Right to Cancel when service not available on new address

frugal_mike

I've certainly been made to move when I wasn't planning to before. Forcing people to take lengthy contracts or do without does force people to make commitments when they can't be sure they'll be in the same property for the whole term. That doesn't necessarily make it unfair, but I'm sure there are people that would benefit from shorter fixed terms.

TheSaint_2

It looks like virgin have changed their policy in the past few years. Last time I moved they were happy to cancel with no penalty.

Shame really, the ill will from holding you to a contract is likely to cost them more in the long run.

In this situation I would seriously consider cancelling the dd and moving. They wouldn't know where I moved to, so good luck chasing the debt

If you don't mind a possible bad credit rating.

tykesi

OP - you do realise Virgin don't force people to move, don't you?

If you wish to avoid term fees for moving to an area they don't provide service, the answer is quite simple - don't move!

Not their fault you sign up to a contract and then change the conditions!


EDIT as I missed this the first time:

"You must note that nobody moves address just for the fun of it. Such situation result only from unavoidable needs"

This ridiculous statement makesme regret replying at all to this clearly deluded fool.

tinkerbell28

Na they won't cancel without fees and you've got no rights. It is one reason I wouldn't use virgin and always stick with sky, as sky you're pretty much guaranteed coverage.

Virgin don't cover very well in rural areas. It's such a common problem with all utilities and things. That if you're in the forces you get an "allowance" to buy you out of things like this.

room512

I'm with Virgin and when we had to move unexpectedly last year we were able to cancel our service without charge if it wasn't available in our new house.

Cornucopia

I'm about to move and suspect I may fact the same problem. If this happens, and the fees are excessive, I will be complaining to OFCOM.

It's quite clear that people will move, and that whilst the technology remains incomplete across the country, that people may not be able to continue with their present service whether they want to or not. Under those circumstances, charging hefty termination fees is probably unfair. I will be quite happy to return the company's equipment.

In contract terms, the Company would no doubt call this "Force Majeure". I see it as the same thing for the Customer.

OlliesDad

The cost of the equipment is factored into the fact that the customer will be paying for a minimum of 12 months. To cancel part way through the year without charge would mean that Virgin takes a massive hit.

The argument that you would be willing to give the equipment back is silly as I imagine most would be angry at receiving second hand equipment at the start of the contract, therefore what are Virgin they meant to do with these units?

Moving house comes with many costs (agent fees, van hire etc).. unfortunately reneging on contracts that you agreed to has to be one of these costs too.

Cornucopia

OlliesDad wrote: »

The cost of the equipment is factored into the fact that the customer will be paying for a minimum of 12 months. To cancel part way through the year without charge would mean that Virgin takes a massive hit.

The argument that you would be willing to give the equipment back is silly as I imagine most would be angry at receiving second hand equipment at the start of the contract, therefore what are they meant to do with it?

Refurb it? Offer a discount/no lock in to new customers who take it?

Moving house comes with many costs (agent fees, van hire etc).. unfortunately reneging on contracts that you agreed to has to be one of these costs too.

I suspect OFCOM will see it otherwise.

I have now checked, and Talk Talk are unable to provide my current service at my new address, but can offer Fibre. Normally, this costs £10 extra per month, so I'll see what I can negotiate on that... I'm already getting a £5pm discount because they reneged on their side of the contract before.

Fosterdog

I doubt OFCOM would see it differently, this is how these things have worked since broadband started, if nothing has been done about it so far then it is unlikely to change now.

You sign up to a contract for them to provide a service for a 12 month minimum term, if you want to pull out of the contract you have to pay for it. If you don't like it don't use the service, go for mobile broadband on PAYG or a monthly rolling contract instead.

Cornucopia

Fosterdog wrote: »

I doubt OFCOM would see it differently, this is how these things have worked since broadband started, if nothing has been done about it so far then it is unlikely to change now.

You sign up to a contract for them to provide a service for a 12 month minimum term, if you want to pull out of the contract you have to pay for it. If you don't like it don't use the service, go for mobile broadband on PAYG or a monthly rolling contract instead.

In my case it is an 18 month contract. I appreciate the companies have service startup costs. But at the same time, a certain proportion of the population WILL move in an 18 month period.

The question for me is not whether there should be *some* charge, but whether the charge is excessive/doesn't reflect the costs of the service provider.