Switching broadband is a pain!

samy888

I'm currently with Tiscali/Talk Talk for my broadband, line rental and anytime phone. I haven't really had any problems but was looking to move over to Sky as i have recently got the TV package, thought I'd save some money. :money:

However, Sky seem unable to take over my line as they say the line has a block on it. Talk Talk won't cancel, every time i call they just fob me off and tell me to ask the next supplier to take over the line, which only BT can do.

The operator today told me that if i cancelled i would loose all connections and would have to pay BT £130 to get reconnected.

I phoned BT who said that's rubbish, but don't book online (just in case) and i should come over to them as Talk Talk are crap!

But i really wanted to go over to Sky, now I'm thinking about staying put, cancelling the TV pack with Sky and upgrading with Talk Talk. I feel very restricted in what i can do, I've not experienced this in the past with other suppliers.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

macman

If your line is currently LLU'd to TT, you cannot take it directly to Sky, or indeed to any other ISP. You have to go back to BT for 12m line rental. Once you've done that you can choose your new ISP.
You've discovered (too late) the downside of letting TT LLU your line away from BT.

samy888

macman wrote: »

If your line is currently LLU'd to TT, you cannot take it directly to Sky, or indeed to any other ISP. You have to go back to BT for 12m line rental. Once you've done that you can choose your new ISP.
You've discovered (too late) the downside of letting TT LLU your line away from BT.

Thanks Macman,

I'm on a MPF platform, is that the same thing?
The BT operator did say i could go over to Sky, but i would have to pay a charge for them to take over the line. Will call them tomorrow to see what this charge is.

macman

No idea what MPF is. Dial 17070, if you get the recorded message 'this number is defined as', followed by a series of numbered options, then it's still a BT line. If no numbered options, it's been LLU'd to TT.
If it's been LLU'd you have to take your line rental back to BT, you cannot go from one LLU direct to another LLU. When you say 'go over to Sky', what do you mean-line rental or calls? You can take your calls to Sky, but it would be a bit pointless, as you're already paying for them with the BT line rental.
What you need to ask BT to do is a 'return to donor'.
Once your line rental and calls are back with BT, you can then apply for broadband with your preferred ISP.

mrtom21

MPF is the same as LLU yes. MPF is call centre jargin for the type of line that appears when we do a check on the current status of a property. Stands for metallic path facility... It is basically LLU lol.

samy888

macman wrote: »

No idea what MPF is. Dial 17070, if you get the recorded message 'this number is defined as', followed by a series of numbered options, then it's still a BT line. If no numbered options, it's been LLU'd to TT.

Thanks,

I dialed 17070, the number is defined as... (my home number).

Do i have to take out a new contract with BT or is the "return to donor" a free service?

mrtom21

You will be required to take up BT line rental for 12 months. Cancelling within the 12 months you would need to pay £7.50 for each month left on contract. Rental is £11.54 with direct debit and if ya view your bills online.

bosk

For some reason this "you must go to BT" from a full llu provider persists. You do not have to go to BT retail. May well be free for "return to donor" but it's a 12 month contract but any provider can transfer an active Talktalk line over to the BT network. Most however won't do it but those that will include Idnet and Plusnet.
Can't post links yet but from Idnet's home phone info "Transfers from some LLU based phone providers (Talk Talk) may result in additional charges. In the unlikely event that your line is subject to these charges we will contact you prior to transfer." (1 month contract) which contradicts this "you must go to BT" stuff. Might cost something but it can be done.
Only thing stopping transfers from LLU to LLU is lack of knowledge and/or inclination by the providers themselves.

Here's the Plusnet ino for migrating from full llu www . plus . net / support / phone / home_phone / phone_faq.shtml#noBTLine (remove spaces)

macman

And bear in mind that you will get a gap in broadband service between the line going back to BT and you then ordering your new broadband.

jizadine

MPF - Metallic Path Facility = the copper wires that connect your phone line

macman

jizadine wrote: »

MPF - Metallic Path Facility = the copper wires that connect your phone line

OK then-but what defines MPF as an LLU line? Are not BT lines also made out of copper (apart from the aluminium ones of course)?