Migrating to O2 from Tesco

[WarmthAndDepth]

Considering buying a phone which is like locked to O2 (and apparently can't be unlocked according to the seller, Second Hand Phones). Really like being with Tesco, so feels like a wrench to move.
Any great experiences with O2 around?

I switched from Tesco to o2 last year and get 30g data for the same price I was paying for 2 with Tesco if that's helps!
I upgraded my phone too, but the actual usage bit is same price

My dd's Tesco sim works fine in the second hand o2 iPhone we bought her. O2 is the Tesco mobile carrier.

Thank you both, that's encouraging! I was wondering about the connection between the two, so perhaps I will just get the phone and try using my Tesco SIM and switch if it doesn't work.

Honestly, don't buy that phone. There are thousands of second hand phones out there that will suit your need.

Oops, just read my OP, and spotted a rogue 'like' in the opening sentence. Don't know how it got there!
Dramatical , are you saying that because you have a negative experience of O2? I have been looking for a new phone for a few weeks, and I don't see this particular phone come up for sale very often. I am looking at a few sites which specialises in refurbing old phones, and whenever this phone has popped up as unlocked, it has been snapped up within hours, before I have had a chance to get brave and go for it. So this one is now available, and I am thinking that I should just get over myself. After all, people change networks all the time, no?

are you saying that because you have a negative experience of O2?

No. I said it because you said you really like being with Tesco and it would be a wrench to move.

After all, people change networks all the time, no?

Yes, they do, but you were quite clear you didn't want to.

Dramatical, yes, you're right. I think I should have said something along the lines of "Tesco to O2 -convince me!" as that's probably what I'm really after!

I would be cautious buying a second hand mobile privately. You want to be sure it isn't reported stolen either now or after you've paid for it. You can use a site like CheckMend to look up the device (I've not used this and there may be other similar services on offer).

Just a word of caution, that's all.

I swapped a few months ago very reluctantly from Tesco to Vodafone. I'd been with Tesco nearly all my mobile life along with DH and the DC.The DC had jumped ship when they started paying for their own mobiles. Tesco just couldn't offer me anywhere near the deal I got recently.

I meant to say that I paid off the rest of my contract. I got my deal through carphone warehouse

Aw, thank you Purple. I did buy one from eBay once and that's exactly what happened . This time, I am looking at companies who specialise in refurbishing second hand phones. I am really trying to refrain from buying new tech (new anything, really) and this seems like a good way of doing it, as they offer good warranties etc. I hold on to my phones for ages; this one I've had for 6 years and would still be keeping were it not for a drop in a wet gutter rendering the camera useless.

Tescos Sims work in an O2 phone, but not the other way round.

I've heard a lot of negatives lately. But if you're going to be sim only you can probably avoid being tied into 24 month+ contracts, even if your Tesco one doesn't work.

I'm sort of in this boat OP, have been with Tesco for years but feel obligated to change because their tariffs are rubbish for my usage, I want unlimited data and they just can't provide it, I feel I'm paying for texts and calls I don't use. The only reason I haven't is laziness, I find their web signal rubbish, never seem to get a proper signal put and about.

Tesco and 02 are indeed bouncing off the same satellite, my phone says my network is 02 when I turn it on, then rights itself to Tesco once it wakes up.

What phone is it you want OP ? seems odd it can't be obtained on the 'right' network, so many places sell 2nd hand mobiles these days! I reckon if you just change providers it'll be one of those things you've forgotten all about in a few weeks

I know Tesco piggyback on O2s network, but I honestly think I get better signal coverage now I'm on O2.
Not sure if that could be due to a better handset? But it is noticeably better 😊

Hm, interesting. I have great coverage with Tesco and their customer service has been excellent, not to mention my SIM only deal. I think I am just wobbling because I am a risk averse kind of person, and hate the faff of changing any kind of service provider. As nobody seems to have anything negative to say about O2, I think I might go for it. Tra la la, thank you all!

OH always buys refurb phones, but he buys them from Amazon, and they come with a warranty and can be returned easily if there are any problems. We have saved £££ off the price of new phones.

Tapas, yes, and not to mention the 'saving' of the environmental impact your DH is making . New phones (apart from Fairphone) are killers for the environment. Go your DH!