Ofcom announce cheaper charges for consumers to end phone contracts

Mark_In_Hampshire

For those wanting to change provider but trapped in a contract - good news arrives

After working the the UK's 3 largest landline providers, Ofcom says that consumers could save up to 85% following changes announced today

Link to article:

http://www.thinkbroadband.com/news/4277-ofcom-announce-cheaper-charges-for-consumers-to-end-phone-contracts.html

Ofcom statement:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2010/06/nr_20100617

Ypaymore

Woth mentioning.

"TalkTalk introduced its new charges on 1 June 2010 (except for its Tiscali brand, where charges will change on 1 November 2010). Virgin Media will introduce the new charges in August 2010 and BT in October 2010.
Ofcom expects other landline providers to apply similar principles and to reduce their early termination charges to similar levels. If they dont, they could face formal enforcement action."

bagpuss

Just tried to link to this as I had previously reviewed the Ofcom article but now seems unavailable! Unless I can send BT a copy of the article they will not reduce the final charges on my account! Can anyone help please??

Mark_In_Hampshire

http://media.ofcom.org.uk/2010/06/17/cheaper-charges-for-uk-consumers-to-end-phone-contracts-2/

bagpuss

Thanks Mark!!! Going to write that letter to them know and will let you know how I get on.

Also might help others to know that when I checked with BT they initially told me I had nearly 12 months left on my contract HOWEVER when I spoke to a lady in the know she checked the notes on my account and found out it was only a month or so - seems that with the new billing system they have not carried over the correct contract end dates so worth getting the notes checked if you are ending the contract to make certain you get the right one!

bagpuss

Just noticed the new charges for BT are from October 2010 but still going to try for the lower value in view of the fact that they have told me twice they would adjust my bill and so far have not done so.

Buzby

BT appear to be charging around £5pm for any unexpired months to terminate, NOT the usual cost of the full month, so the changes are having an effect. Next up, the mobile networks - but this will herald the end of free contract phones.

sarah_athomas

Does anyone know if these reduced charges for ending contracts apply to BT Broadband too?

Thanks
Sarah