MSE News: BT to end paperless billing discount

jrawle

purple_butterfly28 wrote: »

In reply to Jrawle I signed up originally on a 12month contract but at that time it was only free weekend calls included in the cheapest package. Having a mobile aswell I decided not to pay extra for the free evening calls. Just looking at the website now it costs an extra £3 for the evening and weekend calls.

It is still available at no extra cost, I did check before posting. The difference is you have to sign up for a 12 month auto renewing contract to get it for free (and you have to make at least two calls with BT every month, which can be inclusive ones). If you pay £3 per month, it's still a 12 month contract, but this doesn't become a new 12 month contract once it's finished.

Heng_Leng wrote: »

Firstly, I wouldn't trust BT with any of my money upfront.

Also, for the pre-paid period, you would have to put up with any T&C changes that BT likes; if they change anything severe on monthly line rental you can usually get out penalty free - pay upfront then you forfeit the remainder of the prepaid period.

At least you know BT isn't a fly-by-night company that's going to go bust two months down the line, so no risk there.

Also, if all your calls are inclusive, the only cost is line rental, and even if they scrap Line Rental Saver during your 12 month period, that wouldn't affect people already on it. What other T&C changes are you worried about?

rogerblack

jrawle wrote: »

Line Rental Saver is definitely the way to go. It's a good deal when you consider that you can have inclusive Evening and Weekend calls, and Caller Display is included too.

For me at least - I'm eligable for 'light user scheme' - and would have taken it up.
This is for people on certain benefits - if I'd not already been on line-rental saver.

14.40/3 months, but a ridiculously small call allowance, and expensive calls.
However - you can still have other broadband providers with it - and my ISP offers a 'free' SIP service - which will work for outgoing calls, leading to an overall saving.

Lily1

Thinking of changing to the upfront 12 month payment, but have just paid quarterly bill with advance rental charge on it. Will they refund difference if I sign up today?

wantmemoney

wizk1 wrote:

Fine. Then I shall revert back to paper billing.

yes but is there an 'opt' back option ?

Crabman

Just gave BT a call and asked to go back to postal bills. They kept that announcement quiet didn't they? Wonder what OfCOM would think...

It's a matter of concern that BT appear to have little regard for the environmental implications of millions of customers being given no incentive to not revert to paper bills.

Paulgonnabedebtfree

wantmemoney wrote: »

yes but is there an 'opt' back option ?

Probably not but I will tell them that I'm off if they don't start posting the bills again. It has become a matter of principle. They reduced my charges in exchange for paperless billing. Now they go back on the deal. **** 'em.

Geezer_BJ

I'm currently in contract with BT for phone and broadband.

If they now decide to change the T and C's by increasing line rental and charging me for paperless billing, am I entitled to cease the contract ?

I'll be quite happy to migrate over to Sky talk

DJ_Mike

Seems rather short sighted of them. I always opt for paper bills because I like the printed record of what I owe to a company, in case I need to use it for some reason (evidence in a dispute, proof of address, etc.) - only when companies threaten to charge more if I use paper billing do I then opt for online billing. BT doing this (not that I care, I'm with Virgin) would just mean I hop straight back to the convenience of paper billing again. And let's be honest, if it drains their profits a bit too I see that as a bonus.

Kite2010

wizk1 wrote: »

Fine. Then I shall revert back to paper billing.

They will probably change to giving a discount for paperless billing to charging ~ £1.50 a month to provide paper bills.

wizk1

Kite2010 wrote: »

They will probably change to giving a discount for paperless billing to charging ~ £1.50 a month to provide paper bills.

You're probably right. But until that happens, I want take pride in being spiteful towards these daylight robbers, and help out our wonderful postal service.