Nightmare with BT, advice needed

pyuicd

Over the past couple of weeks we have had calls from BT saying that our phone line was due to be cancelled, which they say is usually because someone is changing to another provider- however they would not provide any further information. We said that this was not the case and that the line should not be cancelled.

Last tuesday, one week ago, our line was cancelled without our permission. Our main telephone number was dead and our broadband not working. We run adverts in newspapers with this phone number, and a lot of our sales are online. We employ 2-3 people just to look after the phones and internet side of the business. I estimate the loss of business at over £1000 per day.

I called BT immediately, who said all they can do is place a new order. Desperate to get our phone line back, i went ahead with this and they have signed us up for a new 5 year contract. As despicable as that is, i felt i had no choice as we were losing too much business. After a week of calls back and forwards, still no phone line and no internet. They keep getting the details wrong, messing up at every possible turn. The problem is still ongoing and we are losing lots of money, we may have to lay off staff soon.

I have spoken to a friend of mine who deals with telecoms switching and he says i should threaten to report them to ofcom. I will probably be doing this, but i need advice regarding compensation.

What is the best way to go about getting compensated by BT for this? We are willing to use any option including legal action, but i could do with advice on the best steps to take.

Any advice would be appreciated. Many thanks.

scoly

pyuicd wrote: »

Over the past couple of weeks we have had calls from BT saying that our phone line was due to be cancelled, which they say is usually because someone is changing to another provider- however they would not provide any further information. We said that this was not the case and that the line should not be cancelled.

Last tuesday, one week ago, our line was cancelled without our permission. Our main telephone number was dead and our broadband not working. We run adverts in newspapers with this phone number, and a lot of our sales are online. We employ 2-3 people just to look after the phones and internet side of the business. I estimate the loss of business at over £1000 per day.

I called BT immediately, who said all they can do is place a new order. Desperate to get our phone line back, i went ahead with this and they have signed us up for a new 5 year contract. As despicable as that is, i felt i had no choice as we were losing too much business. After a week of calls back and forwards, still no phone line and no internet. They keep getting the details wrong, messing up at every possible turn. The problem is still ongoing and we are losing lots of money, we may have to lay off staff soon.

I have spoken to a friend of mine who deals with telecoms switching and he says i should threaten to report them to ofcom. I will probably be doing this, but i need advice regarding compensation.

What is the best way to go about getting compensated by BT for this? We are willing to use any option including legal action, but i could do with advice on the best steps to take.

Any advice would be appreciated. Many thanks.

I would suggest you spell out your claim in detail to BT for the amount you wish them to compensate you. Give them 14 days in which to comply.

If they don't, raise a claim using moneyclaim online

pyuicd

Thanks scoly, are BT unlikely to settle before court action?