Unlimited-limited fail: Orange UK iPhone deal may ban Facebook, Spotify
Hopes that moving into a multi-carrier strategy in the UK would generate a price war have been dashed by Orange’s announcement of price tariffs matching those of O2. Now the story takes a tragic turn, with the revelation that Orange’s terms and conditions for iPhone service suck too much - even use of Facebook and Spotify could be forbidden under these.
Not just that, but Orange seems happy to use the word “unlimited” in relation to a limited data service with a 750MB cap (so, like, 375 emails with a picture). While it may be permitted to use that word in that way under UK 21st century doublespeak advertising law may be true, but most of us can tell when unlimited doesn’t mean unlimited.
Overall, Orange’s offer at present looks likely to be a huge step forward - for O2.
After all, part of the new UK carrier’s proposition is that it has a better 3G network and better coverage (it does), but what precisely is the point of using an iPhone on that network when you can’t use the applications you want to use on it, and when you need to keep your usage in check under some limited data cap.
What seems likely to us is that those customers who had held off on buying an iPhone from O2 because they preferred Orange will likely reconsider - Orange has sufficiently hobbled its offer that O2 looks like the prime contender, despite its frustrations.
Now, we’re not big marketing types, nor are we CEO’s of any major corporations, nor are we deep inside a corporate management structure, but let’s face it - spending two years negotiating a deal to carry a product and then offering it in such a way that incumbent competitors have a better offer isn’t ever going to be a path to business success.
Now, we know the 750Mb limited-unlimited Orange deal got looked at yesterday, but what Macworld UK today spotted just takes the biscuit.
Look at these terms and conditions governing use of the iPhone on Orange: “Not to be used for other activities (eg using your handset as a modem, non-Orange internet based streaming services, voice or video over the internet, instant messaging, peer to peer file sharing, non-Orange internet based video). Should such use be detected notice may be given and Network protection controls applied to all services which Orange does not believe constitutes mobile browsing."
Pondering these limitations in Oranges limited unlimited but limited deal, a BBC reporter this morning suggests: "It sounds as though services like Spotify, AudioBoo, Ustream and even Facebook messaging - increasingly popular with O2 iPhone customers - will be out of bounds for Orange users."
Way I see it, if I’m going to fight for the right to offer a device which is already known to attract users who like to fully utilise data services, and as part of my pitch for business plan to extol the integrity of my network, then offering potential customers such limited network use is just plain stupid.
Orange must revise its deal before November 10, or make AT&T (and O2) look good.
The thousands of potential customers who signed-up to get an iPhone when it ships through Orange next week may be better off signing a petition in protest at Orange’s Unlimited-but-limited iPhone deal. Because, in the personal opinion of this commentator, it sucks.
Any thoughts out there, people?
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Comments (26)
Maybe their network will NOT be able to handle the demand as traffic WILL be heavy. On my bus to college every morning i count at least 15 people on their Iphones on facebook or safari - AND THATS ONLY ON A SINGLE DECKER BUS!
...and everyone was on facebook or youtube. Worse, the driver was Tweeting and we hit a bridge. It's now a 1.5 decker bus. So beat that! Nah nah ne nah nah!
Seriously, Orange have either lost the plot or this is a cockup somewhere and they will reverse this policy if they wish to remain competitive.
This has spurred me to upgrade now on o2 from 3G to 3GS. Orange, you disappoint me.
Does "non-Orange internet based video" mean that YouTube won't be allowed too?
Yes, YouTube is not provided by Orange.
Well this is actually what we got in france with orange with a lower fair usage of 500mb. When u use spotify and youtube you come to 500mb of traffic so quickly, they send you an sms to tell you that you're network speed is taken down to a lower speed...
Well, it appears as though Orange knows full well that their network won't handle iPhone very well. Better to know now, than find out later and be miserable because of brutal performance.
Frankly, I'm surprised Apple is even giving them a shot, if they plan to cripple the phone.
So this means we can't use some of the iPhone's built in apps? No YouTube for example ... "Not to be used for other activities (eg ..., non-Orange internet based streaming services, ..., non-Orange internet based video). does Twitter count as Instant Messaging.
And the pricing is crazy, surely this needs to looked at from A Cartel perspective. The prices/terms are identical.
It seems to me that the published terms are out-of-date, and that Orange merely needs to update them.
I'd wager that they don't actually care what pattern of bits are sent through their network, as long as you don't exceed 6 billion of them and as long as you aren't violating laws.
So this means we can't use some of the iPhone's built in apps? No YouTube for example ... "Not to be used for other activities (eg ..., non-Orange internet based streaming services, ..., non-Orange internet based video). does Twitter count as Instant Messaging.
And the pricing is crazy, surely this needs to looked at from A Cartel perspective. The prices/terms are identical.
I've just done the same with O2, renewed for 18 months and taken the upgrade. I think O2 must be delighted with this. They even waived my upgrade fee, or rather knocked it down to £4 although I was trying to upgrade four months early. I used to love Orange, stand out service, peerless reception quality, excellent insurance, always the leader.
Not quite the same now, I fear.
Complete guide to Jailbreak and unlock your iPhone with baseband 05.11.07. http://www.zjtechlive.com/jailbreak-n-unlock-iphone-with-baseband-05-11-07/
O2 realized two years ago that "unlimited with limits" doesn't work for iPhone.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/markets/2818792/O2-scraps-web-limit-o...
Orange is retarded.
Anyone jumping ship to orange without waiting to see what vodafone have got up their sleeve is crazy.
their current data plan may currently have a 500mb limit, but what you do with it is unrestricted, they are perfectly happy for you to tether for example.
I bought a Vodaphone internet dongle the other day, and the saleswoman told me that Vodaphone would be selling iPhones in January next year.
Sorry I can't confirm this (with a link). I doubt very much though that there will be a price war. What I want to know is why Macs are cheaper in the States than in the UK?
Errr… you do realise that O2's "unlimited" internet package for the iPhone contains very similar restrictions?
From the O2 iPhone airtime contract -
"3. The O2 Web & Wi-Fi Bolt On allows you unlimited use of O2 UK's Edge, GPRS, 3G and HSDPA networks, The Cloud's UK Wireless LAN network and the BT Openzone UK Wireless LAN network, for personal internet use and email. All usage must be for your private, personal and non-commercial purposes. You may not use your SIM Card in any device to allow the continuous streaming of any audio / video content, enable P2P or file sharing or use them in such a way that adversely impacts the service to other O2 customers. If O2 reasonably suspect you are not acting in accordance with this policy O2 reserves the right to impose further charges or disconnect your tariff at any time, having attempted to contact you first."
(the web & wi-fi bolt on is the bit of O2's iPhone tarriff that covers unlimited internet access). Orange's only difference is the bit about instant messaging, which is indeed completely ludicrous if they actually enforce it (which O2 doesn't really with theirs).
Phazer
This sounds about right from Orange, I've had their broadband for the last 18 months, where they limit my usage without giving me any way to monitor it myself. Orange do not care about their customers, they will sign you up then burn you again and again. O2 all the way for me! at least until Vodafone join the party ;)
ive just oredered the i phone with orange and now it looks like im going to have to cancel and wait to see what vodaphone brings. it appears orange have lost the plot. they could increase the monthly download limit and dont restrict the type of apps you use, this is exactly what the iphone users dont want.
ive just oredered the i phone with orange and now it looks like im going to have to cancel and wait to see what vodaphone brings. it appears orange have lost the plot. they could increase the monthly download limit and dont restrict the type of apps you use, this is exactly what the iphone users dont want.
It's great that in the UK we now finally have a choice not to use a particular carrier for the iPhone: thank you Orange for stepping into that position. Having waited for some time for competition, I can now buy an iPhone on O2 in the knowledge that it's competitive ;-) Or should I wait for Vodafone's tarrif...?
The vexing terms are not acceptable, Orange is keeping for themselves the right to stop their iPhone users from doing almost anything! I am not a particularly enthusiast O2 customers, but Orange does not look like an alternative in the end. I made my order yesterday morning, I have cancelled it today. Thanks 9to5mac!
Thanx for the valuable information. I also use iPhone for social networking.... I love orkut. But my friends are spending more time on face book. So Iv got no choice but to move.
O2 unlimited data is actually 200mb per month, so i say , orange users will get a better deal!
O2 users are NOT limited to 200MB. For the O2 simplicity tariff's they are - but iPhone tarrifs are not limited. Instead O2 monitor usage and if they find anything suspicious, they then act.
A much better deal all round then Orange.
Im off to O2!!
this has now been updated :
Inclusive Mobile Internet. Mobile internet browsing applies within the UK only. Any use outside the UK will be charged at the relevant international rates. Mobile Internet browsing does not include event charges such as for ringtones or games (transport costs for these events are included). Fair Usage policy of 750MB applies. Not to be used for Internet Tethering (e.g. using your handset as a modem – separate Tethered Data bundles are available). Should you exceed this limit or if such use is detected, notice may be given and Network protection controls applied to ensure the quality and availability of our network to all customers. This may result in, at Orange's discretion, reduced speed of transmission, suspension of mobile internet browsing services and/or suspension of your account.
ive been waiting for orange to decide ther plan and my god what nobs they are i honestly cant belive they are that retarded......im lookin at the deals on 02 now....not sure what plan to go for i normaly get alllot of texts and ther arnt more than 500 i gues with all the internet features and msn i wont use thtat many tho u rekn?