Mum needs rescuing from Virgin package - need advice!

redapple7

Hi,

My mum is in a Virgin Phone and broadband deal at the moment, but it's SERIOUSLY expensive!
My dad would have normally dealt with all the technical and financial minefield that is broadband and phone deals, but he died in December. I don't want to give my mum the wrong advice or get her into an even worse contract - i don't know enough about it (if she'll lose anything important etc)
I have tried to wrangle a new deal with Virgin, but they are so unhelpful, very snappy indeed!

She has the XL broadband, gets £16 discount off the package... but the total still comes to over £40 per month? Virgin say she could drop the package to X, but she'd lose the £16 discount and end up paying more overall??? Help!

macman

If you want to leave Virgin and have broadband, you will need a BT line. Does she have one?
How much of her contract remains to run? That seems to be the main question.
What is she actually getting for £40-not just broadband? And what does she want?

penrhyn

I'd imagine the package includes TV as well, their cheapest offer seems to be this one.

http://allyours.virginmedia.com/html/bundles/mplusoffer.html

Having had a bereavement myself recently, I appreciate the stress of sorting things out and the last thing you need is an unhelpful call centre operative.

Hope you get it sorted, and I'd drop a line to Richard Branson as well.

redapple7

hi - the package is only for phone and broadband- tv not included, plus not needed. Mum's not sure about much on the contract. in london til friday, so I'll grab more info from her then,
Thank you so far! Xx

utilitybroker

Has she by any chance got an expensive call package,if so does she need it,as you can get Broadband L and Phone M (Line Rental and inclusive 01/02/3 weekend calls) for £25 a month.
http://allyours.virginmedia.com/websales/product.do?id=3264

You can use http://www.18185.co.uk/mobilerates.php
via their 0808 Freephone with it to get cheaper peak,evening,ng,mobile calls etc etc.

redapple7

Hi - just back from holiday! Below is the copied bill my mum received today from Virgin.

Line Rental - £11
Talk Unlimited - £7.95
Ultimate Double 2 - (discount £16.95)
Free Voicemail - £0
Broadband Size XL - £37.00
Paper bill charge - £1.25

TOTAL BILL FOR JUNE £44.50 :eek:
There is also a section on Call charges - £4.44? Don't thinkcovered under plan for some reason?

So definately NO TV package - but still over- excessive given mum's use.
Thanks again for all the help so far, sorry for my delay in replying... xx

soul619

i have xl bb and phone (free weekends) and i pay £31 with an £11 discount..

tell her to speak to a manger as that offers online!

macman

That price of £37 for XL broadband is crazy-current rate is £20 per month, and that's expensive even then. Even if she 'lost' the discount she'd still be paying a pound less.
I would tell Virgin you want to switch to a better package or you'll be leaving them.
And why not a switch to paperless billing as wel?
If she has Talk Unlimited then the calls surcharge must be for mobile or premium rate numbers?

jb66

Lower the broadband for a start, XL is ridiculous for a mum, she'll never get the full benefits

redapple7

Once again thanks for the replies!

Could someone maybe help us to understand the benefits of XL etc, as stated earlier, dad set the initial account up?

Basically mum uses the internet to surf, check emails and downloads some documents (usually Word or pics)

Again, have telephoned Virgin and they really are the most unhelpful bunch!

TwoKicker

Hi, is your mum still under contract with virgin?