Rolling BT 12 month contract on voice plan

co123456

Got an e-mail the other day from BT reminding me that I had been receiving their discounted calling plan discount for almost a year now and that if I didn't want to automatically agree to another 12 month lock in, I should let them know within the next couple of weeks.

Considering I'm looking at getting Sky again (plus their phone and broadband) in the next couple of months, I'm glad that I spotted this letter as I didn't realise there was a rolling contract.

Anyone else experienced this?

Buzby

Not really a case of 'spotting' it - the lock-in is a result of agreeing to it in exchange for free evening calls (in addition to the free weekend calls which is provided without any lock in). If you were unaware of this, then the fault would have been yours (for inattention) as BT have made no secret of the quid pro quo.

Where you've benefited, is that at least you got and read the letter allowing you to opt out. Quite a few forum members say they haven't seen the lock-in renewal letter and carry on to terminate, then get hit with a large fee. So at least you can opt-out, pay for those weeknight calls, and leave without paying a penny extra - just 30 days notice required.

co123456

I'm almost certain that's it's all above board from a terms and conditions perspective, and also, I'm willing to accept an oversight on my part (One that I'll learn from and apply to other suppliers from now), however what I'm getting at is that it does restrict competition by effectively prohibiting existing customers from moving (without incuring a cost) to something like two weeks of the year.

As an aside , my home insurance reminder just turned up. Last year I paid for credit card and am 95% certain that I said "Don't automatically renew next year"..... and guess what..... yup, it's due for automatic renewal.

Guess I'm just not a fan of rolling contracts.

Heinz

cheeryoleary wrote: »

As an aside , my home insurance reminder just turned up. Last year I paid for credit card and am 95% certain that I said "Don't automatically renew next year"..... and guess what..... yup, it's due for automatic renewal.

I've had that with household and car insurance and, every time I spot it, I write refusing continuous payment authority being set up and asking that they reply confirming receipt of my instruction.

If they don't after 4 weeks, I write again (thanks, Google calendar), enclosing a copy (I've only had to do that once, so far).

penrhyn

Ring BT, tell them you are thinking of moving your phone to Sky and see what they offer you, I got a £24 discount.

Heinz

penrhyn wrote: »

Ring BT, tell them you are thinking of moving your phone to Sky and see what they offer you, I got a £24 discount.

Yes, that's standard - £2/month off your line rental, paid up front at a £24 lump sum.

co123456

penrhyn wrote: »

Ring BT, tell them you are thinking of moving your phone to Sky and see what they offer you, I got a £24 discount.

But I want to join Sky. Just paid my mortgage off and taking a couple of months to save up for a nice TV Cabinet to pop the Sky box into.

penrhyn

Up to you, if you take the full package from Sky,including LLU phone and broadband, you won't be able to change ISP in the future without going back to BT, which could cost you £125.

p_watkins

just spoke to B.t. ! 6-6 evening and weekend package is now 7-7 as i`m trying to get out of this contract without paying £37.50. fee.
Bt said " they can change hours of contract without breaking my contract, is this correct ! ?

penrhyn

Which contract?

DVardysShadow

p_watkins wrote: »

just spoke to B.t. ! 6-6 evening and weekend package is now 7-7 as i`m trying to get out of this contract without paying £37.50. fee.
Bt said " they can change hours of contract without breaking my contract, is this correct ! ?

This is a material change to your contract and grounds to cancel without penalty.