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BT upgrade and cancellation fee

Hello there.


This is my 1st post so please bare with me.


I took out a 12 month contract for BT broadband during December 2015 and noticed during August 2016 that I had been going over my usage. To stop the excessive bills I phoned BT and upgraded my package and paid BT a higher monthly amount than the previous basic package.


In October I was unfortunately advised by my current landlord that he had to sell the property and I would have to find new accommodation, which we have done. My problem is BT say I am locked in a new 12 month contract starting August 2016 and will have to pay an early cancellation fee of £160! BT say they advised me at the time I took out the upgrade that this would be the case, but I explained I didn't know I would have to move at that time.


What can I do to avoid paying this amount?


I cannot transfer the broadband to my new address because the landlord is providing internet as part of the tenancy agreement.


Any help is most welcome


Sa3210

Comments

  • cajef
    cajef Posts: 6,283 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Sa3210 wrote: »
    What can I do to avoid paying this amount?
    Nothing, unfortunately it is you that is breaking the contract it is not BT's fault that your landlord has decided to sell the property, actually £160 does not sound too much as you are only three months into a twelve month contract.
  • Thank you cajef.


    I get that it's not their fault I have to move, but why would they have to restart the contract because I changed my package to a deal they had on at the time? Does it sounds like existing customers don't get the same privileges as new customers?
  • JJ_Egan
    JJ_Egan Posts: 20,281 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Does it sounds like existing customers don't get the same privileges as new customers?##


    Certainly don't get the same deals as new customers .
  • cajef
    cajef Posts: 6,283 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Sa3210 wrote: »
    but why would they have to restart the contract because I changed my package to a deal they had on at the time?
    Standard practice throughout the industry, changing your package invariably starts a new contract and period from the date of change.
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