how can companies compete with BT?

alexlyne

Has anyone been able to negotiate a zero connection fee on their telephone line when moving house?

Spoke to BT with regards the house we are moving to. They tell me there is nothing on the line, and as it's all set-up physically, all they have to do is flick an electronic switch to turn the line on - so they will do it for nothing (assuming we take a 12mth line rental contract with them). I would like to stay with Tiscali, a customer of several years.
Most ISPs require an 'active' line in order to migrate to their packages (the ones that include line rental), otherwise they charge £60 to £100 for this fee (i.e someone logging in and ticking a box next to our address).

Doing my sums, if we took BT for a year, the line rental is £135. Broadband with an ISP is around £15 per month, so total year one cost is £315.

If I tried to stay with Tiscali (current provider who cannot transfer my account to a new address), they will charge £100 conn, £30 set-up, and £20 per month, total cost £355 (including their 'introductory' offer). So that means that Tiscali will lose me as a customer rather than extend my contract with them at a new address... is that not totally screwed up 'customer care' logic? Plus my new home has Tiscalli LLU exchange, making it even easier for them? If it's BT that still hold the reins, then surely it isn't the open market that it should be in the 21st century.

Otherwise, can anyone recommend a relatively low cost broadband package on top of BT line, around £15 per month, speed irrespective, large download limit (just in case)?

Heinz

Possibly a blessing in disguise - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1902333

alexlyne

So does this mean that I should start valuing 'experience' over 'value'? argh. Go with BT? My worry is always with download limits, some months are quiet, others are busy, I bet none average out usage!

KimYeovil

All other companies can do what BT have done. Whether they do or not is up to them. Tiscali can take your custom for the same costs as BT.

If Tiscali suggest they "cannot transfer my account to a new address" they are lying.

Your complaint is the wrong way round. How can BT compete with other companies who don't have any universal service obligations.

KimYeovil

(Heh, heh. Just noticed. "My worry is always with download limits" and you want to shop with Tiscali?!? :rotfl:)

alexlyne

hmmm. ok.. well I have never had a problem with Tiscali (well apart from 'teething' issues) - and only one usage warning in the early months of my first home broadband!

Anyways, after speaking to talktalk (the other 'you-get-what-you-pay-for' service), they are willing to connect us for £30, then go on their essentials package for £17.50 per month. Catches are 24mth subscription, and they would also ask for a 'booster' to be put on the account for the first month.. both of which we are willing to do. Internet is great, and the price outweighs the hassle of a discoannection as I can always get access at work, so not a matter of life or death.

I'm sure that when I try to order this tomorrow, they'll tell me that the line is still busy (in opposition to BTs standpoint when I asked them on Tuesday)...

before_hollywood

oooooh tiscali i had fun with them, i joined another bb company and tiscali didnt like it so they retagged me as a tiscali customer then denied it and saying i hadnt cancelled and i owed them x amount of money

bt and current isp said there were tiscali tags, i threatened them with ofcom and suddenly the tags disappeared, i never paid them what i apparently owed

alexlyne

He he, we have yet to know what Tiscali will do... but moving house was good enough reason for a cancellation, seeing as they admit they can't transfer my account. Oh well, I'm sure new guy that's gonna be moving in will have all kinds of trouble getting Tiscali markers off this line.. poor guy.

syko29793

alexlyne wrote: »

He he, we have yet to know what Tiscali will do... but moving house was good enough reason for a cancellation, seeing as they admit they can't transfer my account. Oh well, I'm sure new guy that's gonna be moving in will have all kinds of trouble getting Tiscali markers off this line.. poor guy.

If you had Tiscali LLU then there will be no marker.
The incoming customer will have to pay a full connection charge for a new line to whoever they choose for telephone service.

Heinz

syko29793 wrote: »

The incoming customer will have to pay a full connection charge for a new line to whoever they choose for telephone service.

But it appears not if they opt for BT.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=24526543#post24526543

syko29793

Heinz wrote: »

But it appears not if they opt for BT.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=24526543#post24526543

It depends on the status of the line and if its an LLU or WLR line it can get complicated.

Working line on BT network (non LLU but WLR or BT retail line) is free to take over.
A stopped line is free to take over if no damage to wires etc.
A stopped LLU line means full charges apply to reconnect.
Takeover of a current LLU (fully unbundled line talk talk ,tiscali,and now SKY etc is still free if the person placing the order is the same customer ( return to donor)
New customers can take over LLU lines if there is a stop on the line and charges are subject to survey with BT retail meaning there may be a charge but until an order is placed charges cant be confirmed.