BT contract termination charges

chrismdd

For the last ten years we have been loyal customers to BT. However, just recently we have had to pay extra for broadband usage. They sent emails explaining the costs and possibility of upgrading to unlimited access.

So yesterday I phoned up and found out at present I was not in a contract with them but could sign up for a 12 month contract over the phone to get unlimited access package at £53 per month that would go live today.

After the call I made enquires about other package providers and found one in our area at half the price for more benefits. Thinking that with all contracts you have a cooling off period of 7-14 days I contacted BT today (24hrs later) to cancel the contract. They say that I would need to pay £223 to terminate it! and said that when I had ended the phone call yesterday that the contract was sealed and there is no cooling off period for this new contract as I'm not a new customer or purchasing hardware.

Is this correct? do I go to Ofcom or go back to BT (I have emailed their complaints department). I have no knowledge of the legal aspects of this and they have not sent me any correspondence regarding terms and conditions.

Regards

Chris

forgotmyname

£53 a month? Do you get a butler to answer the phone for you?

What are you paying for? £223 sounds cheap if your already tied into the contract.

littleboo

If the service has been started, there is no cooling off period.

macman

Too late...much too late.

chrismdd

Oh well I suppose the old adage 'you learn by your mistakes' is apt here, be it a very costly mistake. Note to self: not to rush in before checking other options and also make note of when all utility and other contracts such as insurance are due to expire, must buy a 2015 calendar to note these dates down now.

Chris