3 Increase International Charges - Reason to terminate?

I received exactly the same text message a few days ago, as you said less than 7 days before the changes take effect, and followed up on the price 'changes'. It appears most rates have increased and in some cases quite substantially (roaming in the USA up from 30p to 50p / min).

Armed with the terms and conditions in hand and references to the relevant clauses in the contract (look at 10.1d), I have attempted to cancel my contract on two occasions but have failed miserably with their awful excuse for customer services. I spent almost an hour on a call, explaining my case clearly and the CS representative could only state reasons that did not exist in the T&Cs (she even claimed that an increase in the rates was not to my detriment - how does this work if some rates are up 66% and I regularly travel?!).

Anyway, I spoke to OFCOM and Consumer Direct (including a legal advisor) this afternoon with regard to the issue and the message is clear that there is a case for early cancellation without charge. I have sent a letter today to their UK customer services based in Glasgow, to request cancellation, as the T&Cs in section 10.1d instruct.

Has anyone else received the text / attempted cancellation?

I'm keen to fight this one all the way. I've had nothing but problems from start to finish with Three and relish the chance to break free and return to a mobile operator with customer services.

Mr_Zippy wrote: »

I got a text yesterday giving me less than 7 days notice that international call charges are changing, surely this breaks their agreement of giving one months notice?

I am sure some charges have gone down but I note that the cost of sending an SMS from the USA to UK has gone from 25p to 35p - and I am sure that would not be the only increase.

Any comments?

Ref T&C 4.1 (b) (iii) may cover this but it's worded so as not to be clear:
" increase the fixed periodic charges for your Price Plan (if applicable) by an amount which is more than the percentage increase in the Retail Prices Index Figure (or any future equivalent) in any twelve month period."

It's probably the worst network in the UK today, in my opinion, so be prepared for a battle with them. You may need to take them to court.

Thanks for the email addresses, I've not seen or used these before. Have you had any luck in communicating with them?

Since my post I've written to their Customer Services in Glasgow with a request for cancellation so I'll have to see how I get on. I'm fully expecting to have to take it further.

I should note to anyone that is also affected by the change to international call rates that if you must request cancellation before 3 Feb *and* not continue to use 3 services. The T&Cs state that continued use after the 'variation' constitutes acceptance - sneaky!

termination notice should be served on Registered Office not customer services, send recorded delivery

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