Are BT still charging if router not returned

MrChriZ

I've just switched from BT to Plus Net.  So far it's not been a great experience.  They forgot to send their router out, forgot to setup the broadband account and as a result I was without internet for most of the morning.
To top it off their Router is the cheapest naffest I've ever come across and it squeals when it's being pushed.
This it would seem is not uncommon:
https://community.plus.net/t5/My-Router/Router-noise/td-p/1706076
Now I'm aware it's very easy to use the BT router in it's place.
At present I still have the BT router and had no problems with it... but BT have requested I send it back for recycling.
I'm aware BT were intending to start charging people to keep their router:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-51294395
My question is - is that actually happening?  Has anyone been charged in the past couple of months?

missile

You might live to regret going from BT to Plusnet, I did.

Browntoa

Worse case send it back and source a cheap BT one off eBay, gumtree or Facebook market place.

Very cheap

mnbvcxz

It depends when you signed the BT contract. If it was say a year ago and you have completed your contract then it will be yours to keep. You don't have to return it, though they encourage you to.

If you signed up recently then the contract you signed will now say you just borrow it and have to return it.

MrChriZ

Ah I signed up to it 18 months ago and completed it so hopefully should be ok.

aardvaak

I recently completed an 18 month contract and moved because bt was terrible, they asked for the routers back which I did although just after the date stated as they said they might charge but to date they have not confirmed receipt on my account - I suspect they only bin them any way.