o2 Stop their text msg from abroad using your free allowance

[take_that]

Just been informed that for all new or upgrades on o2 (UK mobilephone network) since 20th February 2010, you will no longer get the 4 for 1 deal. Appartently they have replaced their previous x number of text messages a month with the new unlimited text package which makes the previous 4 - 4 - 1 unviable.

Previously, if you texted a UK mobile from anywhere in the world, they would allow this free of charge providing you had enough text credits remaining in your monthly/sim only plan. They would then subtract 4 of your free remaining texts for this international text message.

The next question is, what is the next best UK network deal/promotion to minimise the text message costs to the UK. I know Vodaphone do their "passport" promotion which currently is available in only 36 countries and still costs 10p per message but that is only really useful if you visit EU countries a lot.

Are there any Blackberry promotions available in the UK which allow you to send and receive emails whilst abroad for free?

Any advice gratefully received.

[On the Straight and Level]

I think the point that the first poster was highlighting was for those who use their mobiles abroad to text back to the UK. I presume that ASFKAP is talking about having nipping in to an internet cafe or such like to send a text message from there? Alternatively, using the web browser on the phone whilst abroad would cost significantly more than the original text message anyway.

I've just been looking in to this as my contract is due for renewel. Tesco's mobile apparantley do a promotion which on the face of it seems a little steep but actually could prove useful if 'take_that' is using a lot of internet use abroad.

The deal is for a top of the range Iphone 32gb which will cost an additional £50 but the tariff allows unlimited calls and texts within the UK only, along with unlimited internet use in any country where you can get 3g coverage. This comes at the price of £60/month and you are locked in for 24 months.

As mentioned previously this although reasonably appearing reasonably expensive could prove significantly less so if you were a regular 'web guru' or had a small internet business which you need to keep a check on.

Unfortunately, I can't add any more light on the subject of a tariff that allows free texts from abraod to the UK as O2 used to do.

Perhaps someone else will know of another similar scheme?

[liam548]

will it affect my existing tariff this, that was a major plus point of o2, using free allowance abroad. If not ill stick with my 1600 text allowance per month and not upgrade to an unlimited text option.

[Aerouk]

If you are on any previous tariffs and are given a text allowance, i.e. 500 texts on all of the iPhone tariffs then you will continue to receive your 4-1 on both international and MMS services.

At the point of your next upgrade you will lose that, along with your free voicemail calls.

O2 do offer a 500 text bolt on for £7.50 which includes the 4-1 deal, however I'm not 100% sure if it can be added to the new tariffs or not it's something I'll have a look into when I get the chance.

[liam548]

IM not on an iphone tariff nor do i own one. I am on the simplicity tariff and get 1600 texts unlimited internet and 800 minutes.

So I presume that based on what you say, I still get the inclusive messages abroad and as long as I dont change my tariff to an unlimited messages one I will contonue?

Thanks

[Aerouk]

I was using the iPhone tariff as an example and yes you are correct, if you are on the same contract they can't change that.

[liam548]

thanks. Emailed o2 and reply was

"Thanks for getting in touch about sending MMS and texts from abroad.
I'll surely check this for you.

You'll be happy to know that sending picture messages and texts from
abroad are included in your monthly allowances.

I've checked your account carefully. I'm pleased to inform you that:

- With your tariff (Simplicity 20, 12 month), you get 1600 text messages
as your inclusive allowance
- 1 international text or a picture message sent from anywhere consumes
4 text messages from your inclusive allowance
- This means you can send up to 400 international texts or picture
messages every month.

I hope this answers your query to your satisfaction.
K