Disconnection Fee

Webdak9

BT want to charge me £31 to disconnect from them as I'm moving abroad, is it worth paying?

onomatopoeia99

You are most likely contractually obliged to pay, so yes. If you're moving abroad to flee your debts, then another £31 is unlikely to make a difference though, so in that case, no.

Webdak9

Thanks, although I'm not fleeing the country because of debts. They confused me though because they said I only need to pay it if I don't want someone else using my phone or broadband, thought if I had paid a final bill no one else could use it

louisewilson6

If you are moving abroad for ever and ever then I suppose it's more of a moral issue between you and your conscience.
However, if you intend to come back to the UK at some point then you probably don't want it affecting your credit record, especially for such a small amount.
Assuming that you have checked your contract and it's a legitimate charge, then I'd think you would be best paying it. You could always ring them and ask if they have the flexibility to reduce the charge, and chuck in a few keywords such as loyalty and goodwill, and the fact that you would LOVE to return to BT if and when you are back in the UK :rotfl:...no idea if that would work but you have nothing to lose.
The fact that you have asked the question in the first place kind of answers it, just pay it and be done with it


EDIT: I have just discovered that this is a charge made by Openreach and passed on to BT.

"The Broadband Cease Charge is a compensatory charge raised in certain circumstances to cover the additional cost to BT of the work required within an exchange to recover equipment and amend records when a Broadband line is ceased.
When will the charge be raised?
This charge will be raised should you:
Switch to a Cable provider
Switch to another Broadband provider without following the standard transfer process*
Cease your Broadband completely
Cease your Broadband and move outside of the UK
When won't the charge be raised?
This charge will not be raised should you:
Live in an exchange area with no cease charges (use the checker to see this)
Move home and you re-connect to BT Broadband via the homemover process
Move home and we are unable to provide the service at your new UK address
You are ceasing service due to bereavement or severe illness
How much will I be charged?
The cease charge is £31 and will be added to your final bill."

JJ_Egan

£31 fee posted all over the forum for a number of years .