BT - changes in bill payment

Stuart_W

I've been at my wit's end with BT in the past and as a result moved to the Phone Co-Op. A very friendly, human company. Might not be the cheapest (there is also a £1 direct debit discount that wouldn't apply if you pay by cheque) but at least they seem able to be polite, courteous and helpful over the phone. No hidden charges. Completely upfront about costs. Easy to speak to.

http://www.thephone.coop/about/caring_for_customers.html

They've also just come overall first place in the 2008 Enterprising Solutions Awards:
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/career_and_jobs/article4987614.ece

If you're still seeing red, Tricia, they may be worth a look.

volunteerworker wrote: »

I am sorry to say that BT only care about one thing, their share price

Of course, a co-operative doesn't have a share price and is owned by it's members. The Phone Co-Op may be one to recommend to some of the people you support, volunteerworker?

littleboo

volunteerworker wrote: »

I am sorry to say that BT only care about one thing, their share price and making money.

That's two things

Seriously though, it's a competitive market place, if BT's modus operandi ( or the idea of a PLC wanting to maximise its share price ) is not to you liking, go elsewhere.

Mark_In_Hampshire

littleboo wrote: »

That's two things

Seriously though, it's a competitive market place, if BT's modus operandi ( or the idea of a PLC wanting to maximise its share price ) is not to you liking, go elsewhere.

I don't see why you say it's a competitive market.

If we wanted to get another phone line, we have a choice of, from the look of it:

BT (BT, Madasafish, Plusnet) - no going there
Talk Talk - only accept payment by direct debit, so no going there either

Leaving a choice of one - the Post Office.

Who then buy the line from BT (no LLU at the exchange) and sell it to us.

It's hardly a competitive market, which makes BT's semi-monpoly position even less tenable when the service is so moribund.

BexTech

Tricia_^^ wrote: »

:mad: . So be warned dont go on holiday if you have a BT bill due in!

I hung up - now looking to go to Virgin, even though I have to speak to someone in India !

There got that off my chest! BT are blo**dy idiots

1) Wouldn't be a problem, I am sensible enough to pay by Direct Debit.

2) Virgin Media, are the dearest landline provider around, plus you can't get the savings you can from a BT line of putting calls elsewhere.

3) Unlike BT who charge £1.50 per month late payment fee, Virgin Media charge £5 per month.

4) Unlike BT who charge £7.50 late payment fee, Virgin Media charge £10.

5) Unlike BT who give you some time before cutting your line off, Virgin Media will cut it within days of payment being late.

NEVER move line rental away from BT - Very unwise.

BexTech

Tricia_^^ wrote: »

Even if I do pay by chq it costs me £4.50 - and now less than a week to pay the bill. Which was my vent on BT

It's has always cost you more to pay by cheque, it is just previously BT hid the extra charge in the cost of the line rental and then applied a discount for those who paid by direct debit. Not like paying by cheque has never cost you more - it always has.

littleboo

Mark_In_Hampshire wrote: »

I don't see why you say it's a competitive market.

If we wanted to get another phone line, we have a choice of, from the look of it:

BT (BT, Madasafish, Plusnet) - no going there
Talk Talk - only accept payment by direct debit, so no going there either

Leaving a choice of one - the Post Office.

Who then buy the line from BT (no LLU at the exchange) and sell it to us.

It's hardly a competitive market, which makes BT's semi-monpoly position even less tenable when the service is so moribund.

If indeed BT do have a "semi-monopoly" position, it's no reason why other providers don't offer non-DD payments, that's a business decision for them. I can never understand why people get so moody with BT when a) they offer you a choice and b) their non-DD charges are the lowest ( except the Post Office, as you'd expect )

You could also get your line rental from Sky, Tiscali,Toucan I'm sure there are others. The fact that the lines are operated by Openreach ( part of BT ) is irrelevant, we're talking retail providers. There are plenty of options if you dont want to deal with BT.

syko29793

this argue is getting so old and tiresome. just pay direct debit or if not pay your bills on time

Mark_In_Hampshire

syko29793 wrote: »

this argue is getting so old and tiresome. just pay direct debit or if not pay your bills on time

If you read the thread, you'll see why it's impossible to do just that.