Mystery BTHub

Oaty

I'm a student who has just moved into a new house. The previous tenants tell us they cancelled their TalkTalk broadband so it would end at the end of September.

However, there is an active BTHomeHub with landline and broadband sitting in our living room. It's blocking us setting up broadband with other companies and the previous tenants claim it has nothing to do with them. BT won't give me any information without an account number (and try constantly to connect me with sales).

We are a bit bemused as to what to do. We want to set up and pay for our own internet but with this being blocked by the hub we were debating the ethics of enjoying free internet till it disappears. Is there any way that if we connect to the hub we've not signed anything for a hefty bill could still come our way?

Many thanks,
Oaty

macman

It's known as fraud...presumably you are not a law student?
You can still set up a broadband account if there are tags on the line, it just takes longer, because the incoming ISP has to contact the existing one (BT), and they have to attempt to contact the account holder before closing the account and disconnecting. Typically it will add 3 weeks or so. Contact your intended line rental provider and ISP, not BT.

Oaty

I know, I know it's just frustrating. Like I said, we want to set up and pay for our own! Thanks for the advice.

Tesco said that they couldn't do anything with tags on the line but I will call them again. BT have been awful, after the 5th time calling and being sent to sales I spoke to an angry guy who said he'd put me on hold for a minute, after 25 I pressed buttons until he returned, made a smarmy comment and hung up.

macman

Tesco and then BT? How about trying a decent ISP instead? Do an exchange search on https://www.samknows .com for your available LLU providers.

brewerdave

i'm confused .......do you mean that you have TWO phone lines in the place??Cos otherwise how did the previous tenants have TalkTalk??? ..but leave you with BT connected??Are you sure that the previous tenants haven't done a runner from a BT contract which is still within its minimum 18 month term?

macman

Ask the previous tenants to explain the HomeHub?
It could of course be a HomeHub that's been flashed to work as a normal ADSL modem/router for TT? I beleive that was possible on the early versions?
The OP hasn't made it clear if BT have actually confirmed that they hold the line or not?

DantheMan

brewerdave wrote: »

Are you sure that the previous tenants haven't done a runner from a BT contract which is still within its minimum 18 month term?

this sounds like the most plausible, unfortunately if the previous tenants are unwilling to to help you may just have to wait that extra 3 weeks to get your own broadband sorted!

I personally use Sky, although i'm very limited to broadband and phone options because of where i live, i basically get a choice between, Sky, O2 and BT!

Figured with the tv and call packages that Sky works out slightly better cost wise and i get the same service as i would from BT who i was with previously!

Jnelhams

You could try Virgin, as this has it's own network and so probably would not be effected. The other thing is to ask the landlord, as someone must be liable for BT charges for the Hub.