Jofm5
I wasn't looking for sympathy. Far from it in fact. I was actually trying to warn people of the scams that exist. Indeed, you have reminded that the network suppliers has its scammers by charging some really outrageous tariffs so they are not entirely blameless. Mine is a new phone and it was tied to Orange. It is my choice, and yours and anybody else who wishes to change, by unlocking it and continuing to use Virgin. It took just 30 minutes and I didn't have to have a PAC number - just my sim card and a few deft changes and it was done.
And, btw, the networks have been shafting EVERYONE one way and another for years. Why should you complain that its payback time - if only for a small fee? Ofcom anyway are on their case and things will change for OUR benefit and about time too.