Broadband, phone and TV firms must now warn you when you're out of contract – but don't wait

MSE_Chris

Broadband, TV, mobile and home-phone companies must alert customers when they're close to the end of their contract or out of contract under new rules from the regulator, aimed at preventing people from lingering on rip-off deals. But the best prices are still to be found by those who take action – and switch.

Read the full story:
'Broadband, phone and TV firms must now warn you when you're out of contract – but don't wait to switch'

Click reply below to discuss. If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply.

Chino

Because perish the thought that anyone should make a calendar entry of when their minimum contract term ends.

spenderdave

I am a little confused about this and the amount of media coverage. Taking BT as a (possibly worst case) scenario. When I took out my contract originally the bill always told me that my introductory discount was for 18 months. Last December they started sending me emails that my contract and discount was about to run out and I should visit the website for my latest offer. Near the end I did that and recontracted at my existing price. No attempt to hide the fact that I would be paying considerably more if I did nothing. If BT, one of the ones with the highest out of contract rates, can do it right where are all these millions who they claim are affected. Presumably if you never read your contract terms or look at your bills you will fall victim. The vast majority of us will be doing just that and won't be affected by the change.
(oh, and the media seem to be confusing 'phone' and ,mobile phone'. They don't seem to understand that there are still plenty of us around with real phones (or phone lines bundled in with the broadband).)

Takmon

spenderdave said:

I am a little confused about this and the amount of media coverage. Taking BT as a (possibly worst case) scenario. When I took out my contract originally the bill always told me that my introductory discount was for 18 months. Last December they started sending me emails that my contract and discount was about to run out and I should visit the website for my latest offer. Near the end I did that and recontracted at my existing price. No attempt to hide the fact that I would be paying considerably more if I did nothing. If BT, one of the ones with the highest out of contract rates, can do it right where are all these millions who they claim are affected. Presumably if you never read your contract terms or look at your bills you will fall victim. The vast majority of us will be doing just that and won't be affected by the change.
(oh, and the media seem to be confusing 'phone' and ,mobile phone'. They don't seem to understand that there are still plenty of us around with real phones (or phone lines bundled in with the broadband).)

If you re-contracted for the same price as an introductory discount deal then you are probably paying a lot more than you could have got it for if you had rang them up. I got a introductory discount with BT my contract was coming to an end i managed to ring them up and get it much cheaper again than any deal they offered online or when i logged in.

DoaM

I've found that the best deals are found via the BT forum ... they have (staff) people who provide support on various topics (Phone, TV, Broadband etc.) ... for my last couple of contracts I've went to the same person. Last time they suggested trying the phone method but they couldn't give me anything close to what the forum staff person could offer me.

MrsChristinePrice

I've been with Utility Warehouse for some years and the original contract period must have expired long ago.  I've decided to transfer my broadband and landline to TalkTalk.  Now Ihave received a letter from Utility Warehouse saying there will be an administration charge of £10 plus VAT to end their Broadband service.  Are they within their rights to do this?

DoaM

What do your T&Cs say?

I suspect they're wrong though ... unless the £10 is for the balance of monthly payment. Complain to them and then to OFCOM. (Or is it CISAS?)

Chino

MrsChristinePrice said:

I've been with Utility Warehouse for some years and the original contract period must have expired long ago.  I've decided to transfer my broadband and landline to TalkTalk.  Now Ihave received a letter from Utility Warehouse saying there will be an administration charge of £10 plus VAT to end their Broadband service.  Are they within their rights to do this?

Whilst Utility Warehouse's Residential service tariffs and charges do say that:

A termination fee of £10 is payable if your broadband service is disconnected from our service at any time. This is in addition to any early termination charges payable for the cancellation of Ultra or Ultra+ during the minimum contract term or any charges relating to non-return of the router.

section 12 on p17 of its Terms and Conditions make no reference to such a charge being payable, so this smacks of sharp practice.
Seems like a complaint is in order (see p12 of the T&Cs) and then, when Utility Warehouse rejects your complaint, refer it to the Ombudsman Services: Communications.