BT 12 month Contract Question.

aliballi

I have an 82 year old widowed mother in law & on checking her phone bills, I believe she could save at least £5 per month by taking up the anytime call package. She's actually been with BT since 1969 & as so I would class her as a loyal customer.

Because of her age, I thought the £5.95 standard offer would be the best option for her, just incase anything was to happen to her, but whilst it would appear this is available without being under a long contract, her line rental would then be put on a 12 month rolling contract.

This seems very unfair & how would BT deal with this situation, if she died or had to go into residential care, or move in with a family member, due to ill health? Hopfully she will live independently for many years, but due to her age the idea of a 12 month contract after 40 years as a customer, is a concern.

Thank you.

Buzby

I disagree. My mother was on BT Low User scheme and saved an absolute fortune. If this is not available, BT Basic is the revised replacement.

As for your belief that 'loyalty' counts - that went long ago, not with just BT but with every commercial concern. The maxim now is to be surprised if you get it, not complain if you don't!

aliballi

I did look at BT basic, but her usage is far to high. Although I did phone today & was told the BT Basic team may be able to offer her this deal without the contract, so will be calling them tomorrow as they are not available on a Sunday.

sporedude

Doubt they will let her take it without the 12 month rolling contract, Even if they did, It would be unfair on other customers who had to take the contract.

aliballi

I've just taken a look at the small print & it seems that both the web ordering process & the info I was given this morning on the phone, is not accurate as this is what it says concerning the Anytime standard package - £5.95.

Unlimited Anytime Plan – standard plan

The Unlimited Plan is available to eligible residential customers with no minimum term. Please note, a minimum term of 12 months applies to line rental for new customers and those switching their phone line from another provider, signing up to this calling plan.

The price is £5.95 per month plus line rental, which has a monthly cost of £11.25. The total price you pay is £17.20 per month. All of these prices apply if you pay by Direct Debit or monthly payment plan and elect for paper-free billing. Otherwise add £1.50 per month for payment processing fee levied by BT Payment Services Limited, a BT Group company, plus £1.25 per month without paper-free billing discount.

del1001

You could get the cost down a little further, you'll need to speak to the BT's offers department and quote the name of the deal, these details are from BT's terms & conditions on BT's main website.

http://www.productsandservices.bt.com/consumerProducts/displayCategory.do?categoryId=CON-HOME-PHN-R1&s_cid=con_ppc_zedmedia_google_vidSE7_callsandlines_bt%20calls_Broad&vendorid=SE7


Unlimited Anytime Plan for £4.95 per month and Line Rental with £1 off – 12 month Renewable Special Offer

This special offer is available to eligible new and existing residential customers agreeing to a 12 month renewable contract on the Unlimited Anytime Plan between 16th March 2009 and 15th August 2009 (inclusive).
You will pay £4.95 per month (£1 discount compared to the same plan without a renewable contract, discount via bill credit), plus line rental at £10.25 per month (£1 discount compared to standard line rental), if paying by Direct Debit or monthly payment plan and the customer elects for paper-free billing. Otherwise add £1.50 per month for payment processing fee levied by BT Payment Services Limited, a BT Group company, plus £1.25 without paper-free billing discount. Exclusions and conditions apply. Discount is via bill credit.
At the end of each 12 month minimum period the contract will be automatically renewed for a further 12 month minimum period unless you tell us otherwise before the renewal date. We will write to you the month before the renewal date to remind you of this. You cannot downgrade during the minimum period or any renewable minimum period. If you decide to end the contract within the 12 month minimum period, you will incur a single charge of £8.00 for each month left of the minimum period.
If you do not wish to renew, all you need to do is let us know before the renewal date. If you choose not to renew your contract with us, you will then start to pay the standard monthly price for the Unlimited Anytime Plan, currently £17.20 per month including line rental if you pay by Direct Debit or monthly payment plan and opt for paper-free billing.
Excludes customers benefiting from some special offers or deals.

aliballi

Thanks Dell, I did know about the £4.95 offer but would prefer not to be bound by a years contract & as so am prepared to pay the extra £1 per month.