O2 UK launch flexible SIM-free Smartphone financing without an Airtime plan
Mobile operator O2 (Virgin Media) has today launched SIM-free financing, which is described as being a “flexible payment offering” that enables customers to purchase a new or refurbished phone on its own – without an airtime plan – and spread the cost over time with finance options from 3 to 24 months (APR rates from as low as 0%, subject to a credit check).
Such finance plans did exist before, albeit previously only when combined with an airtime plan. But customers can now buy a phone standalone under the new payment plan options, offered by Affirm, with no hidden fees or late payment charges.
The offering also allows customers to repay early without penalties, as well as enabling them to track balances, manage payments and access customer support via Affirm’s app. At launch SIM-free financing will be available on a range of phones from O2 including the iPhone 16 (128GB), Samsung Galaxy A57 and Google Pixel 10a.
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Amber Pine, Chief Consumer Officer for O2, said:
“We want to give people the freedom to choose, that’s why we’re making it easier for our customers to access the phone they want with clear, transparent financing and no hidden surprises. With O2’s new SIM-free lineup, whether customers are looking for a brand-new smartphone or a refurbished device, they can choose a payment plan that works best for them and their budget.”
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook, BlueSky, Threads.net and Linkedin.
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