Orange free broadband - call for written evidence

Former_MSE_Helen

Hi all,

Just to let you know we're still looking into this, although we're struggling to collate any written evidence stating that broadband was either 'free for life', or that it would last for the entire length of a mobile phone contract every time a mobile phone was upgraded.

If you do have anything, please let me know at helen@moneysavingexpert.com or post it on this thread.

Thanks, to everyone who has contacted me so far.

Best wishes,
Helen

MSE_Martin

Hi folks,

Just a follow up from me. We know how many of you are concerned about his - and many have you have contacted me. We are on it, working through what can be done and how we can help.

Keep us informed and in touch

Martin

nickbirkin

Helen;
As per my email to you dated 9th October 2012, when I sent you the T&C's.
It is stated in the T&C's of the Free Broadband, they defined an eligible tariff as;
2. If you are an Eligible Customer you must be on at least a monthly £30 tariff (an "Eligible Tariff") to qualify for the Free Broadband offer.
6. If you are on an Eligible Tariff the Offer will be applied to your account for the period you remain on an Eligible Tariff.
This was then backed up by adverts offering free broadband for life.
Everyone here realises that "free for life" was to mean as long as you were on an eligible contract, something that was confirmed by Orange each time we renewed our mobile contracts and continued to receive free broadband.
The offering on the mobile contracts was only of value when the "free" broadband was factored in, and most customers would have moved provider had Orange not continued to guarantee the "free" broadband.
It has also been confirmed as a bill entry for the last six years as part of the package.
What has angered customers is the blackmail of moving landlines to Orange, when Orange were already contractually obliged to provide the service.
They have constantly quoted their right to vary the contract, however these clauses are not looked upon favourably by the OFT and should allow the customer to withdraw if they give unfair gain to one party.
Orange have tried to wriggle out of either continuing the free broadband or allowing penalty free mobile exit by stating the two contracts are not linked, despite the Free BB T&C's stating the free BB is reliant on the mobile contract.
Those with more knowledge than me in contract law believe this to be a misnomer and at the least the free BB was an inducement to purchase and should therefore be continued to the end of the current mobile contract or if the inducement is withdraw then the customer has the right to withdraw.
If they do not then they are open to accusations of mis-selling the mobile contracts.
Imagine they ask you for the free Playstation back half way through the contract?

Eva49

MSE_Martin wrote: »

Hi folks,

Just a follow up from me. We know how many of you are concerned about his - and many have you have contacted me. We are on it, working through what can be done and how we can help.

Keep us informed and in touch

Martin

Many thanks for giving our story air-time it is very much appreciated

Hope all goes well for you and yours

Angie