BT reconnection & contract

debrag

So I have been with Tiscali since August 2008 and get a BT line at the property at the same time and move everything over - TV, phone + broadband.

I have since moved to a fairly new property which has a line already.

I have now recieved an email stating:

As your telephone line at the property has been inactive for quite a while an engineer is needed to check/replace any wiring at the exchange and also at your property, this is in spite of whether there are sockets and wiring still in the property so engineers appointment is needed to arrange the start of your line.
We have waived the usual connection fee of £122.50, all that we ask in return is for you to commit to an 18 month contract and to make at least 10 chargeable calls per month.

I don't want to stay with BT and I don't use a landline to make calls. How long is 'quite a while'? At the most its been off for just over a month.

Buzby

This is nonsensical - and it looks as if they're doing this simply to permit a lock-in. What you do forget is that ANY reconnection comes with a minimum term - normally 12 months, so even if the service could be switched on, you would be commited to 12 months anyway. What they are attempting to do is add 6 months to this, which I think is unreasonable for a disconnection of so short a duration. Is the line electrically dead, is there dial tone or distant hiss?

Afraid you'll have to stay with BT for a year if you want them to reconnect the line.

debrag

there is nothing coming from the phone. I'd rather pay the reconnection fee and have the ability to move.

Last time I think I paid the reconnection and nothing else, no termination fee.

Heinz

debrag wrote: »

there is nothing coming from the phone. I'd rather pay the reconnection fee and have the ability to move.

You'll still be tied to a 12 month contract for line rental with BT.

debrag

yes but at least it's not 18 months + 10 chargeable calls a month.

Heinz

debrag wrote: »

yes but at least it's not 18 months + 10 chargeable calls a month.

10 chargeable OR inclusive calls but I see your point.

debrag

they stated 'chargeable' in my email nothing about 'inclusive'

Heinz

debrag wrote: »

they stated 'chargeable' in my email nothing about 'inclusive'

They do that often. Ignore it, it's chargeable or inclusive.

syko29793

debrag wrote: »

So I have been with Tiscali since August 2008 and get a BT line at the property at the same time and move everything over - TV, phone + broadband.

I have since moved to a fairly new property which has a line already.

I have now recieved an email stating:

As your telephone line at the property has been inactive for quite a while an engineer is needed to check/replace any wiring at the exchange and also at your property, this is in spite of whether there are sockets and wiring still in the property so engineers appointment is needed to arrange the start of your line.
We have waived the usual connection fee of £122.50, all that we ask in return is for you to commit to an 18 month contract and to make at least 10 chargeable calls per month.

I don't want to stay with BT and I don't use a landline to make calls. How long is 'quite a while'? At the most its been off for just over a month.

those are the terms of the free connection offer with BT.

cant blame them really. why would they connect a line for free for you to just transfer to another company

debrag

I just find it stupid that only BT can install lines, monopoly or what. No company want to take up the expense I suppose.

Anyway I still have to pay the fee it just goes on as a credit and my line rental is only £2.95 a month. Not sure if I should stay for the 18 months or use the credit as a termination fee and move my line over as well.