Where do I stand in cancelling my contract early? HELP!!

SammyH88

Hi, I'm new to the forum so sorry if something similar has already been posted.

I took out a contract with Three 18 months ago, for the past 12 months my signal at home has disappeared! It took me 45 minutes to send a text last night! I can't use the phone for any phone calls while I'm at home.

I know most companies give you a certain amount of time to send the phone back due to poor signal but this is usually 7-14 days, well this didn't matter as the phone was perfectly usable for a few months.

Am I within my rights to cancel the contract with no fees as I don't see why I should have to buy the contract out when the stupid thing is only any use to me 30% of the time?? I have rang trading standards and they said I can try holding them in Breach of Contract for not providing a service that I'm paying for. I have rang Three and they are currently investigating the situation but to be fair they can't work miracles and everytime they keep saying "wait 24 hours" for this that and the other I'm still paying for the contract and I can't use it!?

I tried ringing a solicitor but they won't give me and free advice.

grumbler

If a network change something and this results in poor signal in the same area, you normally have grounds for demanding cancellation without any charges. However, no networks promise you good signal indoors and they say this in the T&C.

So, this is a tricky one. Keep complaining. It's usually their executive office that people get result with in such cases.

SammyH88

I know signal can change from being outside but it used to work perfectly fine indoors, outdoors, anywhere for about 5 months. It's liek they turned a phone mast or something off

scheming_gypsy

If you pop your postcode in to http://www.sitefinder.ofcom.org.uk/search it'll show you where your nearest masts are. If there isn't one the Three uses, you might have more information to take back to them instead of waiting for them.

gjchester

SammyH88 wrote: »

I took out a contract with Three 18 months ago, for the past 12 months my signal at home has disappeared!

Have you logged this to Three at all?

As you say you are still in contract and mention it was 18 months ago it was taken out it is most likely a 24 month contract, accepting the situation for 12 months without even logging on call will weaken you case.

You could try breech of contract but the contract you signed (as mentioned) will have a clause saying they cannot guarantee service in all placeas at all times, and again as you've accepted it for 12 months it's hard to see why it's now an issue.

SammyH88

I know I should of done something before hand but it's always seemed more hassle than its worth. The reason why it is so immportant now is my contract with my bt phone is finished, I only use it because my mobile doesn't work at home, I'm not wasting money on a bt phonline when I shouldn't have to. I a getting rid of the bt line and I'm pregnant, so a phone that works is a hell of a lot more needed now than it was before. I have let 3 know and I am still waiting for a call back from them.

I have been reading their terms and conditions and it does state that they will provide a service in a three network covered area but cannot be held responsible if the network is down "at times". I am in a three network covered area and at times would be acceptable, this isn't what I would call at times. Nowhere else in their terms and conditions does it mention anything about the problem I am having and what I am entitled to do.

I have written them a letter and with 6 months to go on the contract I think it's in both our interests to cancel with no fee and agree I won't be using the services of three again.

But just needed some other opinions