BT contract

graham44

I took out an 18 month discounted package contract with BT (line rental, anytime calls add-on, broadband and calls) in May 2011 for £23.60 per month and have been reasonably satisfied with the service.

I received the BT update in September advising price increases from 3 December but there is nothing therein to suggest that I was/am affected. Despite this my December bill shows the contracted package price has risen to £24.70. Another 50p has also been charged to reflect the increases from 3 December to my billing date.

My new bill shows the monthly line rental to have risen by 70p even although the September update advises line rentals won't rise till 2013!, the anytime add-on by 20p and the broadband/calls by 20p.

A phone call to BT advised that contract or no contract I was subject to these increases (even after I was voluntarily passed to someone who sounded to be a supervisor). I was told if I didn't want the increase I could have cancelled within 15 days of receiving the September update. However, my contract does not allow cancellation without penalty.

Is this all a try-on or is there some small print of which I should have been aware?

Have I been caught out by some small print - though I can find none? I know it's only £12 at stake but if they do this to everyone they'll make a sizeable sum. Have they a legal right to do this?

HARRISON

I am a long time customer and shareholder of bt.however they do have some strange and inconsistent practices in the implementation of their tariffs.for example,when they withdrew the light user scheme last year,some customers were transferred to the "inclusive weekend "tariff whilst others were transferred to the "basic" tariff without meeting the conditions,and without applying for it.this tariff is meant to be for vulnerable people on low incomes,hence the condition of having to be on certain benefits.however,there are now many people on this tariff who are certainly not eligible for it. Bt are in denial of this situation.oftel say it is a "commercial decision",so not their concern.ofcom are not bothered so long as the tariff is allowed to those who do qualify.

Buzby

Your contract represents your commitment to service. It has absolutely nothing to so with the prices charged, which is the 'Tariff'. This can and does alter with various price updates, and all customers are charges the prevailing rate, it isn't staggered depending on when your minimum term ends. You are given an opportunity to terminate if the const increase is substantial (usually 10% or so) but these increases are below this, so this will not be an option.

rimce44

Just was thinking to go with bt new contract..