TalkTalk price hike

anthonyduk

Hi folks, out of curiosity when TT hike up the prices (of phone and broadband) does that mean that if we are in contract we can leave without penalty? I think that a change in terms has to be agreed by both parties?

I too am annoyed by meagre speeds and drops in streaming TV (only way we watch TV) and downloading content (for games). Seeing that other companies offer better packages that are cheaper (such as BT infinity) this would be ideal if we could get out.

bod1467

Yes. Any change to a contract that is to the material detriment of either party allows either party to cancel the contract without penalty. However you have a limited time (10 days?) from formal notification (letter, email - on their website doesn't count) in which to do so.

If you're still within this period then call Retentions and request your MAC on the grounds of the change in T&Cs being to your detriment. They'll likely offer you an incentive to stay - if you really want to leave then you'll have to reject any offers they make.

anthonyduk

It seems that BT will arrange a move to their services. If we did this whilst in contract with TT will they try to charge a fee? Had a close look at the email sent today and it is a notification of alteration of terms of contract (line rental increase) it even has a signature. So I understand that as this is an invitation to alter the terms of the contract and we do not agree then we should be released without penalty?

Lou3000

I didn't get any notification about an increase - I checked the email I get every month regards 'latest TalkTalk bill' it was within the details of my account I saw my next payment would be £25 - a hike of £5.

I got an email this morning in response to my query about exactly what it was I was being offered when I phoned their Loyalty Department on Tuesday evening. I needed clarification because I could barely understand the accent of the gentleman I spoke to.

I clearly asked two questions in my email:
1: Was I being offered 3 months free Broadford
2: Was I, at the moment, not under contract
3: At the end of 3 months I was to phone Loyalty Dept again to discuss a new 'deal'

The reply I got confirmed only that I was getting 3 months free Broadford from now until August. The other two questions were ignored. The rest of the email was a repeat of the first response about how companies had to increase from time to time blah, blah.

I was given a link to check my 'rights' but the link just takes me to their front page so I'll have to do some ferretting about to find my 'rights'!

Am concerned that I might only have 10 days as suggested by bod1467. I don't want to be rushing into finding a new isp.

The isp who has a call centre in the UK would get my business any day!

bod1467

anthonyduk wrote: »

It seems that BT will arrange a move to their services. If we did this whilst in contract with TT will they try to charge a fee? Had a close look at the email sent today and it is a notification of alteration of terms of contract (line rental increase) it even has a signature. So I understand that as this is an invitation to alter the terms of the contract and we do not agree then we should be released without penalty?

My post immediately before yours gives answers your question.

LouLou

The best advice I got on MSE was to phone Retentions (0870 444 1820) (not the cold call, as they take commission and offer worse deals) when re-negotiating your contract.

I've been with TT around 4 years and got 1/3 off every month on my new 12 month contract, AND got a new N router. I must be lucky as I've barely had any blips in my service and get around 16MB broadband.

bod1467

16MB! You sync at around 128 mbps? :eek:

Guess I'll just have to make do with my 18.5 mbps with BE.

Lou3000

bod1467 wrote: »

Yes. Any change to a contract that is to the material detriment of either party allows either party to cancel the contract without penalty. However you have a limited time (10 days?) from formal notification (letter, email - on their website doesn't count) in which to do so.

If you're still within this period then call Retentions and request your MAC on the grounds of the change in T&Cs being to your detriment. They'll likely offer you an incentive to stay - if you really want to leave then you'll have to reject any offers they make.

As I can't get a clear answer from TT customer service as to whether or not I am still under contract or not and therefore no idea whether I have to make up my mind by next week whether to cancel the 'contract' and ask for the MAC code, I wonder if it's worth phoning Retentions to see what they know? Exactly, who/what are Retentions, anyway?!

penrhyn

You would make a saving of £15 / month by getting rid of your second telephone line, possibly more if it has an associated calling plan, you need to check with BT.
You can request a MAC anytime, then you have 30 days within which to find another ISP, you only cancel when you have sorted that out.

bod1467

Retentions is the name of the department at TT who handle cancellations. They do this (like many other ISPs) to try and persuade customers to stay ... Retentions are the only ones who can make seriously good offers to existing customers - Sales can only so do to new customers.

TT Retentions phone number is 0870 444 1820.