virgin media contract con?

caroleukts

I have recently moved to a new area, a move that was forced on me and virgin media were told this.
When I asked to cancel my contract for home phone and broadband sullied at 20mb via cable as they could not provide the same service at my new address I was told that I had to pay a early contract closure charge! Why should I pay this as virgin cannot give me that same service I signed up to?
They say they can still provide phone and broadband using my BT landline but it's not the same speed (6.6 to 11mb) AND I will have to pay for the line rental (13.95) so why should I be charged an early cancellation fee?
Can any one tell me if this is legal? and what I can do to stop this charge?
I can't afford this fee as I'm on benefits and I had to move due to harassment and death threats, and this charge is just the last straw for me at this very stressful time.

Carole

macman

Perfectly legal. Because you contracted your service at the existing address, and you now want to opt out of your contract at that address. VM do not serve the whole county with cable, less than about 60%, nor do they claim to.
Given the exceptional circumstances, you could plead a special case, but VM are under no obligation to waive the ETC whatsoever.
This question comes up regularly, but the answer is always the same.
Bear in mind that you will commence a new minimum term contract if you accept the switch to Virgin National.

Buzby

There's no 'con'.

Irrespective of the reasons for your move, you still committed to the minimum term, so if there is any reason for you terminating before the end of your minimum term, they will bill you the remainder. As macman says, all perfectly legal, as it is you who are breaking the arrangement.

Bear in mind irrespective of where you move to, if you terminate any service early it will invariably have a minimum term that will have to be paid for. Losing a cable connection will always leave you withj an inferior service, but at least it is a way to avoid the payment, but get a new 12 month minimum term instead.