BT Connection Charges (merged threads)

SA22

OK a touch off topic, but BT have to be your provider to be able to switch providers (as far as i know). So we got a BT line reconnected (free). Then switched to a cheaper provider (within 1 month) and have just recieved a cancelation charge attached to our bill of £70. Is there anything that can be done about this?

cheers
SA22

espresso

SA22 wrote: »

OK a touch off topic, but BT have to be your provider to be able to switch providers (as far as i know). So we got a BT line reconnected (free). Then switched to a cheaper provider (within 1 month) and have just recieved a cancelation charge attached to our bill of £70. Is there anything that can be done about this?

cheers
SA22

No the charge is because you are breaking the terms that you agreed to when taking their service e.g. minimum term.

BritBrat

You would have been better off staying with BT and following the Heinz program.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=1598074

cobham78

I agree that BT are pants! Talk Talk are looking at connecting lines (they are trailing this in a few areas of the country, but wont be set up properly until a couple of months time). I know this because I've just moved into a rented house and had to cancel my Talk Talk contract so BT can tie me into a 12 month contract I dont want, just cos they have to reconnect the line! Steer clear of them if you can!

Petethevet

Hi there,

I've got a few issues with the £125 reconnection charge. All the cabling etc is installed and a BT line has been connected in the past (but not for 2 years).

The job of reconnection takes place in the exchange and will take minutes to do. A fee is fine - you can't expect them to do it for free - but £125 for 5 minutes work seems excessive.

The other issue is that i'm the landlord of the house in question, so should I pay the fee, or let the new tenants? It's not their fault, but equally, it not mine - the old tenants were a bit tight!

Anyone got any ideas around it? Or thoughts on whether I should cough up?!

Cheers

normanmark

As a landlord i'd say you would have to pay it, its something that comes with the house (and landlords make enough money off their property anyway )

As for 5 minutes work in the exchange, i assume you're a qualified telecommunications engineer that knows this? I'm not saying you're wrong, all im saying is you dont 100% know the condition of the line thats existing at the property.

My advice is get it activated for your tennants & see the price from the various providers it will cost to get the line reconnected, because all BT do is quote the £125 as a possible charge, not a definitive one.

espresso

If the BT line has not been used for two years, I would say that you will definitely be charged the £125 fee. You could pay for your tenants but if they then move out after say six months, the next tenants many not want a BT line, so this situation is a bit awkward for landlords! I doubt if many landlords pay the installation fee.

BritBrat

If I was a landlord I would not pay it.

You will be stuck with the contract, paying 50% but as a reduction in the first months rent may be acceptable if you feel that way inclined but don't get your name on the bill/contract.

katyshaw

Im moving into a new flat which has a phone line I would like to activate and use. However, BT are claiming they will have to charge me £137.99 to do this, while cable companies are offering to charge to see whether they can activate it by an alternative method. Any advice on the cheapest and best way to activate it?
Plus, as I'll only be at the property for 6months I dont want to take out a min 12 month BT line contract - are there shorter ones out there that can also get me broadband?
Thanks
K

hellohello_2

I've had a BT line at my house and its been used several times (after swapping between NTL/Virgin and BT for internet services. Rang today and they wanna charge us £125 even though all cabling etc is still there and in working order, and i've tested it with a phone and it gets a dial tone. So should i have to pay it!?