Broadband switching - BT to Talktalk

hmallard

Hi there,

I am currently in the process of switching an elderly relative's broadband from BT to Talktalk to get the cheapest deal, and have read online that due to new Ofcom rules, you needn't notify your old provider that you are switching away - simply instruct the new provider and they will do it for you.

Great I thought, no need to spend half a day attempting to contact the BT callcentre!

However on Live Chat to BT I have just been told by their representative that this is not the case - here is the conversation;
Me - "Is it correct that I can just sign up with a new provider and do not have to contact BT to notify I will be switching away?"
BT - "you need to provide us prior information if you wish to leave BT so that we can close the services"
BT - "you need to call our cancellation team on 0800 800 150"
Me - "But Ofcom rules as of June 2015 now state that I can instruct a new provider without notifying my old provider?"
BT - "It will be good to inform us else the contract will end but the services will still be working and you will be getting bills"

Can anyone provide clarification as to whether this is true and if so, why the Ofcom rules don't apply?
I will be switching them from BT to Talktalk at the end of their 12 month contract.
To me it sounds as if they have no idea what they are talking about!

Thanks in advance.

fussypensioner

They probably want you to speak to their "cancellation" team so they can offer you all sorts of goodies to stay. Why not phone them and see what they have to say. I have done this in the past and got a reduction on my package. Remember though that you want to save money, so don't be smoozed into signing up with a new package unless it is genuinely beneficial.

New Rules by Ofcom on switching

From June 2015 the process for switching has been made even easier. There is no longer a requirement for a MAC Code from your existing supplier. You can simply contact your new provider and they will deal with everything.