BT Termination fee

dabevan

I've been with BT more than 12 months, but I've also just found out that I'm on one of these rolling contract thingys, I've have found this online...

"Ofcom said it had some concerns over the automatic renewal of contracts if it means that consumers are subject to unintentionally long and recurring contracts.

Ofcom has now given communications providers until 1 April 2009 to comply with it's guidance, following which the regulator will open an enforcement programme and will take action where necessary."

...so should I dig my heals in a refuse to pay the early termination charge? Can BT still cut me off even when I'm with another supplier? (ie they still own the hardware)

What address is best to send the letter to? Should I send it recorded or will they still ignore it?


Thanks

David Bevan

OldGreyFox

dabevan wrote: »

I've been with BT more than 12 months, but I've also just found out that I'm on one of these rolling contract thingys, I've have found this online...

"Ofcom said it had some concerns over the automatic renewal of contracts if it means that consumers are subject to unintentionally long and recurring contracts.

Ofcom has now given communications providers until 1 April 2009 to comply with it's guidance, following which the regulator will open an enforcement programme and will take action where necessary."

...so should I dig my heals in a refuse to pay the early termination charge? Can BT still cut me off even when I'm with another supplier? (ie they still own the hardware)

What address is best to send the letter to? Should I send it recorded or will they still ignore it?


Thanks

David Bevan

Ofcom have not told BT to stop these contracts,just advised them to make cancellation fees fairer,and clearer which they have done.

If you did not want to be locked into a 12 month contract you could have paid for the call bundle and left when you like. When you take up the free bundle it clearly states you are agreeing to a rolling contract and BT will normally give you good notice when you are coming to the end of the contract to give you the opportunity to not sign up for the next term.

1carminestocky

Ofcom SHOULD tell BT what to do with rolling contracts - they are anti-competitive and, frankly, 'dodgy' business practice. IMO, of course. Any company that is confident of its service and products wouldn't have to rely on such 'initiatives', shall we say?