Sales Talk or Truth ??

coupleuk

Hi

Ive just read that 3 are increasing their prices by nearly 4% so the time has come (after 6+ years) to ditch my mobile broadband account and get a "proper" home broadband package.

I dont currently have a landline installed - but the wiring etc is there and has been used by previous occupant for broadband just 2 years ago.

I did look at TalkTalk who offered a free line installation - but their customer service (pre-live date) was terrible so I cancelled.

Ive just had a chat with Orange who are offering unlimited BB and anytime landline calls plus line rental at £23.50 per month PLUS £120 confirmed cashback thru Quidco - meaning just £13.50 per month for a 12 month contract.

However, they want £60 to get the "new line" installed.

I explained that TT offered it for free.

The Orange guy informed me that TT (and Sky) don't use BT equipment - they use a Metallic Pass Facility - and if I went with them and later cancelled (after contract period) I would STILL have to pay BT their std rate of £120 to get a line installed. If I signed up with Orange and later left, I would have the benefit of a full BT line set-up and wouldnt have to pay any new line charges.

Is the above correct?

Or is it Sales Bull**it from Orange?

pcombo

No its the truth.

Orange use bt network for phone and broadband which is uses the mac code system.

LLU which sky and talktalk use dont use mac codes and to move to another LLU or back to bt network you require a new install or a migration which can cost.

If your getting £120 cashback and its confirmed whats the problem in signing up is still free. Or are you just to greedy?

DaveK

pcombo wrote: »

LLU which sky and talktalk use dont use mac codes and to move to another LLU or back to bt network you require a new install or a migration which can cost.

No you're wrong. I've just switched from Sky LLU to BT Infinity and most definitely did not get charged by BT for a "new connection".

So it is utter bull from a salesman.

pcombo

DaveK wrote: »

No you're wrong. I've just switched from Sky LLU to BT Infinity and most definitely did not get charged by BT for a "new connection".

So it is utter bull from a salesman.

Actually im right, BT dont charge a fee because its BT your moving to. It's BT engineers who perform the work.

So why would BT charge you when its free to them.

coupleuk

If your getting £120 cashback and its confirmed whats the problem in signing up is still free. Or are you just to greedy?

Not TOO greedy - just want to get as much knocked off as I can.

TT were offering free line installation and £60 cashback, with cheaper line rental if paid in advance for the year - it was only their customer service which stopped me from signing up.

So, if one provider can offer the above I dont think it unreasonable to ask another to match the free install bit.

And that's why we got to my original question on here.

pcombo

As stated only reason talktalk can offer them prices is because they have there own equipment at the exchanges.

And they dont get huge charges like companies do who dont have there equipment at exchanges.

macman

Complete bull from TT. A 'return to donor' is not chargeable, it is free with BT, but does require a 12m line rental contract.
What is more tricky is a direct LLU to LLU switch. Many telcoms often simply offer a subsidised new line install as a way around this, usually around £50.

patman99

The LLU providers still have to buy the kit to go in the exchange in the first place. The cost of a 500-1 connection unit (to go inside a cabinet) is over £400. BT charge to install this (ONLY BT engineers are allowed to work in a BT exchange), then charge for maintaining it and for the data that travels through BT's F/O backbone.
The likes of TT and Sky will usually be in a better financial position to install the latest technology than BT so they may be a better bet for the best speeds.

DaveK

pcombo wrote: »

Actually im right, BT dont charge a fee because its BT your moving to. It's BT engineers who perform the work.

So why would BT charge you when its free to them.

Why do BT charge me if I don't make 2 calls a month? That is just as illogical!!!!

The OP asked if you get charged if you leave Sky or TT as the salesman from Orange said, I didn't so therefore there is no charge at least if you go to BT. If you want to go to Orange after being with Sky or TT then maybe you would be charged but the sweeping statement of you will be charged is wrong.

Ady87

BT have 3 options.

1) Pay £130 for a line only connection, no minimum term.
2) Pay £40 as a promotion for a line only connection, 18 month term.
3) Take line and Broadband and get a full connection free, 12/18 month term.

If you get a subsidised connection offer, they require you have calls through BT and they ensure this by charging you for not making a minimum call commitment. You can still have calls with another carrier but it's probably not worth it.

If you pay for a connection, or BT start you up on a stopped line or take over a working line, there is no minimum call commitment.