BT Package 970

Shoose

Hi
Just need some help. We moved back to BT in July time after loads of letters from them to try to entice us back. We finally moved to them after receving a letter about their ' package 970' deal - £9.70 per month for anytime calls plus broadband, 18 month contract.
We are now being told that the cost is going to increase from December.
I do not understand how they can do this. 'Package 970' for 18 months to me means £9.70 for 18 months, not £9.70 for 5 months then an increase. What is to stop them from increasing it again back to the full price that they currently charge.
I am waiting for someone to get back to me, but so far have been quoted over £200 if we cancel as we would be breaking the contract, but for me BT have broken the contract. Surely £9.70 for 18 months should mean £9.70 for 18 months. I think it disgusting that they badger you to move back to them, when when you do they can just increase the price to whatever they like.
Has anyone else got this deal, and if so, any advice?
thanks in advance

Mark_In_Hampshire

Unless there's a get out clause in the Ts and Cs which permits them to do this, then they may ask for the increase but they may not insist. It requires both parties to agree to it.

If you do not agree to it, you tell them so. It's then up to them to decide whether to:

1. Honour the previously agreed terms
2. Void the balance of contract and discontinue supply

The balance of power remains with the customer. Cancellation is without penalty. This is a regulatory requirement. You have 30 days (not 10 as the BT letter might say) to notify them that you do not agree.

As long as you don't pay by direct debit, you can then withhold payment on any early termination fees and other charges.

Shoose

Thanks for the reply.
I have told them both by email and phone calls several times now that I am not happy and feel like I have been duped.
The lady who I spoke to today (who should be calling back) said she will 'see what I can do'. She started by saying about advertised price increases then soon found out I was not happy. They have not at any stage said they will honour the £9.70 18 month contract, just keep going on about advertised price increases.

Mark_In_Hampshire

Generally the way it works is that either

1. You get a bill credit for the difference so the effective billed amount is the same as you originally had
2. The contract is voided

.. rather than making an exception for just one customer.

On a technicality and to clarify - you're not "asking to cancel". You are disputing the change to the Terms and making it clear you do not agree with the change. Which then puts in place the options as above.

All of this is predicated on there not being something in the Terms which permits a price increase. For example I seem to remember Sky's Ts & Cs made provision for one increase in the first twelve months. If you signed and returned it, you then waived that right. So have a look at the Ts & Cs relevant to your package on the BT website.

macman

It is not a fixed price contract for the duration of the minimum term, so BT can increase it at any time.