Query about billing when changing broadband supplier

herman2811

Am in the process of switching broadband to BT, who tell me they estimate to go live on the 24th. I think my current supplier (AOL) have a billing date of the 23rd of each month, and I think they bill in advance (by direct debit)

How exactly should I approach this? I'm guessing they will automatically take the full amount on the 23rd, and the next day their service will be cancelled, leaving me to try and claim back the best part of a month's worth of costs. I can see this being quite difficult!

Any advice?!

brewerdave

If you are using a MAC for the move then BT should inform AOL when the move takes place; your notice period should start from then.
HOWEVER, this doesn't always happen so make sure you tell AOL when the move has happened. You will then be liable for the notice period (30 days??)charges from the move date so you may actually owe a further amount for a few days after the 23rd of next month.

kwikbreaks

I've moved ISP a lot of times and always ended up paying for some of the period twice. You can minimise that by juggling the start date of the new deal to some extent but that isn't completely under the control of the ISP as they are dependent on BTWholesale and sometimes BT Openreach too for new installs and LLU migrations so getting an exact start date is difficult.

Advice?
Well mine is do your best to minimise the overlap and just write off any extra cost as it won't be enormous anyway.

home_alone

I am trying to reclaim overpayment from talk talk when I moved to BT best way but naughty is call them say that you will cancel your DD on the date you move and will pay for any residue costs by cheque, some ISPs have a history of continuing to charge after you have left the company.

kwikbreaks

Good point. AOL are known for this as well as TalkTalk who seem to do it as a matter of course.

I've always called the ISP I've left when the new one is connected to ensure that the contract has been finished and if any money is still owed or the DD can be cancelled.

winebox

Can I hop into this thread for a bit of "legal" advice re changing ISP mid-contract?

Talk Talk wrote to me to say my tariff was being increased from £14.99 to £19.99, I pointed out (by email, as 5p a min to call) I had an 18 month contract £14.99 a month expiring Oct 2011. They failed to address the point I was making, but finally after more emails they emailed me to say the same thing, I'm on a contract (do they understand the concept of a contract?!)

BUT they've just taken £19.99 by DD, & as the Daily Mail (:o) just published an 0800 number for them due to massive customer problems I rang that, after 35 mins & 4 transfers (inc being told it was a VAT increase :mad:) I was told the best they could do was £16.99.

So, I've told them they're in breach of contract, have asked for MAC code & have told them not to even think about a cancellation charge, but I am worried that they will pursue me for one & this will affect my credit rating.

My intention is to go to BT & then cancel DD.

Anyone know where I stand with this?

rhodiedoh

I am extremely confused, would like to change ISP and phone line from Talk Talk to Primus or Orange but understand I need a BT line to go with many other providers. Does this mean I have to pay BT for this before I can swop and does this impact on continuity of service? What happens first???Baffled!!Help. Thanks. Just realised this is probably in the wrong place new..sorry

TimBear

rhodiedoh wrote: »

I am extremely confused, would like to change ISP and phone line from Talk Talk to Primus or Orange but understand I need a BT line to go with many other providers. Does this mean I have to pay BT for this before I can swop and does this impact on continuity of service? What happens first???Baffled!!Help. Thanks. Just realised this is probably in the wrong place new..sorry

A 'BT line' is simply one that uses the BT Wholesale network. You don't to be a customer of 'BT' the company.

If you're with TalkTalk it's likely yours is LLU, but you can either have this converted or install a new line with your chosen provider.

rhodiedoh

I was told by Orange I needed a line from BT cost £120ish but discovered £30 offer on BT site! Thanks Tim your input very helpful.