Getting from NTL to TalkTalk - How to?

Rob&Liz

Right, after a lot of research I have figured out what I want to do - now I need to figure out how to do it.

Currently I have the NTL 3-2-1 package (TV, Phone and Broadband) and I want to keep my existing home phone number. I want to end up on the TT3 - International and TT Broadband but leave the TV on NTL (the kids won't let me drop that!) and believe I have to migrate through BT to get there.

How can this be done? How long do I have to be with BT (or can I just pay them off?) Any suggestions for how to keep my internet connection live as I switch from NTL through BT to TalkTalk?

Please tell me I can do this in under 3 months!!

Thanks

Rob.

Heinz

Welcome to the MSE forums Rob&Liz.

I think you are at the start of what will probably turn out to be a protracted nightmare.

AIUI, Talk Talk insist upon you having a BT line and a BT number (not a ported cable number) before they'll even consider you for a switch. That appears to kick keeping your existing number into touch straight away.

Apart from that, I see you say you did 'a lot of research' before coming to your decision but, just in case you missed it, did that research include reading through the Poll thread Martin started back in October or the TimesOnline article of 10/9/06?

If not, Martin's summary of that Poll thread is worthy of consideration (he included it in his the 18/10/06 e-mail):

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]TalkTalk Customer Poll Result: Not good but better than expected[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
In last week's e-mail I asked those who'd switched to [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]TalkTalk's*[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] home phone and 'free' broadband package for feedback to see whether the huge publicity about abysmal service stacks up. The results show a substantial number have had major problems and delays, yet they're still in the minority. Most have either been problem-free or had some initial delays, but are problem-free now. Overall my summary is that if you want a guaranteed hassle-free speedy broadband connection, don't use TalkTalk. Yet as it's hugely price competitive, if cost is your priority and you can cope with the risk of some delay - go for it.[/FONT]

Rob&Liz

Thanks Heinz,

My number was a BT number origninally then ported to NTL when I took on the cable 5 years ago so it's not an orignial NTL number so I'm hoping we can take it back to BT.

Yes I know we are taking a risk with TT, but as Martin says although lots of people have been affected they are still a minority - like the lottery " it won't be me"!!

I'm thinking I may need to order a separate BT line first, then switch to TT after (how long?) and then switch the number over from NTL to TT - I'll end up with BT and NTL for a period but I don't know how long for??

Rob

hurrah

Rob&Liz wrote:

although lots of people have been affected they are still a minority - like the lottery " it won't be me"!!

I wouldnt bet on it over 78,000 left ,literally thousands still waiting.

http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,20411-2403994,00.html

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=279587

Out of the Frying Pan into the Fire perhaps.

gazza007

Posted this a while back.......

You can't have the £21 broadband package if you've had NTL due to some Gov't legislation.
My scenario over the last 5 years.
Had NTL phone line & number
Went back to BT with same number as cheaper at time.
Switched to TT phone package 18 months ago.
Went to TT line rental about 9 months ago, we use BB only package from NTL for net.
When £21 TT package came available it said "No" on their avail checker.
I queried this & this is what I was told.
When we 1st had NTL for phone Nynex( as it was) install their eqpt at local BT exchange. This is left in place even when you go back to BT.
TT aren't alllowed to interfere with this due to some competition legislation.
Even though we have TT line rental it is actually BT and they buy it off them and sell it back to us. We can have a diff TT BB package but would work out more than my £9.99 discounted NTL package.
The only way we could get the proper TT package is to get a new BT connection from local exchange + new number which isn't cheap £70+ then TT can install their own eqpt.
Crazy but true

After recent problems that my parents have had getting their TT BB up & also when my GF moved house & has ended going back to NTL. I would stay with NTL & try for a price reduction. Maybe a little more expensive but worth it.

shockingmoment

Today I called NTL.
0800 0520184. Told them I want to leave. Quoted Talk Talk free internet, Freeview, and mobiles. They offered same tv package (base) telephone with local off peak free calls for £15.00/m, with new modem for internet (instead of internet via settop box).

Oh - If they ask - you do have a BT line aswell

Not sure if this is ok for you

gazza007

I would avoid TT like the plague now, know too many people with too many problems....