When we want to change mobile we have a wide range of options. One of the most common is to ask our mobile service provider, that is, the operator, which mobile phones can offer us at a good price to make the change. This is also applicable when carrying out portability, where the mobile is always an excellent claim element.
There was a time when cell phones were given away in a kind of all-out fight between the different operators. Those days are gone, and while it is not impossible to get moving to zero euros, this will not be the last high end of the market. However, getting great prices on mobile operators is something we see all the time , but always have to be clear that the purchase conditions and advantages may be very different from buying it on the free market.
Permanence
This is a star condition, so that operators can offer a cheaper mobile. Permanence is a contract that binds us to our operator for a specified period. When we acquire a mobile with our operator associated with a portability or in renewal mode, this permanence is usually 18, 24 or up to 36 months. This may vary depending on factors such as the policy of each operator, the specific mobile or the rate to which it is associated.
Permanence is a kind of “deal” or exchange that is accepted with the operator in exchange for getting a mobile phone at a more advantageous price. It must be borne in mind that in the event of a breach of this permanence on our part, the company may request a penalty for breaching the contract.
However, according to article 74 section 4 of Royal Legislative Decree 1/2007, of November 16, of the General Law for the Defense of Consumers and Users, the amount of this penalty must be proportional to the number of days non-cash of the agreed permanence commitment.
Installment payments
It is common for operators to offer the payment method in installments when one of their mobiles is purchased. In this case, it must be taken into account that we must always receive the approval of a financial institution so that they can begin to pass us the terms on the invoice each month during the period that the financing lasts. The usual thing in this case is that the operators only admit one payment in installments for each line of contract that is had. These terms will be added to the cost of the invoice month by month until the full payment is completed. In addition, we may have to make initial or final payments of a pre-established amount.
Can a mobile purchased from an operator be returned?
In the same way as buying it in an online store to use or a physical store, operators allow you to cancel the purchase up to 14 days after delivery, proceeding to refund the money. This will only be possible when it is returned in perfect condition, although the so-called right of withdrawal may vary depending on each company.
If it breaks or spoils
This is another of the great doubts that arise when buying a mobile phone from an operator. If within the first 15 days the terminal shows manufacturing defects or malfunctions, the operator will be in charge of managing the change of the terminal at no cost to us, which may include taking it at home.
In addition, all terminals that are purchased from an operator are covered by the official manufacturer’s warranty , which in Spain is two years. This means that during this period and when the first 15 days have elapsed, the repair management will be carried out in the manufacturer’s official technical services.
The “hidden” costs
Although the initial price of the mobile may seem extremely attractive, we will have to look carefully at all the details of the offer, which on occasions we may find ourselves with a surprise. The initial payment and the final payment are usually detailed in the fine print, but of course they add up to the total amount. We also have to be clear about which modality is the most advantageous . This is so because sometimes, the payment method in installments can exceed the official price of the device in the final amount.
Latest updates by ROM
This is another aspect that we have to take into account before buying a mobile with an operator. If you are a purist of updates, you have to know that many times they can be delayed when a terminal arrives with a special firmware from the operator. Updates are also guaranteed, but as we say, sometimes they can take longer to arrive due to the fact that sometimes it must be adapted by the operator, including its changes in the firmware.