Three - Early termination Fee. Why?

jadex

I have switched over from Three monthly SIM only plan to EE.

Just received my final bill and am much surprised (shocked rather) that Three want to charge me £10.38 Early Termination Fee...

How so? My contract with them was monthly rolling one.
Name of the plan: SIM 1GB Data 600 Minutes - 1 month.
There was no minimum 12 month contract clause but even if it was, I was on this plan longer than that.

I called them to get PAC from them, then used PAC same day, was transferred 2 days later and thought that's the end of it. Case closed. But it seems not so...

My account with Three is closed. Who should I contact now to have it solved as quickly as possible?
Obviously, cannot just cancel Direct Debit...

Anyone been in the same situation and can share his/her experience?

Oakdene

Probably because the PAC code was used before the 30 days notice period. I would hazard a guess that although its a 30 day rolling contract you still have to give 30 days notice to leave.

mije1983

All mobile contracts whether 30 days, 12 months, 24 months etc require a notice period. You can't just up and leave. It's usually 30 days. As you left with only 2 days notice, you are being charged the remaining amount for the notice period.

I have to admit I'm always confused when people are 'shocked' or 'surprised' by things like this (not just mobile phones, or you OP). I know Ts&Cs are long and boring, but if you are going to cancel something surely it just makes sense to check out the cancellation terms beforehand so you know what's what?

jadex

Thanks for your comments.
Not sure I follow, though.
Contract itself was only £7. Paid already by DD for up to 26 march.
They are crediting back £2.99 for unused period between 14-26 march and then add £10.38 early termination fee. Seems excessive.

PAC is valid for 30 days. So you suggest that I was supposed to wait and use it 30 days after requesting it?
It's not my first ever switch and I do not recollect being charged termination fee, ever. In fact, 3 years ago I left SIM only Three for Ovivo (which then subsequently collapsed) and wasn't charged any fee.

And my partner switched from IDmobile and wasn't charged any fee.
So, yes, am surprised... and no, there was no terms and conditions (with fees) enclosed when I got my Welcome to Three letter (but thanks for mentioning that - will check them on-line)

BTW. When asked for PAC nobody from Three (3 or 4 different persons as was transferred back and forth) said to me anything about termination fee.
Not the end of the world if I pay it but cannot see the amount they want as reasonable.

ryan121

Probably charged you for the rest of the month plus the 30 days you did not give any notice for. This is all standard and the same with any network.

I would advise against refusing to pay as you will get a default on your credit record. Silly over £10.38. Look at your final bill, it should be clear from that why you are being charged what you are.

Marcio45

It appears that they call early termination charge for the period remaining on the 30 days notice when you transfer your number.

Lets say you call on the first of the month to ask for a PAC code. So your 30 days notice is up and you have to use it until day 30. And you transfer your number on the 10th. So the remaining 20 days that you have to pay (30 day notice) is charged by an early termination fee. Does it make sense?

I have just left Three and had the same. And although early termination fee is confusing in this case, the numbers had up and the final bill is as expected, considering you always have to pay for the 30 days when you give notice.

jadex

Marcio45 wrote: »

It appears that they call early termination charge for the period remaining on the 30 days notice when you transfer your number.
(...)
Does it make sense?

yes, sort of... as the numbers do not quite add up

unless, just a thought, they are playing with money - my plan was sold to me as £7 p/m, however bills were showing something like £12 or so p/m (maybe it was £12.50? don't remember now) with then subsequently applied "loyalty discount";
so, if might be they refund me £2.99 for unused period (14-26mar) as I have already paid £7 (i.e. after discount) for current billing period and then slapping me with 25/30 of full price? then it'd make numbers more or less correct - however unfair IMHO

System

Your fee shouldn't be more 30 days notice standard cost.
Sounds like it's been miscalculated x

[Deleted User]

This ^^^

They can't charge you based on the full price if you're on a discounted contract. Unless it's in the small print of course, since they consider leaving them not particularly loyal. I'd call them myself.

d123

Colin_Maybe wrote: »

This ^^^

They can't charge you based on the full price if you're on a discounted contract. Unless it's in the small print of course, since they consider leaving them not particularly loyal. I'd call them myself.

Vodafone have it in the terms that discounts are removed before an ETC is calculated, as 3 don't even deduct the vat (as they should) it's likely they also do so.

[Deleted User]

d123 wrote: »

Vodafone have it in the terms that discounts are removed before an ETC is calculated, as 3 don't even deduct the vat (as they should) it's likely they also do so.

I stand corrected, that's pretty poor really.