If there's one thing I can't stand, it's giving a company tonnes of money only to have them turn around and offer you something rubbish in return. That's unfortunately a problem that most mobile phone users face when it comes to upgrading.
After years of loyal servitude and consistent payments, rather than being able to get the latest handsets, you end up being offered some mid-range camera phone that leaves you wishing you'd just changed contract instead.
O2, however, has seen the light. I saw an ad on the Tube this morning saying the company is offering existing customers the same deals as new customers, with a bonus thrown in. I phoned O2 and its PRs confirmed the deal.
A press release elucidates further: "Today O2 announced that existing O2 customers, be they Pay and Go or on a contract, will be given the same handsets and tariffs as new customers when they come to upgrade -- as well as being rewarded with O2 Treats."
The deal officially started on the 29 January. O2 couldn't confirm what the 'treats' were, but I'll keep you updated as soon as I find out.
For O2 customers at least, this spells the end of coveting new-customer status. This is how all networks should operate. Now all that's left is to sort out unlimited flat-rate data tariffs on all networks. Oh, and roaming charges...