Reducing the cost

deneka_2

You may already be aware, but I thought I'd post this here, as I wasn't.

I have been with BT Yahoo Broadband for 12 months now & currently paying £26.99 for a big package, one that I don't get full use of. I wan't to downgrade to their Broadband Basic package which is £17.99 per month with 1GB allowance.

I called BT and explained this, they told me that there was a £30 downgrade fee plus I had to buy new equipment. All together would cost me around £65 to change packages.

I had a look around and decided I'd go with Virgin on plan 2 for £17.99 a month with 3GB allowance, called them and they told me to call BT cancellation dept and get a MAC code to migrate to them.

Did this and when they asked why I wanted to leave, I explained the situation & the lady I spoke to, said she can do a downgrade for free for me, with new equipment sent for free aswell. She told me that BT are introducing new packages/cheaper packages within the next few months & for 4 months she would reduce my direct debit payments from £26.99 a month down to £17.99 a month, whilst still allowing me to remain on the same high package I have now.

I'm to call back, the first week in June, where they will tell me what new packages I they have avaliable and if I still want to downgrade, they will do that for free.

So I'm pretty happy, as I've never had any problems as such with BT, other than the expense. So I've saved myself £9 per month!

nearlyrich

That's interesting, what number did you call, I always get frustrated in the call system with BT. I think I will try the same tactic. Can you keep your email addresses if you change to a different package?

Thanks for the information....

deneka_2

Hi there,

Well initially they we're telling me that if I switched to Broadband Basic (£17.99) per month, I'd need to pay an additional £1.50 p/m to keep my email address, as with the basic package, you get no email.

I called on 0800 085 2819 which is the cancellation department, told them that I wanted a MAC code to migrate to Virgin.

The lady there, was very nice, this is the one that has reduced my direct debit, she also said at the end of the reduced period (4 months) if I still feel downgrading is the best option, I can do that for free and keep my email address for free & startup kit will also be free. She gave me a reference number & her name.

I think the threat of leaving to go to another company (lets face it BT are expensive) made them make this decision, but I did really want to stay with BT because I know where I am with them and at the end of the day I've lost nothing, because at the end of the 4 months, if I don't get what I want, I can still leave to join another company.

Give it a try, definately worth it

nearlyrich

I got 2 offers either 4 months at £20.24 or 5 months at £21.59, either way they will review it at the end of the promo. So around £30 saved for a short free call.

Not quite as good as Deneka but it's better in my bank than theirs:D

deneka_2

Well done. Guess it depends on who you speak to & what you say. But still a saving is a saving & its better than nothing. Glad it worked out for you .