So it was exactly a month to the end of my contract on Saturday (15th Nov). So I rang O2 up to cancel as I'd been told to from a previous phone call.
Obviously I got put through to retentions department. Spoke to a nice lady there who apart from offering me her body (though I think she was close, gotta be honest), pretty much offered me everything else to try make me stay!
The conversation went like this:
Me: Hi I'd like to terminate my O2 contract please.
O2: I'm sorry to hear that. Do you mind if I ask why please?
Me: Well y'see its like this, I wanted a new phone, and O2 weren't doing the one I wanted.
O2: Ok. Which phone was that?
Me: The Nokia N85
O2: No, there's nothing showing on our system for that phone, sorry
Me: Erm, yeah, I know.
O2: Well its a shame because you've been with us for awhile now and built up quite a few loyalty points, we can make you an offer you see.
Me: Oh right.
O2: What I'm prepared to do for you if you continue your custom with us for another 18 months is credit your account with £100, and put you on our £20 a month tariff (she went through the details of what I'd get for that £20 a month) however I can do that tariff for you for only £5 a month. Would you be interested in this?
Me: No not really, but I do appreciate what you're saying and understand where you are coming from. But I have setup a new contract now.
O2: Well how long ago did you start your new contract?
Me: Beginning of the month.
O2: Oh right so for a while then. What phone did you have with us?
Me: Yeah. The Nokia
N95.
O2: Oh right so you still have a very nice phone, why do you want to change?
Me: Basically, I like new technology and just wanted a new phone.
O2: Right. Well is there anyone else that can take this contract on?
Me: No there is only me and my wife, and she's already on a new O2 contract. I just wish to cancel please.
O2: Well Mr <name> you can't get better then free! Are you sure.
Me: Yes.
O2: Well would you like to keep this number and convert it to PAYG?
Me: No thanks. I just want to cancel please.
O2: *pause* Ok done.
<finished with pleasantries and explanation of final bill yada yada>
That was pretty much it.
I thought a bit about the contract she was offering me, and £5 x 18 is only £90. If they credited me with £100 then it would have covered the contract I suppose, but really, what is the point? I'd either never use it or if I did, I'd struggle to watch my spends and probably end up going over the tariff and having to pay up more a month anyway. Plus I doubt they'd credit the £100 at the start of the contract, these deals you normal get it at the end.
That said, if you were content with your phone, then its a blinding deal.