MSE News: Escape BT contracts & beat price rises

simon_says_3

This question is quite an issue. Will I be able to request the MAC number so I can transfer my number if I wish to leave BT? Also do other firms charge to port my landline number accross (preferably Virgin)? Main reason I want to 'escape' is internet speed rather than call cost increase..I'm lucky to get 2mb on BT option 3 'up to 20mb'. Rediculous.

Would love to read some replies. Thanks

Mark_In_Hampshire

Paranoid124 wrote: »

Should clarify the above...has anyone had experience of using Primus' line rental deal and only use it for broadband purposes...

How well this would work might to some extent depend on how important the broadband is.

Some types of broadband fault require reporting to the line rental supplier and the ISP will tend to wash its hands of the problem.

But then so do the line rental companies, bouncing the customer back and forth "it's a line fault", "it's a broadband fault"

If your line were anything like the one here which is basically useless as a main broadband connection (we use 3G for that) then signing up for a cheap Primus line and a cheap ISP might work in so far as nobody is going to do any better with the line so you might as well go for the cheapest option when you don't really rely on it working.

djk99

Would any of the more seasoned stalwarts here kindly compose a letter/email referencing the 'get-out' clause so we can all use it when the bill comes in October? I'm guessing there will be a substantial number of people attempting to end their association with B.T. and they (BT) will probably not wish to let us off the hook without a struggle - so might help if we're organised.

Kiada

Quick bump, wouldnt mind knowing if anybody has had any success with this? Looking to it myself when I get my bill this week.

MoneySavingRookie_2

djk99 wrote: »

Would any of the more seasoned stalwarts here kindly compose a letter/email referencing the 'get-out' clause so we can all use it when the bill comes in October? I'm guessing there will be a substantial number of people attempting to end their association with B.T. and they (BT) will probably not wish to let us off the hook without a struggle - so might help if we're organised.

This sounds like a great idea! Would definitely make dealing with BT's awful customer service far less stressful!!


Can anyone confirm that the right to cancel applies to BT bundles which contain things unaffected by the price rise?

I have BT line rental, phone, broadband and TV. I want to be able to cancel everything when the prices go up, will I be able to do this free of charge?

The BT t&cs don't seem very clear on this and I don't want them telling me I have to pay out my TV/ broadband contract or pay charges for the equipment.

Thanks!!

lolak

Hi

Does this escape penalty free includes the £30 cease charge for broadband?

Thanks

RHardman

I have noticed on the BT website ( when logged into MyBT go to your bill, click on the "My Services" tab, click the BT Tarriff Guide link, and under Latest News click the See all changes link. Not easy to find!) that they have announced the December price rise. I phoned customer services and was told that I would not be able to cancel my contract without penalty until I had received an email or letter. Surely this counts as the price rise being announced and I should be able to cancel the contract now??? :huh:

JuicyJesus

Right! I have just received my bill via email this morning, and in the email is a link which then further links to online copies of the BT Update magazine, which I believe constitutes notice of a price rise! I am on the phone right now to BT to let them know of my intentions.

HOWEVER, it is NOT just the line rental going up. If you have certain phone and broadband packages, they are increasing too.

Here's a link to the magazine in PDF format: http://www.productsandservices.bt.com/consumer/consumerProducts/pdf/myBT/BT_Broadband_Update_CF.pdf

Look at the third page, and you'll see several of the packages are going up in price. Mine is one of them. As just confirmed to me, literally just now, by a member of BT's retentions team, this constitutes notice of price change to your detriment and you are entitled to switch without charge if you have one of these packages.

I am a very happy bunny. :money::money::money:

JuicyJesus

Just an addendum to that: BT retentions (150 from your line, then when through to the menu options 3 then 4) are apparently unaware that the prices of the packages are going up too, but two separate people now (forgot my MAC code!) have confirmed that that is the case and you do have the right to cancel fee free on those packages. Just be firm, point out that you have it in front of you and if necessary pass them the link above (although the first guy was able to look it up on his system quite quickly).

harmio

I'm quite concerned now . I have been waiting for this official "email" about the rises so I can escape. I received my e bill via email last week with a deeply buried link to a handout talking about rises . Does this mean my ten days have lapsed , or is there an actual "price rise " email due in October ..?