BT Connection Charges (merged threads)

normanmark

DonnyDave wrote: »

That's a good point and one which I hadn't considered until now. I had assumed that the only reason for physical disconnections is to re-connect others.

If it is as you say, then I think serious questions must be asked. The whole concept of privatised telecoms whereby different telcos can provide services, in its current state, introduces a range of number operational issues.

Those who are so intent that this must be the way tend not to offer suggestions as to how it can happen in practice.

It is quite a farce that switching between provider means having to pay for an engineer to physically move wires over, as it were. This is surely a backward step.

How much are telephone users paying as a whole in re-connection charges that they would otherwise not have to due to this nonsense? How many people now don't have a landline because of this and what are the associated increased charges in calling them on their mobile phones?

I agree it being a backwards step, but the only way i can really see any change is that Ofcom forces other Telco's to invest physically and financially in the network, but unfortunately I don't think that idea will ever see light of day lol

espresso

normanmark wrote: »

My point was more on the side that if someone vacates the premises & informs their telephony provider that they're moving/cancelling, Openreach are just disconnecting the service at the exchange, physically, not via a system or a computer. Therefore the charge is then applied again so physically it can be connected up again.

So if you are moving into a property and inform BT that you wish to be provided with their service at that property when you move in (take over the line), why are BT disconnecting the line and forcing the new occupier to pay £125 installation charge?

New occupiers are automatically charged the £125 fee, regardless of who used to supply the phone service. However, BT said this week that the charge should not be payable if the previous occupier was with BT. This has been refuted by readers' experiences.

This is wrong!

:mad:

deklan99

espresso wrote: »

So if you are moving into a property and inform BT that you wish to be provided with their service at that property when you move in (take over the line), why are BT disconnecting the line and forcing the new occupier to pay £125 installation charge?

This is wrong!

:mad:

How would you know that BT provided the service at your new property?
What if the new tenant doesn't want a BT line?
What if the previous owner wants to take the number with them?
How would you prove to BT that you are the new tenant before moving in?
How would BT know you wouldn't just desert to Talktalk or Tiscali immediately once you had an active line?
I think the fact that even Talktalk disconnect their lines when a tenant moves out suggests it's an Ofcom requirement rather than a BT wheeze.
Sure Openreach have better things to do than going around disconnecting and connecting lines when they are already failing to meet Ofcom set targets in relation to LLU Service Levels.

espresso

deklan99 wrote: »

How would you know that BT provided the service at your new property?

Because you have spoken to the existing occupier and they have told you.

What if the previous owner wants to take the number with them?

What if they don't want to take the number. e.g. emigrating etc.

How would you prove to BT that you are the new tenant before moving in?

Why should you have to prove this, if you are instructing BT to provide their service at your new address?

How would BT know you wouldn't just desert to Talktalk or Tiscali immediately once you had an active line?

Because you would be agreeing to the standard 12 month minimum contract term.

I think the fact that even Talktalk disconnect their lines when a tenant moves out suggests it's an Ofcom requirement rather than a BT wheeze.

Do you have any evidence that it is an Ofcon requirement to disconnect BT lines?

Sure Openreach have better things to do than going around disconnecting and connecting lines when they are already failing to meet Ofcom set targets in relation to LLU Service Levels.

The only reason that they disconnect lines, is so that they can then charge the full installation charge for the new occupier!

....................

lisa2905

This is my attempt at my very first posting. This site helped me so much, wanted to discuss and share it all a bit more !!! I moved house 4 months ago and the first BT call operator insisted on £125 installation - people moving out house had BT line and took their number with them. Gave up with this operator did not place any order - she did not sound the brightest !!! Then next day phoned again and got a much more helpful/brighter operator could tell she was much more helpful straightaway. Anyway she confirmed no cost reconnected me gave me new number and said it would be up and running in a few days !!! So I think it all depends who answers the phone in the call centre.

deklan99

Don't have any evidence from Ofcom but neither do you have any evidence for
"The only reason that they disconnect lines, is so that they can then charge the full installation charge for the new occupier!"

Just trying to highlight the fact that no-one knows how the system should work even if there is one.

espresso

lisa2905 wrote: »

This is my attempt at my very first posting. This site helped me so much, wanted to discuss and share it all a bit more !!! I moved house 4 months ago and the first BT call operator insisted on £125 installation - people moving out house had BT line and took their number with them. Gave up with this operator did not place any order - she did not sound the brightest !!! Then next day phoned again and got a much more helpful/brighter operator could tell she was much more helpful straightaway. Anyway she confirmed no cost reconnected me gave me new number and said it would be up and running in a few days !!! So I think it all depends who answers the phone in the call centre.

This new occupier situation should be clarified by BT and it should not depend on which person takes your call.

:mad:

J_and_C

Whatever you do, do not switch to Talk Talk if prompted. We are nearly £500 out of pocket due to being mis-sold a contract.

Dazla2

Still £129.24 hardly a saving is it!!

raaboo

deklan99 wrote: »

Don't have any evidence from Ofcom but neither do you have any evidence for
"The only reason that they disconnect lines, is so that they can then charge the full installation charge for the new occupier!"

Just trying to highlight the fact that no-one knows how the system should work even if there is one.

Okay so here we go - installation process with BT etc

Can be complicated so bear with me:

Line is disconnected by old occupier - why you ask? - because it prevents bad debt!! This is why it iis done, the old occupier is responsible until the new occupier accepts liability for the charges, you would be suprised how many people know this and use it to work the system and avoid paying debt!

To reconnect there are 2 ways - if your line is 'Stopped' it can usually be restarted remotely via a robot process at BT Openreach, however a 'Ceased' or 'Disconnected' line has been physically disconnected at the exchange and needs an engineer to go out and reconnect the cabling. This means you could pay as little as £35 for a restart but could cost well over £100 for a 'new installation' (if the line has been disconnected at the exchange and an engineer is needed)

The charges you get depend on work involved - even your phone supplier usually does not know until the charges come through on your invoice!

Blame the suppliers all you want to but most of the time it does come down to Openreach!