Salute Friend

Mobile broadband service provider O2 charges its subscribers a shocking ₤200.70 per GB for data downloads exceeding the contracted limit. This is the highest charged by any service provider across the UK, and is likely to send subscribers into a fit.

O2 however, defended the steep penalty fee, claiming it was primarily meant as a deterrent for those using their broadband service beyond the contracted limits. A representative claimed that O2 had a robust customer information network in place, which informed customers through messages about their data usage, especially when their data usage reached the 50 percent mark, and again at 90 and 100 per cent marks.

Even where customers were not too sure of their cap, the service provider usually kept them posted, he said, stating that very few customers crossed their data usage limits. This in turn ensured a good broadband experience for all customers, he claimed.

Interestingly, the ₤200.70 charge does not apply to customers downloading data through other networks while travelling abroad. This data download is calculated over and above the contracted limits, and is subject to a roaming charge based on the respective network being accessed. No mention has been made in the O2 terms and conditions on the exact fee applicable, only that these would be significant. This has irked many customers who feel that the company has not been clear about its charges, despite the fact that they are so high.

For mobile broadband advice, a dedicated site like Broadband Genie is a good place to look, the mobile broadband reviews and articles offer a good insight into the various ISP’s practices.