Wireless Internet Reviews
O2 UK Mobile Broadband Service
Overview
Originally known as BT Cellnet, O2 was formed in 2001 following a demerger of BT Group's businesses during a restructure. Headquarted in Slough, the O2 network has been owned by Telefonica since 2006.
The O2 network has one of the largest subscriber bases of any other mobile provider in the UK. Broadband speeds can be achieved on O2's third generation networks that currently cover all the major cities in the UK.
Pros: One of the big selling points of O2 mobile broadband is that it offers unlimited access to 7,500 Wi-Fi hotspots in the UK. You can also tie the purchase of mobile broadband service from O2 to some great deals on home broadband services.
Cons: Unfortunately O2 offer little in the way of modem broadband options. You can only get mobile broadband allowance of 3GB per month and there is only one USB modem to choose from. On top of this O2's 3g network coverage isn't extensive and per month you are paying more than the competition.
Detailed Provider Information
Plans: O2 offers three tiers of service: Pay Monthly, Pay & Go, and Business. The Pay Monthly plan offers two tiers of service, 3GB and 10GB. With a 24-month contract, O2 offers a free USB modem and a rate of £10 per month for the first four months and £15 for the remainder of the contract. An 18-month contract also comes with a free USB modem and costs £15 per month. The one-month costs £15 per month, but the modem costs £29.35. Overages are charged at 20p per MB. The Pay & Go plan offers Daily, Weekly, and Monthly service. The modem for all plans costs £29.35. For Daily the data cap is 500MB and the cost is £2 per day. The Weekly plan costs £7.50 per week with a data cap of 1GB, and the Monthly plan costs £15 per month and comes with a 3GB cap. Finally, their business plan offers two tiers: 3GB and 9GB. For the 3GB plan, a rolling monthly contract costs £12.77 per month with a device cost of £25.52. A 12-month contract costs £17.02 per month and the device costs £42.54. An 18-month contract comes with a free device and costs £12.77 per month. A 24-month contract costs £12.77 per month, but is free for the first three months and comes with a free device. For the 9GB plans, a 12-month contract costs £32.34 per month and the device costs £42.54. An 18-month contract comes with a free device and costs £28.09 per month, and a 24-month contract costs £23.83, also coming with a free device. All O2 broadband plans come with free Wi-Fi access.
Customer Service: Customer service can be reached by a toll-free number between 8 AM and 9 PM Monday through till Friday and 10 AM till 6 PM on Saturday and Sunday. You can also reach customer service through email and at all store locations.
Credit Check: All mobile broadband plans are subject to a credit check.
Payment Options: You can pay your O2 bill online, through monthly direct debit. By mail with cheque or postal order or in store.
Bandwidth Restrictions: The current maximum downlink speed on the O2 network is 1.8Mbps. Actual speeds on the network tend to vary and be a lot lower.
Activation Fee: No
Cancellation Fee: Early termination of your contract will result in £50 cancellation fee.
Roaming Charges: Roaming charges range from £3 per MB to £6 per MB depending on which country you are in.
Modems and PC Cards: There is only one USB modem available for O2. This is free when you enter into a contract with O2 or for £99.99 if you opt for monthly pay as you go.
Some of the Available Modems and PC Cards are listed below:
O2 branded Sierra Wireless Aircard® 875U
Coverage Map: O2 Mobile Broadband Coverage Map
Aaron JonesBe warned! If you cancel a rolling contract then for whatever reason decide you want to reinstate the service they will make you buy another modem. Happened to me now I have useless modem as I refuse to purchase another just to get the service I want. That's just poor customer service.
