Introduction: Why O2 Customers Need to Pay Attention in 2025
If you’re an O2 customer, or thinking about switching, 2025 is a major turning point. With new Ofcom regulations, networks can no longer sneak in confusing inflation-linked price hikes on new contracts. Instead, all increases must now be clearly shown in pounds and pence before you sign.
This move towards transparency echoes Martin Lewis’s consumer-first principles — giving people the clarity they deserve to budget smarter and fight unfair fees. Whether you want to cut your O2 costs, get better data deals, or protect yourself from scams, this guide breaks it all down.
The O2 Price Rise: What’s Changing in 2025
Starting January 2025, O2 and all UK networks must list any annual price increases in a fixed amount rather than linking them to inflation (CPI or RPI).
- New contracts: From January 17, 2025, O2 must clearly show any increase in cash terms before you sign.
- Existing customers: You might still face earlier contract terms with CPI+3.9% or similar clauses, so double-check your documents.
- Average increase: Reports suggest about £1.80 per month on mobile contracts and £3.50 for combined Virgin Media services.
These new guidelines give customers a fairer overview of what they’ll actually pay long-term.
Simple Ways to Lower Your O2 Bill
1. Haggle Like a Pro
Martin Lewis always encourages one golden rule — never just accept the first renewal offer.
- Contact O2’s retention team and ask about better SIM-only or loyalty offers.
- Research current O2 promotions and use them as leverage.
- If your contract is nearly finished, mention that you’re considering switching — it often triggers an instant discount.
2. Get a PAC or STAC Code Instantly
Under current rules, you can switch from O2 easily — without even making a phone call.
- Text PAC to 65075 (free) to keep your number.
- Text STAC to 75075 if you don’t want to keep it.
You’ll get a code within minutes, making it simple to move to a new provider if needed.
3. Combine Services with O2 Volt
If you have both O2 mobile and Virgin Media broadband, you can activate Volt benefits:
- Double mobile data on every eligible O2 SIM in your household.
- Faster broadband speeds through Virgin Media.
- Access to O2 Travel Inclusive Zones, covering up to 75 international destinations.
This partnership rewards customers who bundle their services — and can help save money overall.
4. Switch to the O2 Essential Plan
O2 offers a social tariff called the Essential Plan, built for people receiving government benefits or low-income support.
- Lower monthly cost (typically around £10).
- Decent data and call allowances.
- Short-term flexibility with no long tie-ins.
If you qualify, it’s one of the most budget-friendly ways to stay connected.
5. Enjoy Free EU Roaming
O2 is one of the few major UK networks that still offers EU roaming at no extra cost. You can use your UK allowance when traveling in Europe, up to a fair-use limit. Just make sure to check the data cap before you go abroad.
6. Stop Scam Messages Cold
O2 users have reported an increase in fraudulent texts — fake prize notifications, delivery updates, or “Hi Mum” scams.
- Never click suspicious links.
- Forward any scam texts to 7726 (which spells “SPAM”).
- Delete the message immediately after reporting.
O2 actively blocks hundreds of millions of spam texts each year, but your vigilance adds an extra layer of safety.
2025: The Year of Clearer Contracts
With Ofcom’s new policy, networks can’t hide behind vague “inflation-based” terms anymore. Every future price rise must be fixed and disclosed in advance.
For example, O2 might say, “Your bill will rise by £1.80 in April each year.” That level of transparency helps customers make realistic financial decisions — exactly the kind of change Martin Lewis has been campaigning for.
If you’re on an older O2 contract, you may still be under the previous CPI+3.9% terms, so be sure to read your contract or log into My O2 for confirmation.
Fast-Action Checklist to Save Now
- ✅ Check your contract end date in your O2 app or account.
- ✅ Compare your plan with O2’s SIM-only offers or competitors.
- ✅ Ask for a deal — mention competitor pricing.
- ✅ Apply for O2 Essential if eligible for social tariffs.
- ✅ Use Volt if you already have Virgin Media broadband.
- ✅ Switch easily using your PAC (65075) or STAC (75075).
- ✅ Report scams by forwarding texts to 7726.
These small steps can trim your bill within minutes and add useful perks without extra cost.
O2 Roaming Tips for Travelers
- Within the EU: You can use your UK minutes, texts, and data with no extra charge (within your plan’s fair use limit).
- Outside the EU: Check O2’s “Travel Inclusive Zone” list or add the “O2 Travel” bolt-on.
- Save data: Download maps and playlists before your flight to avoid overages.
O2 remains one of the few major networks that hasn’t fully reintroduced roaming fees, making it a traveler-friendly option.
Scam Awareness: Stay Protected in 2025
Cybercriminals are getting smarter, especially with AI-generated messages.
To protect yourself:
- Always verify the sender’s number or domain.
- O2 never asks for passwords or banking details via text.
- Install the official My O2 app — it helps verify real messages.
- Block repeat offenders using your phone’s built-in spam filter.
The Smart Summary: O2 in 2025
- New rules mean clear price rises (in pounds, not percentages).
- O2 Volt doubles data and boosts broadband if you use Virgin Media.
- Social tariffs like O2 Essential make mobile plans fairer for low-income users.
- Free EU roaming continues to be a huge advantage.
- Scam protection remains a key focus — always forward to 7726.
If you take one thing away, it’s this: never stay on auto-pilot with your phone bill. Reassess once a year — the best deal is almost never the one you’re currently on.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can O2 still raise prices after 2025?
Yes, but only if the contract clearly shows the exact amount of the increase in pounds before you sign.
2. How do I know if my plan has changed?
Log in to My O2, open your plan details, and check for “annual price rise” information in the small print.
3. Is Volt free for existing O2 customers?
Yes, if you have Virgin Media broadband and O2 mobile under the same household, Volt perks activate automatically.
4. What’s the easiest way to switch networks?
Text PAC to 65075 to keep your number or STAC to 75075 if you don’t want to keep it. The code is valid for 30 days.
5. Can I get O2 Essential if I’m on benefits?
Yes. O2’s Essential Plan is designed for customers on specific government support programs. Check eligibility before applying.