NOW TV Broadband - no direct debits

lin64

I'm looking at taking the NOW TV very good price offer on internet/phone - have to pay by debit/credit card, no direct debit - seems odd, should I be wary of that?  Turns out they also have no system for anyone managing an account for an older relative (leaving Shell Energy - they were good on that, both mine and relative on same internet a/c).  Should I be put off or are these unimportant admin. details?  On broadband itself, my understanding is if I go for 'basic' broadband on Openreach network - it'll be the same speed whoever the provider, its what the speed is via Openreach in the area - is that right, or does the provider make a big difference?  Several questions together.  Glad of any advice.  

Neil_Jones

Yes it tells you this on the website - "For TV Passes, you can pay with Mastercard, Visa or American Express (Amex). For NOW Broadband & Calls, you can only pay with Mastercard or Visa."

The "managing an account on somebody's behalf" thing may be avertible if you can be physically present at the time, as in Mrs Smith phones up saying there is an issue can you talk to my son/grandson/great grandson instead of me please.  However a lot of the time Live Chat is probably the preferred option.

Re: speed in theory it should be the same regardless of who you go with.  For the most part it is.

Supatramp

I believe Now is owned by, I think, Sky.  From what I've read here, I think they make you change your number, or so some people have said,  so if saving a pound  or two is important to you , then go for it.  But quite frankly, a company which doesn't conform to normal business practices, it would put me off.  But that's  just me! 

lin64

Thanks - yes, that's what's making me feel nervous.  Its not that they hide the card payment - but never heard of a utility you can't pay by DD.  Also other companies have provision for speaking to the 'carer' once and registering you as the person to look after the account - this one never seems to have heard of it and can't put two accounts on one email (mine and person I look after).  
Good to know the broadband should be the same with anyone though.  thanks both

Neil_Jones

lin64 said:

Thanks - yes, that's what's making me feel nervous.  Its not that they hide the card payment - but never heard of a utility you can't pay by DD.  Also other companies have provision for speaking to the 'carer' once and registering you as the person to look after the account - this one never seems to have heard of it and can't put two accounts on one email (mine and person I look after).  
Good to know the broadband should be the same with anyone though.  thanks both

Its cheap no frills, like everything else in this life you get what you pay for.  Much like its the poor man's Sky, everything about it screams the poor man, including the payment methods.  The only thing really going for it from the TV point of view is the fact its no contract (and you can pick and choose what package(s) you want) as opposed to the normal Sky model, but if you've ever used Sky+ or Q, everything about Now from the interface point of view is awful, but then what do you expect when they were knocking the black box out for £20?

lin64

I'm only using them for broadband and phone - not TV.  The reason they're so cheap is that they're including the anytime calls for nothing (and I'm now thinking 'if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is!').  

Neil_Jones

lin64 said:

I'm only using them for broadband and phone - not TV.  The reason they're so cheap is that they're including the anytime calls for nothing (and I'm now thinking 'if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is!').  

Only free for 12 months.  You will have to remember to cancel it, otherwise that's an extra £8 a month after the first year.

lin64

Thanks - yes, always seem to have to move after a year whatever deal!

Farway

lin64 said:

Thanks - yes, always seem to have to move after a year whatever deal!

NOW seem very willing to haggle and an increase is not inevitable

I have the BB & phone package, used to have the TV but once I'd seen what i wanted it was easy to cancel that part online

I may jump in for monthly film pass over Christmas, depends what's on TBH

I've never experiences any problems with NOW but I maybe a lucky one

[Deleted User]

They are the value brand of Sky but this shouldn't make any difference with the underlying Broadband service /calls versus Sky itself.
I personally don't see a massive issue with ongoing card v direct debit payment provided there is no extra cost. See if you can work with their system setup, if not then look elsewhere. 

crues

I would advice Everyone not to take out NowTV Broadband and phone. I took it out and included Anytime calls to landline and mobiles. On 21/12 I found I could not make calls. I could only call NOWTV. I was restricted for Now talk because of high spend. This restriction is applied without prior warning. They do not tell you ,you are overspent

In my case I did not owe them anything. They had made a mistake. I have contacted them every day since, raised a complaint but 60 hours later I am still without phone
It appears they removed my method of payment (credit card, continuous card payment) and no matter what they do they cannot put this card or any other card back on.
You are not allowed to speak to manager. They say a manager will deal with your complaint but that can take up to 72 hours. This evening I was informed they don’t know if I will have my phone at Xmas. Very difficult when one is self isolating

i received an email this morning that my complaint was RESOLVED!
Avoid them