pisses me off, just about all phones sold on contract lock
>> you into a 24 month contract yet you only get 12 months warranty on
>> them.
>> Most phones these days don't even last 24 months before developing
>> problems and you are stuck with the junk until the contract is up. This
>> leaves you two options pay big $$$ to have them repaired or $$$
>> to pay your contract out to upgrade.
>>
>> This really sucks especially if you make lots of calls, SMS or GPRS
>> data each month and use a high end phone.
>>
>> The phone companies are quick to get the money off us each month but
>> they are not prepared to provide us with decent phones on a reasonable
>> contract.
>
> No one is forcing you to get involved in a contract. You can
> buy the phone outright and not bother with a contract at all.
>

Indeed this is what I do. And I try and buy outright with a gold credit card
wherever possible for the extended warranty, as I've found Simon's pretty
much spot on - if the phone doesn't develop problems in the first year it
usually (and I do mean usually) will in the second.

Phone companies just LOVE charging you RRP for a phone on contract.

Fact is, for "mature" phones released on the market (short as a couple of
months) the street price for a phone can be significantly less than the
manufacturer's list price.

If you can't negotiate the contracted purchase price down then buy outright
(with the extended warranty credit card option if you have it) and don't get
locked into a contract again.

eg Nokia N80...Telstra offering a 24month contract based on RRP of $1199
(check..certainly over a thousand was quoted).

Yet an Australian-supply N80 (Oz plug, Oz 12month Nokia warranty etc) can be
had on eBay, from a phone reseller/dealer, for under $700, with a tax
invoice.

If you're prepared to buy an OS fone (eg Hong Kong), then a bit cheaper but
IMHO not worth the warranty hassles.

ALTERNATIVE TWO:
If you ARE locked into a 24 month contract and want/need to change
heandsets... if you're a high value customer, negotiate an upgrade. Optus in
the past has happily provided an upgraded handset before contract
end...especially when you intend to use more features (eg data) that may not
have been available on the old handset.

You make more calls, your phone works...


"Jeremy Quirke" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Rod Speed" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Simon Templar <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> This really pisses me off, just about all phones sold on contract lock
>>> you into a 24 month contract yet you only get 12 months warranty on
>>> them.
>>> Most phones these days don't even last 24 months before developing
>>> problems and you are stuck with the junk until the contract is up. This
>>> leaves you two options pay big $$$ to have them repaired or $$$
>>> to pay your contract out to upgrade.
>>>
>>> This really sucks especially if you make lots of calls, SMS or GPRS
>>> data each month and use a high end phone.
>>>
>>> The phone companies are quick to get the money off us each month but
>>> they are not prepared to provide us with decent phones on a reasonable
>>> contract.
>>
>> No one is forcing you to get involved in a contract. You can
>> buy the phone outright and not bother with a contract at all.
>>
>
> Indeed this is what I do. And I try and buy outright with a gold credit
> card wherever possible for the extended warranty, as I've found Simon's
> pretty much spot on - if the phone doesn't develop problems in the first
> year it usually (and I do mean usually) will in the second.
>

"Graeme Willox" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Michael wrote:
>> "Simon Templar" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:451ea3a2$0$4674$61c65585@un-2park-reader-01.sydney.pipenetworks.com.au...
>>> This really pisses me off, just about all phones sold on contract lock
>>> you into a 24 month contract yet you only get 12 months warranty on
>>> them.
>>
>> then buy outright and you dont have this problem
>>
>>> Most phones these days don't even last 24 months before developing
>>> problems and you are stuck with the junk until the contract is up. This
>>> leaves you two options pay big $$$ to have them repaired or $$$ to pay
>>> your contract out to upgrade.
>>
>> that is YOU, the customers fault. you want something for nothing, all the
>> time.
>>
>> you never want to pay anything for your phone, even if it makes
>> economical sense. you pushed out contract lengths from 12 months, to 15,
>> to 18, and now to 24.
>>
>>> The phone companies are quick to get the money off us each month but
>>> they are not prepared to provide us with decent phones on a reasonable
>>> contract.
>>
>> see above. you dont understand simple economics
>
> Paying the phone off isn't getting something for nothing. It's just the
> same type of deal you get if you buy something interest free from the
> likes of Harvey Norman.

If it is an MRO type arrangement where your service plan is seperate to your
handset, then it is.

But most are NOT, they are a combined service offer and phone option.

Do you SERIOUSLY think that a 24 month contract for $20 per month, with $0
upfront, that the phone is FREE?

"Jeremy Quirke" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Rod Speed" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Simon Templar <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> This really pisses me off, just about all phones sold on contract lock
>>> you into a 24 month contract yet you only get 12 months warranty on
>>> them.
>>> Most phones these days don't even last 24 months before developing
>>> problems and you are stuck with the junk until the contract is up. This
>>> leaves you two options pay big $$$ to have them repaired or $$$
>>> to pay your contract out to upgrade.
>>>
>>> This really sucks especially if you make lots of calls, SMS or GPRS
>>> data each month and use a high end phone.
>>>
>>> The phone companies are quick to get the money off us each month but
>>> they are not prepared to provide us with decent phones on a reasonable
>>> contract.
>>
>> No one is forcing you to get involved in a contract. You can
>> buy the phone outright and not bother with a contract at all.
>>
>
> Indeed this is what I do. And I try and buy outright with a gold credit
> card wherever possible for the extended warranty, as I've found Simon's
> pretty much spot on - if the phone doesn't develop problems in the first
> year it usually (and I do mean usually) will in the second.

Which gold cards give you the extended warranty?

"Michael" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Jeremy Quirke" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>
>> "Rod Speed" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> Simon Templar <[email protected]> wrote:
>>>> This really pisses me off, just about all phones sold on contract lock
>>>> you into a 24 month contract yet you only get 12 months warranty on
>>>> them.
>>>> Most phones these days don't even last 24 months before developing
>>>> problems and you are stuck with the junk until the contract is up. This
>>>> leaves you two options pay big $$$ to have them repaired or $$$
>>>> to pay your contract out to upgrade.
>>>>
>>>> This really sucks especially if you make lots of calls, SMS or GPRS
>>>> data each month and use a high end phone.
>>>>
>>>> The phone companies are quick to get the money off us each month but
>>>> they are not prepared to provide us with decent phones on a reasonable
>>>> contract.
>>>
>>> No one is forcing you to get involved in a contract. You can
>>> buy the phone outright and not bother with a contract at all.
>>>
>>
>> Indeed this is what I do. And I try and buy outright with a gold credit
>> card wherever possible for the extended warranty, as I've found Simon's
>> pretty much spot on - if the phone doesn't develop problems in the first
>> year it usually (and I do mean usually) will in the second.
>
> Which gold cards give you the extended warranty?
>

Well all of the major banks' gold cards to start with.

Michael wrote:
> "Graeme Willox" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Michael wrote:
>>> "Simon Templar" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>> news:451ea3a2$0$4674$61c65585@un-2park-reader-01.sydney.pipenetworks.com.au...
>>>> This really pisses me off, just about all phones sold on contract lock
>>>> you into a 24 month contract yet you only get 12 months warranty on
>>>> them.
>>> then buy outright and you dont have this problem
>>>
>>>> Most phones these days don't even last 24 months before developing
>>>> problems and you are stuck with the junk until the contract is up. This
>>>> leaves you two options pay big $$$ to have them repaired or $$$ to pay
>>>> your contract out to upgrade.
>>> that is YOU, the customers fault. you want something for nothing, all the
>>> time.
>>>
>>> you never want to pay anything for your phone, even if it makes
>>> economical sense. you pushed out contract lengths from 12 months, to 15,
>>> to 18, and now to 24.
>>>
>>>> The phone companies are quick to get the money off us each month but
>>>> they are not prepared to provide us with decent phones on a reasonable
>>>> contract.
>>> see above. you dont understand simple economics
>> Paying the phone off isn't getting something for nothing. It's just the
>> same type of deal you get if you buy something interest free from the
>> likes of Harvey Norman.
>
> If it is an MRO type arrangement where your service plan is seperate to your
> handset, then it is.
>
> But most are NOT, they are a combined service offer and phone option.
>
> Do you SERIOUSLY think that a 24 month contract for $20 per month, with $0
> upfront, that the phone is FREE?
>
>

The last three phones I've bought (CDMA) have been on MRO. Telstra
hasn't offered me a $0 CDMA phone ever, not even when I was on their
$150 a month plan. Now that I've gone through a dealer, at least I'm
not on a $150 plan any more.

"Michael" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Do you SERIOUSLY think that a 24 month contract for $20 per month, with $0
> upfront, that the phone is FREE?

Yes - at least for the consumer. The provider foots the bill, and
recuperates the costs by signing you to their network for 24 months.

AP

"Graeme Willox" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Michael wrote:
>> "Graeme Willox" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> Michael wrote:
>>>> "Simon Templar" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>> news:451ea3a2$0$4674$61c65585@un-2park-reader-01.sydney.pipenetworks.com.au...
>>>>> This really pisses me off, just about all phones sold on contract lock
>>>>> you into a 24 month contract yet you only get 12 months warranty on
>>>>> them.
>>>> then buy outright and you dont have this problem
>>>>
>>>>> Most phones these days don't even last 24 months before developing
>>>>> problems and you are stuck with the junk until the contract is up.
>>>>> This leaves you two options pay big $$$ to have them repaired or $$$
>>>>> to pay your contract out to upgrade.
>>>> that is YOU, the customers fault. you want something for nothing, all
>>>> the time.
>>>>
>>>> you never want to pay anything for your phone, even if it makes
>>>> economical sense. you pushed out contract lengths from 12 months, to
>>>> 15, to 18, and now to 24.
>>>>
>>>>> The phone companies are quick to get the money off us each month but
>>>>> they are not prepared to provide us with decent phones on a reasonable
>>>>> contract.
>>>> see above. you dont understand simple economics
>>> Paying the phone off isn't getting something for nothing. It's just the
>>> same type of deal you get if you buy something interest free from the
>>> likes of Harvey Norman.
>>
>> If it is an MRO type arrangement where your service plan is seperate to
>> your handset, then it is.
>>
>> But most are NOT, they are a combined service offer and phone option.
>>
>> Do you SERIOUSLY think that a 24 month contract for $20 per month, with
>> $0 upfront, that the phone is FREE?
>
> The last three phones I've bought (CDMA) have been on MRO. Telstra hasn't
> offered me a $0 CDMA phone ever, not even when I was on their $150 a month
> plan. Now that I've gone through a dealer, at least I'm

You havent had your eyes open. Telstra and other carriers have been doing $0
plans on a $150 since at least 1997

> not on a $150 plan any more.

"Pagey" <adpage@invalid> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Michael" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>
>> Do you SERIOUSLY think that a 24 month contract for $20 per month, with
>> $0 upfront, that the phone is FREE?
>
> Yes - at least for the consumer. The provider foots the bill, and
> recuperates the costs by signing you to their network for 24 months.
>

Youve got no idea, clearly