BT Connection Charges (merged threads)

zwobott

Hello

I have rung BT today afternoon, wanted a new BT line installed, but the main question is whether the line will be able to do broadband or not. I was told that on the exchange it says everything seems to be OK, but...until the line is installed and connection fee charged they cannot tell me if I will get it. As far as I know, I won't be able to have broadband, because there to many users having it on one of the main lines that goes to the properties where I live. Told it the operator, but...still was getting answer that until the installation is completed I will not know. Then I almost started arguing with her, saying - If you want to charge me full setup fee, but are not able to answer whether I will have or not, it seems like you do not know what you're selling, but still want to charge the full price. I've also asked, if it will appear that I won't be able to have broadband, will I get any discount in the installation fee - answer NO.

What to do ?

normanmark

They need to install the line first & then see if the line is capable for broadband.

They way they work it is they'll get a telephone service set up first. Broadband is seen as a comodity. So BT will ensure a telephone service is definitely there.

It then depends on how its routed to the exchange whether they have to take to get the service delivered, some times they might (this is only an example remember) put it through a DACS unit as there might not be an awful lot of space at your local exchange, so they'd deliver the telephone service via that. However DACS is an incompatible product with broadband. Works to deliver the telephone service, but not the broadband.

Note this is only an example of a certain situation. The bottom line is, BT can provide a phone line for your telephony service, its not a definite nor a requirement that its a specific broadband line, due to how its prioritised. Not what you want to hear but just explaining it for you

chomius

I have just moved into a new flat and to set up the phone line BT want us to pay a £125 connection charge. Our landlord is unwilling to pay which I know is totally unreasonable given that it will be an asset that accrues to the value of the property. Is there any way of avoiding paying this connection charge?

rrwfotr

I don't understand why you are moaning about paying the £125 connection charge if you want the service then pay up!! If you don't want the service then don't bother.

BT is not a charity, they have employees wages and tax's to pay etc etc......

Heinz

Welcome to the MSE forums chomius

This subject has been discussed at length a number of times.

Have a look at http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=211879

alared

Chomius
Welcome and don`t be put off by some peoples reactions.
This has been dicussed before and I for one are with you on this.
It`s an absolute rip-off by BT.
It`s not OK to say pay up or shut up when nearly everyone in the country is held to ransom because we need a phone line.
What about the cost of putting the line in they cry,well my heart really bleeds for BT who are making vast sums of money elsewhere.
Don`t forget they`re almost a monopoly!
Another bit of nonsense is "if you can afford to spends thousands buying a house you can afford £125 connection".
Also note that it`s only the first person to get the connection that pays,everyone after that gets re-connected for free.

rrwfotr

alared wrote:

Chomius
Welcome and don`t be put off by some peoples reactions.
This has been dicussed before and I for one are with you on this.
It`s an absolute rip-off by BT.
It`s not OK to say pay up or shut up when nearly everyone in the country is held to ransom because we need a phone line.
What about the cost of putting the line in they cry,well my heart really bleeds for BT who are making vast sums of money elsewhere.
Don`t forget they`re almost a monopoly!
Another bit of nonsense is "if you can afford to spends thousands buying a house you can afford £125 connection".
Also note that it`s only the first person to get the connection that pays,everyone after that gets re-connected for free.

What world are you living in, BT has been regulated for the past 27 years by OFTEL/OFCOM. BT allows numerous companies to offer telephony services to the public. Carrier pre select??? it has been used for years by other provider 's also BT is now allowing local loop unbundling which allows other companies to use the copper directly instead of providing services via BT. Please look into the subject area before making silly superfluous statements.

pin

Depends how they have to connect up the flat. Is it that BT needs to run wires from the exchange to the flat or that it just needs to turn a switch on at the exchange?

alared

BT allows this BT allows that.
Only becaause it`s been forced to do so.
Don`t think they volunteered willingly.

chomius

Errr what some of you have said might be relevant if I had BOUGHT the flat but we are RENTING it and are reluctant to pay £125 for at tops 12 months use. Our problem is that the landlord won't pay and you cannot disconnect the line to make the tenants have to pay (or to use as a way of forcing the landlord to cough up). I would have no problem if the £125 was becoming an asset to a property that I owned but I object when it is going straight into the landlord's pocket.