italk - urgent advice please!?!

R4ORT

We have been with iTalk for over 2 years and to be honest have been a bit slack in comparing the costs...until now! BT called to invite us back and when she asked questions about existing costs I investigated. Basically we've worked out that we'd be over £10p/m cheaper back with BT and were looking forward to saving some money, however it's all gone terribly wrong.

I have just recieved an email from iTalk...

"I would like to bring to your attention that Italk has received notification from another telecommunications supplier that you are planning to change call providers, whilst still under contract with Italk.


We must remind you that you have entered into a two year contract with us and should you move suppliers, you would be held liable for the remainder of the contract, as well as any additional charges your new supplier would make. In effect you would be paying for our services for the remainder of your contract and not be benefiting from the excellent service that Italk currently provides you with. Additionally you would be paying for the services of your new supplier, who we are sure, would also hold you contractually liable.


However it is not too late to change your mind to avoid these unnecessary charges which could be in excess of £250 . To avoid these charges please call us today, and we will explain what you need to do to stay with Italk.


Italk would like to continue to provide you with an excellent service and competitive costs on your phone calls, and looks forward to serving you for the future"

We checked that we entered our contract with them in June 2007 so thought it would be out of contract, however we've since been redirected to the small print in their terms:-

1.9 Renewable Contract Contract subject to a 24 month minimum renewable period, i.e. at the end of each 24 month minimum period the contract will automatically renewed for a further 24 month minimum period unless you tell us otherwise. We will write to remind you when your contract is nearing the end of a renewable period. You cannot downgrade during the minimum period or any subsequent renewable minimum period. If you cease service during the minimum period or any subsequent renewable period a termination charge will apply. This charge is based on the outstanding period of your contract term.

This looks like we could be charged over £250 to leave. We have NEVER received the renewal notice, as I would have used that as the catalyst to investigate other suppliers.

Any advice would be greatfully received as we're under pressure now to sort this out before the changeover.

Thanks for reading!

utilitybroker

Basically you have signed up for an expensive 24 month cps calls contract.

I pointed out to another member the 24 month contract a couple of years ago.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=448272&highlight=italk

I dont recall the rolling contract clause being their when i last looked. So its possible they introduced it after you signed up. Which should mean you can cancel it without penalty. Suggest you asked them when they changed the T&C to make the contract rolling.

If you cant get anywhere have a word with Ofcom.

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/contactus/

R4ORT

Thank you for the information UtilityBroker. I have called them but they said that the T&C have never changed . She said that if I have some that are different then to send them to them. Typically, we are undergoing major renovations at moment and most of the paperwork has been sent to storage.

It's a rubbish set up where they automatically renew - seems to me that it's wide open to abuse - we have definately not recieved any information from them. Perhaps I should adopt the same approach and say that I posted the cancellation!! Nah, think we're far too honest!

Thanks again!!