[danielleelizabethx]

Basically I took out a phone contract with Orange in December.
They've taken out my direct debit on different days every month, and no 2 months have had the same date.
They claim that they have a "grace period" so have a 4 day window in which they're "allowed" to take the payment from me... which is the first I've ever heard of anything like this.
On top of this, no 2 payments have been the same amount, which is partly my fault, and partly because I was told that it would be "impossible" to go over my data unless I stream videos all the time.. which I don't do. Just Facebook and browsing online and what not.
Anyway, anyone know if theres anything I can do? Orange don't seem at all bothered..
Advice much appreciated

[super.teve]

(Original post by danielleelizabethx)
Basically I took out a phone contract with Orange in December.
They've taken out my direct debit on different days every month, and no 2 months have had the same date.
They claim that they have a "grace period" so have a 4 day window in which they're "allowed" to take the payment from me... which is the first I've ever heard of anything like this.
On top of this, no 2 payments have been the same amount, which is partly my fault, and partly because I was told that it would be "impossible" to go over my data unless I stream videos all the time.. which I don't do. Just Facebook and browsing online and what not.
Anyway, anyone know if theres anything I can do? Orange don't seem at all bothered..
Advice much appreciated

They're not bothered because you signed the contract, and agreed to pay for a service, delivered under the terms that you agreed to.
There's very little you can do on the above grounds. If you're concerned about direct debits, cancel the DD and pay over the phone with your card.
Also, check for apps that use a lot of data, you might be surprised about how much data some apps use.

[Pritesh.Mistry]

How much data do you get per month?
How many mins/texts?

There should be a way for you to check what you've used in the month you're in.

[elldeegee]

As Pritesh says, there should be a way to check your data usage. A number to text or a website to go on?

As for the "grace period", o2 do it, so it's not unusual. I think it gives them leeway for bank holidays etc.

[EazyMatt]

Hi Danielle

Orange should provide you with a monthly invoice/bill, whether this be by e-mail, web, or post which should clearly show that the payment will be debited from your bank account on or after a particular date.

With regards to the four day window, it is actually three working days, and the Direct Debit manual reads as follows:

7.2.4 Collection date, amount and frequency

It is the service user’s responsibility to ensure collection is made on the due date, i.e. the date advised to the payer within the advance notice. Collection must be made on or immediately after (within 3 working days) the due date. Should the service user fail to collect the Direct Debit as specified further notification must be given to the payer, quoting the new collection date or giving advice of collection amalgamation. Refer to section 4 ‘Advance notice’.

I hope that helps.

Matt

[I<3LAMP]

You wont get out but you could have a word with them about the data you use and how to avoid getting billed.

My bf was with Orange until I switched him to T Mobile and they texted him when he went over his data allowance and he was billed £3 over his normal bill amount.

I'm with T Mobile and have been a while and they have a service where you have your data allowance (fair use policy) and if I go near my limit they warn me via text and when I reach my limit they restrict my use of streaming/video and allow me email, fb, browsing etc at no extra charge.

You'd be surprised what apps cost in data. You can turn off roaming and also turn your mobile web off when you're not using it and use free WiFi when you can. I have mine synched up to the work WiFi so I can d/l games or apps when I fancy without affecting my allowance.