Anyone wishing to purchase the iPhone 5C or iPhone 5S and use them on the O2 4G network will have to wait.
O2 has confirmed that it is having to wait for Apple to send the new settings over to make the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S compatible with its 4G network.
However, there’s word that the compatibility may not arrive until November at the earliest, forcing O2 4G customers to wait, despite having forked out for a 4G contract.
O2 is offering future customers a rather measly £5 off the first month of their first bill if they sign up for a 4G contract on the iPhone 5C or iPhone 5S before the compatibility arrives.
Even before that date, O2 4G customers can still enjoy all the data they’d usually get on 4G using the 3G network, and access to the O2 Tracks and Priority Sports services.
The iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S delays on the O2 4G network is down to Apple’s strict testing for networks. Operators are prevented from offering any new iOS device on the 4G network until it has passed Apple’s independent LTE network tests for performance.
O2 is not currently listed in Apple’s list of networks that will support 4G LTE on the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C, which currently only shows Vodafone and Three.
Both new iPhone models are available on the O2 Refresh tariff, allowing them to upgrade their device at any time.
The iPhone 5S 16GB model will cost £119.99 up-front plus £37 per month for unlimited texts and minutes and 1GB of 3G data. For the 4G network, the monthly cost goes up to £47, with the same £119.99 up-front cost for unlimited text and minutes and 5GB of 4G data.
For £32 per month, customers can opt for the 16GB iPhone 5C which is £49.99 upfront, and offers unlimited texts, 600 minutes and 750MB of 3G data. The iPhone 5C 4G tariff is £42 per month for unlimited texts and minutes and 5GB of 4G data, plus a £99.99 upfront cost for the phone.
Next, read where else to buy the iPhone 5C.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
