Switching? Get your timing right!

Salamat

I'm just making the switch to NowTV Broadband, from BT. I was expecting, during the sign-up process, that I would be able to choose the date of the switch, so that I could tie it up with the end of my BT contract.

Unfortunately, no such option during the order process and NowTV have come up with a date a few days before my contract with BT finishes! After difficulties trying to find someone to contact at NowTV, to ask them to put back the date, I eventually was told that there is no way to change the date they have come up with! The result, I am being 'stung' with a £65.00 'broadband equipment charge' from BT! (I think their date is based on asap after the 14 day cooling off period)

I'm half tempted to 'cut my nose off.....' and cancel the NowTV switch, as I've not found their service system particularly inspiring. Maybe I'll wait and see if MSE come up with any other good offers, before the switch takes place. (No cancellation fees provided it's done before activation.)

Threewheeler

Worth contacting BT, I have just succeeded in getting my broadband and phone price reduced to compete. I had to sign up with Sky first, don't know why I had to sign up before I could get a better deal with BT to stay.

chris024

£65.00 'broadband equipment charge' seems harsh.

How many days are you switching before your BT contract expires?

Won't BT just charge you till the end of your contract?

AndyPK

I think you need the line active to transfer number?
And they assume you don't want to loose connection.

Loosing a 50 quid voucher is better than paying 65 quid!

iniltous

Presumably you could cancel this order with Now TV , and then just re order with them , hopefully this time it would be late enough so that the minimum term with BT has expired and you won't have to pay for the router.
I think this shows the danger of trying to arrange the takeover to be on the exact date the minimum term expires with the old provider, if you take a cautious view , and time it say 2 weeks after that date , then although you pay for 2 weeks with a provider you want to leave, it means you won't get any unwanted ETC's or equipment charges ,if the changeover happens before the end of the minimum term.
The chances are that it would be only a few £ difference....even if they billed for the full month, they refund the days after the actual change.
As you don't seem to bothered about your choice of new provider, you could always negotiate with BT to see if a better deal is available

[Deleted User]

It's usually 14 days notice for broadband, just don't sign up to a new deal until you're within that time-frame.