Can Virgin do this? Is it legal?

Joshpaws

Hi I'm new in here and have a query.

It appears my contract with Virgin Media doesn't run out until August (how did it get extended without my knowledge?) but that's not really the issue.

I'm paying £56 a month just for phone and Broadband. So rang to see it this could be reduced in any way. Yes, it was possible if I changed my phone package to free weekend calls. Good news. But then I was informed that this would mean I was signing a new 12 month contract with them.

So I've declined. Suspect something must have happened like this already as I thought my original contract was due to expire any day now anyway.

Is this legal? Acceptable practice?

donnac2558

Yes, they all do it.

You change your package in anyway and you are agreeing to a new contract. Its in the small print

worried_jim

Tell them you are leaving to go to plusnet as they have a phone and BB deal for £18 pm Inc line rental (or they did when I called) instant massive reduction in bill!

Joshpaws

Thanks donnac. Will be more wary next time and perhaps go for one of those 'no contract' providers.

Buzby

There is no such thing as 'no contract'. If you mean ones with no minimum term, I've not found any. On Virgin, if you add basic TV the cost actually falls due to bundle discounts.

teddysmum

Buzby wrote: »

There is no such thing as 'no contract'. If you mean ones with no minimum term, I've not found any. On Virgin, if you add basic TV the cost actually falls due to bundle discounts.

There are some with rolling contracts , but the charges are much higher. PlusNet charge £14.99 for ADSL, line with another company.


Also, the PlusNet website's lowest price for ADSL and line is £22.50.

Rev

Exact same thing here, signed up to a retentions deal december 2015 to end december 2016. Rolls around to december i call to cancel only to be told I'm on an 18 month contract and the BB goes up to full price for the last 6 months.

And there doesn't seem to be a single thing I can do about it. According to the account notes I agreed to an 18 month contract and I know I 100% did not. They basiclly said stuff you, you can't prove it.

[Deleted User]

Rev wrote: »

Exact same thing here, signed up to a retentions deal december 2015 to end december 2016. Rolls around to december i call to cancel only to be told I'm on an 18 month contract and the BB goes up to full price for the last 6 months.

And there doesn't seem to be a single thing I can do about it. According to the account notes I agreed to an 18 month contract and I know I 100% did not. They basiclly said stuff you, you can't prove it.

Not true as all calls are recorded.

Buzby

If VM, you get a follow up letter reconfirming the terms you've agreed to. Further, I record all my own calls - no need to rely on them retaining it. Have your phone on loudspeaker and record on your smartphone.

Rev

I've lost the letter if I ever got one and they said calls are no it kept for three months so they couldn't help.

I will be recording all future calls with them should I decide to stay with them.