www.iva.co.uk

Hi,
I am coming up to the end of my 18 month contract with Orange. I would really like to change from Orange to 3 as they have alot cheaper deals than Orange, and I am not completely satisfied with the service from Orange over the last 18 months.
I know this is easier said than done. Does anyone know if 3 do credit checks (I know they probably will)
I have been in an IVA for 15 months. I have had no problems upgrading my daughters phone with Orange, obviously as I am an existing customer they dont bother the checks. I really want to say goodbye to Orange

Hi, nice to see you again.

You are unlikely to be able to change - I tried to change from O2 to 3 and didn't pass the credit checks. My daughter had to take out a contract for me.

I think you will have to stay are you are at the moment although I do believe some people have managed to get a contract with T Mobile.

Hi,
I didnt really think I would be able to but may give it a try, or I could just tell Orange I am leaving to go to 3 (son and daughter have contracts with Orange too, all in my name but they pay it) and see if that pursuades them to give me a better deal.

Yes I agree I wouldn't change now or you could be stuck. Just go to a lower better plan with Orange, if you tell them you're thinking of leaving and there is a better plan with another provider quote this to them and am certain they will match it.

Give them a try - I'm sure you will be able to secure a better deal with them.

HI i was discharged from bankruptcy in july 2009 and was offered a contract with three but they added £14 per month extra due to credit score and the price keeps on going up and up so have cancelled it.

I think they would allow you a SIM only deal first then a contract phone but they may leavy bigger charges due to your credit score.

Best of luck

I tried for myself and my husband and it was a big 'Computer says no! If you're in an IVA then it is doubtful that you will get a new contract with anyone else. I most certainly would not pay any extra because of my credit score.

Not heard of any other mobile company doing that.

I'm with 02 and on my upgrade this time they didn't offer me a free phone (the one I wanted) so I shopped around went with a different company but still with 02, free phone same contract (bizarre!) and got accepted straight away but again that's the same provider so I think that's why I passed the credit check assuming they did one? x

If you're already with them then they just check your account with them so there's never usually a problem.

I've got a monthly sim only pay as you go contract with T-mobile while I have been in a iva and pay via direct debit. I'm hoping after a year to see if I can upgrade to a propper monthly contract. Works for me though as I get free internet as an added booster. I tried to get a sim only deal with 02 but they wouldnt have it.

Good luck.

T Mobile are supposed to be quite good - you could try and upgrade now Janey. One or two of our posters have managed to do so.

Tesco Mobile offer a pay monthly SIM only tariff without credit score it takes £10 via direct debit then gives £30 extra to you, so infact you have £40 as a capped credit. They then review your account every six months with view of upgrade

I prefer a contract so I can get a decent phone which I have now with 3 courtesy of daughter! Unlimited internet access as well!

I thought about changing to PAYG but I was lucky and kept my contract when I went BR so it seems pointless to change as I know I wouldn't get another contract for a few years. I like to have a new phone as well so sim only wouldn't suit me!

Thanks everyone. My phone is about dead so need a contract phone. But may try T Mobile as it has better deals with nicer phones. Failing that will have to stick to orange.