MSE News: Beat the BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media price hikes

themainman

I used to be one of Richard Branson's most avid followers. From his early days of Virgin Records in the 70's through to Freddie Laker type stand when he took BA and others on. I read his autobiographies and part of me warmed to this man. I have had Virgin services for 15 years. NOT ANYMORE!!! Read the following and be shocked.

I gave Virgin up and down the banks today, but not before trying to get through their stupid long winded menu options. Finally, after 25mins I got through to a human, who after 5 mins transfered me. As I waited, the line went dead, so back to square one. I rang Orange an hour later and a human picked up the phone on two rings. Now that is what I call service.

They had sent me one of their patronizing letters which had the gall to start off by saying 'We have some good news for you'. Your broadband speed is being increased up to (wait for it) 20mb'. I thought, 'aye' I remember getting a letter a two years ago saying my broadband speed is being increased up to 50mb with no extra charge'. The lying gits increased the price 1 year later doubled the price to £20 just for BB. I don't have their tv or mobile or phone line, just BB.

Then they announced a year later that my broadband speed will be up to 30mb and put the price up £2.50 per month. This latest letter says up to 20mb and on the 1st Oct, they are increasing by £3.50 per month to £26.00. I hit the roof, rang their customer service and told them that since Virgin bought NTL, the service is now dearer and more unreliable for instance, three weeks ago, I had no broadband for 3 days and you offered me £1 compensation for each day.' She told me they have many satisfied customers. I said, 'yeah, and I know the type, they are those that are happy to sit in front of a tv watching a gang of Nancies getting paid £100,000 plus per week to kick a bag of wind around a pitch and don't care how much they pay or what sort of service they get.'

Then she said something that really wound me up. 'How can we keep you as a satisfied customer?' To which I said, 'I don't know where you got the expression 'satisfied customer' from, coz I am anything BUT'. The she said, we'll send you a free wireless router and we will also pay the postage. I said, 'Big deal, I've got a wireless router'. Then she said, 'Yes, but this will enable you to get up 20mb broadband cos this router takes full advantage of our service'. 'AYE, so are you telling me that all the time I have had Virgin's service which has come down from up 50mb down to up to 20mb and more than double in price for the past 4 years, that I needed a special virgin router? " She went quiet and then said, 'I'm sorry, but that's the best I can do' .

At that point I hung up, but not before telling her that every time I get on a Virgin train there is always a smell of raw sewerage, everyone notices it. I now use London Midland, they don't smell even when you go into the toilet. Also, Virgin airlines used to be one of the cheapest airlines, not anymore. They are not even cheaper than British Airways they are now dearest in the skies! If you don't believe me, just do a scheduled search on Expedia or any other flight search engine and Virgin will always be at the bottom - the most expensive. Anyone who uses the services of the Virgin brand needs to look at the competition, even British Airways are cheaper on flights, Orange ADSL service is faster than the Virgin BB that I have.

I've already been quoted a deal from Orange including line rental, free phone calls even 0845, 0870 and international calls and internet speeds of 15mb cos I am close to the exchange. for £19pm rising to £26pm after 6 months. Virgin charge me £26 just for BB which is slower than Orange, the line rental is with a different company. I've yet to phone round. BYE BYE VIRGIN! Who's gonna join me in kicking this company into touch???

Just done a speed test (time 23:58) 11mb download, 1.75mb upload! At this time of the night it should be around 18mb for the 'up to 20mb' service. I used to get 28mb download last year'. Disgusting or what!!!

Nothing anyone can tell me about this cut throat company could restore my faith in any of the Virgin brand. So if Dickie Branson is thinking of doing one of his publicity campaigns by calling me, let me give you a tip, DON'T!

david39

Note to themainman:

Richard Branson no longer owns Virgin Media. He sold it to the american group Liberty Global several months ago, before the recent round of price increases