Switch from BT or wait for price hike?

Warslet

My broadband (Fibre 1) (FTTC) with BT ends 12/01/2023 with current price of £27.39pm increasing by £6pm to £33.39pm (out of contract price). Contacted BT retentions and they offered renewal of £24.99pm on a 24 month deal. Have a landline but don't use for outgoing calls as mobile has unlimited minutes. Only myself and wife using broadband, no gaming so basic use.  I am aware there will be a price increase in the next few months and considering waiting until I know what it is before committing. I appreciate I will pay an increased amount but only for a month or so.  I can get FTTP with Vodafone but would connect into a room away from where my wifi is needed for TV, doorbell. Suggestions would be appreciated or general comments as unsure of my best options. No issues with BT.  

mohecan

I think another, additional modem could be set up close to the Doorbell and then Ethernet cable between two modems? if that can be done then id also guess any old modem would do the job as the additional...Hope it can be done good luck

gabiieve

I would also like to know whether I should wait. Our plan runs out in March

Downthedrain

We were in exactly the same situation and couldn't decide whether to stick with BT's inflated prices or not. We get totally fed up with the 'Moroccan bazaar haggling-over-a-carpet' scenario every time this comes up for renewal and get a real sinking feeling having to go through this yet again. Vodafone advertises better speeds at lower cost, but when looking at the customer reviews the overall impression is of an appallingly bad service if anything goes wrong.

As everything currently works OK, and the pressures we're faced with both looking for a replacement car and dealing with my elderly father's declining health, we decided to stick with BT. We can't be in a situation where we're without broadband for any reason right now.

Retentions offered Fibre 1 plus our existing PAYG VOIP phone service at £23.99 per month for a 24 month contract.

The whole issue I have with this price is the rises are calculated on the full list price of the package, not your personal package price - this rise is applied in full. The result is your personal price rise is far greater than CPI+3.9%.  

An interesting tactic that BT Retentions used is that Vodafone have a poorer service level contract with Openreach and faults won't be dealt with as effectively. I mentioned that; a) We had an arcing connector box on the wall that in three years was never fixed, b) Several visits by different 'Engineers' failed to get a tree pruned by the roadside that was rubbing through our cable and we had to organise that ourselves at our own expense, despite it not being on our property, and c) I had to go out to Screwfix to buy a masonry drill (out of my own money) long enough to get through our wall when fibre was installed, despite emailing them in advance that the walls are 27" thick.

southsidergs

Downthedrain said:

An interesting tactic that BT Retentions used is that Vodafone have a poorer service level contract with Openreach and faults won't be dealt with as effectively. I mentioned that; a) We had an arcing connector box on the wall that in three years was never fixed, b) Several visits by different 'Engineers' failed to get a tree pruned by the roadside that was rubbing through our cable and we had to organise that ourselves at our own expense, despite it not being on our property, and c) I had to go out to Screwfix to buy a masonry drill (out of my own money) long enough to get through our wall when fibre was installed, despite emailing them in advance that the walls are 27" thick.

All of which are down to Openreach or in the case of the tree the land owner/council, nothing to do with BT they are correct though as there's different service level with openreach

HaroldWhistler

Warslet said:

My broadband (Fibre 1) (FTTC) with BT ends 12/01/2023 with current price of £27.39pm increasing by £6pm to £33.39pm (out of contract price). Contacted BT retentions and they offered renewal of £24.99pm on a 24 month deal. Have a landline but don't use for outgoing calls as mobile has unlimited minutes. Only myself and wife using broadband, no gaming so basic use.  I am aware there will be a price increase in the next few months and considering waiting until I know what it is before committing. I appreciate I will pay an increased amount but only for a month or so.  I can get FTTP with Vodafone but would connect into a room away from where my wifi is needed for TV, doorbell. Suggestions would be appreciated or general comments as unsure of my best options. No issues with BT.  

First and foremost, if you are able to get FTTP (Full Fibre) from anyone, that would be highly recommended. It would be a most courageous decision to sign up for a 24 month contract (with anyone) with price rises for the older FTTC product. 

Secondly, if the list of available providers at the address only offer contracts with price rises, then WAIT until the month after the price rise and negotiate the contract then. 

Thirdly, connecting the Wifi between rooms is something that can be sorted out with a range of options like a mesh network system, powerlines etc. In some cases, the installer (Openreach, CityFibre etc) may be able to install within 50m of wherever the existing Mastersocket entry point is in any case. 

Switching to FTTP is a game changer and it would be an immense shame to throw away that upgrade if it is available. Upgrading during a contract (with anyone) would lose you the negotiating power and flexibility of choosing any provider.

If you're at an Openreach FTTP location, then BT itself would offer FTTP. It sounds like you might be in a CityFibre location if it is just Vodafone. If you're able to get Openreach FTTP, I'd suggest Cuckoo since they have FIXED prices (no price rise). In that scenario, when you change to a new contract is a non factor. If you can, or are only able to get CityFibre FTTP, then wait it out till after March/April, and negotiate with Vodafone (who do raise prices each year) at that point for the shortest possible FTTP contract. Just keep the BT out of contract on rolling only. 

The cost saving can be used to pay for your mobile plan. The benefits of FTTP are much greater reliability, consistent speed and you get what you pay for. 

mohecan said:

I think another, additional modem could be set up close to the Doorbell and then Ethernet cable between two modems? if that can be done then id also guess any old modem would do the job as the additional...Hope it can be done good luck

Yes, the home network management is a separate issue to signing up for a contract with an external provider who is simply going to provide the home with an internet connection. 

gabiieve said:

I would also like to know whether I should wait. Our plan runs out in March

Wait until the price rise month (whether it is March, or April depending on the Broadband provider) is finished. Then look around for the best deal on the shortest possible contract term. Unless you are at an address where a fixed price provider can deliver a service in which case you can change whenever. 

Downthedrain

southsidergs said:

Downthedrain said:

An interesting tactic that BT Retentions used is that Vodafone have a poorer service level contract with Openreach and faults won't be dealt with as effectively. I mentioned that; a) We had an arcing connector box on the wall that in three years was never fixed, b) Several visits by different 'Engineers' failed to get a tree pruned by the roadside that was rubbing through our cable and we had to organise that ourselves at our own expense, despite it not being on our property, and c) I had to go out to Screwfix to buy a masonry drill (out of my own money) long enough to get through our wall when fibre was installed, despite emailing them in advance that the walls are 27" thick.

All of which are down to Openreach or in the case of the tree the land owner/council, nothing to do with BT they are correct though as there's different service level with openreach

My point is that BT retentions were trying to use their 'preferable' service level with Openreach as a counter argument. My contract is with BT and I don't agree that these issues are nothing to do with them - their subcontract arrangements are their own, regardless of tree ownership etc. It is for BT to sort out these issues in providing my service. By contrast Western Power's subcontractor made arrangements with all the respective landowners to trim trees along the route of my mains supply without any involvement on my behalf.

Warslet

HaroldWhistler said:

Warslet said:

My broadband (Fibre 1) (FTTC) with BT ends 12/01/2023 with current price of £27.39pm increasing by £6pm to £33.39pm (out of contract price). Contacted BT retentions and they offered renewal of £24.99pm on a 24 month deal. Have a landline but don't use for outgoing calls as mobile has unlimited minutes. Only myself and wife using broadband, no gaming so basic use.  I am aware there will be a price increase in the next few months and considering waiting until I know what it is before committing. I appreciate I will pay an increased amount but only for a month or so.  I can get FTTP with Vodafone but would connect into a room away from where my wifi is needed for TV, doorbell. Suggestions would be appreciated or general comments as unsure of my best options. No issues with BT.  

First and foremost, if you are able to get FTTP (Full Fibre) from anyone, that would be highly recommended. It would be a most courageous decision to sign up for a 24 month contract (with anyone) with price rises for the older FTTC product. 

Secondly, if the list of available providers at the address only offer contracts with price rises, then WAIT until the month after the price rise and negotiate the contract then. 

Thirdly, connecting the Wifi between rooms is something that can be sorted out with a range of options like a mesh network system, powerlines etc. In some cases, the installer (Openreach, CityFibre etc) may be able to install within 50m of wherever the existing Mastersocket entry point is in any case. 

Switching to FTTP is a game changer and it would be an immense shame to throw away that upgrade if it is available. Upgrading during a contract (with anyone) would lose you the negotiating power and flexibility of choosing any provider.

If you're at an Openreach FTTP location, then BT itself would offer FTTP. It sounds like you might be in a CityFibre location if it is just Vodafone. If you're able to get Openreach FTTP, I'd suggest Cuckoo since they have FIXED prices (no price rise). In that scenario, when you change to a new contract is a non factor. If you can, or are only able to get CityFibre FTTP, then wait it out till after March/April, and negotiate with Vodafone (who do raise prices each year) at that point for the shortest possible FTTP contract. Just keep the BT out of contract on rolling only. 

The cost saving can be used to pay for your mobile plan. The benefits of FTTP are much greater reliability, consistent speed and you get what you pay for. 

mohecan said:

I think another, additional modem could be set up close to the Doorbell and then Ethernet cable between two modems? if that can be done then id also guess any old modem would do the job as the additional...Hope it can be done good luck

Yes, the home network management is a separate issue to signing up for a contract with an external provider who is simply going to provide the home with an internet connection. 

gabiieve said:

I would also like to know whether I should wait. Our plan runs out in March

Wait until the price rise month (whether it is March, or April depending on the Broadband provider) is finished. Then look around for the best deal on the shortest possible contract term. Unless you are at an address where a fixed price provider can deliver a service in which case you can change whenever. 

Thank you for your clear responses.  You are correct in that I am in a CityFibre area and none of the providers offer a fixed price contract. I had decided to wait until the price rises were in place before moving provider, it was good to get your take on that too. Cuckoo don’t do full fibre in my area but have noted the name for the future. 

When ready to switch will speak to the provider of FTTP to check on how best to manage connections in different rooms. 

As a matter of interest I called BT retentions again and they offered me a worse deal than before, stating there was no note of a previous price offered. 

Thank you again. 

HaroldWhistler

Warslet said:

HaroldWhistler said:

Warslet said:

My broadband (Fibre 1) (FTTC) with BT ends 12/01/2023 with current price of £27.39pm increasing by £6pm to £33.39pm (out of contract price). Contacted BT retentions and they offered renewal of £24.99pm on a 24 month deal. Have a landline but don't use for outgoing calls as mobile has unlimited minutes. Only myself and wife using broadband, no gaming so basic use.  I am aware there will be a price increase in the next few months and considering waiting until I know what it is before committing. I appreciate I will pay an increased amount but only for a month or so.  I can get FTTP with Vodafone but would connect into a room away from where my wifi is needed for TV, doorbell. Suggestions would be appreciated or general comments as unsure of my best options. No issues with BT.  

First and foremost, if you are able to get FTTP (Full Fibre) from anyone, that would be highly recommended. It would be a most courageous decision to sign up for a 24 month contract (with anyone) with price rises for the older FTTC product. 

Secondly, if the list of available providers at the address only offer contracts with price rises, then WAIT until the month after the price rise and negotiate the contract then. 

Thirdly, connecting the Wifi between rooms is something that can be sorted out with a range of options like a mesh network system, powerlines etc. In some cases, the installer (Openreach, CityFibre etc) may be able to install within 50m of wherever the existing Mastersocket entry point is in any case. 

Switching to FTTP is a game changer and it would be an immense shame to throw away that upgrade if it is available. Upgrading during a contract (with anyone) would lose you the negotiating power and flexibility of choosing any provider.

If you're at an Openreach FTTP location, then BT itself would offer FTTP. It sounds like you might be in a CityFibre location if it is just Vodafone. If you're able to get Openreach FTTP, I'd suggest Cuckoo since they have FIXED prices (no price rise). In that scenario, when you change to a new contract is a non factor. If you can, or are only able to get CityFibre FTTP, then wait it out till after March/April, and negotiate with Vodafone (who do raise prices each year) at that point for the shortest possible FTTP contract. Just keep the BT out of contract on rolling only. 

The cost saving can be used to pay for your mobile plan. The benefits of FTTP are much greater reliability, consistent speed and you get what you pay for. 

mohecan said:

I think another, additional modem could be set up close to the Doorbell and then Ethernet cable between two modems? if that can be done then id also guess any old modem would do the job as the additional...Hope it can be done good luck

Yes, the home network management is a separate issue to signing up for a contract with an external provider who is simply going to provide the home with an internet connection. 

gabiieve said:

I would also like to know whether I should wait. Our plan runs out in March

Wait until the price rise month (whether it is March, or April depending on the Broadband provider) is finished. Then look around for the best deal on the shortest possible contract term. Unless you are at an address where a fixed price provider can deliver a service in which case you can change whenever. 

Thank you for your clear responses.  You are correct in that I am in a CityFibre area and none of the providers offer a fixed price contract. I had decided to wait until the price rises were in place before moving provider, it was good to get your take on that too. Cuckoo don’t do full fibre in my area but have noted the name for the future. 

When ready to switch will speak to the provider of FTTP to check on how best to manage connections in different rooms. 

As a matter of interest I called BT retentions again and they offered me a worse deal than before, stating there was no note of a previous price offered. 

Thank you again. 

You are most welcome. 

JonnyMK

I was on BT Fibre 2 for £24.99 when i took it out April 21, increased to £27.31 with April 22 inflation rise, this April 23 it would rise by 14.4% + £6 out of contract rise = £38.10. How this can be allowed to go in is beyond me.

Have 3 months left so called BT to say please cancel it at the end so I can move provider, the best they could offer me to keep me was the same BT Fibre 2 package for £25.99 starting in January with a 14.4% rise in April 23 making it £29.73 just 3 months into the contract and further increases the following year.

I felt pressured into it on the phone so agreed to it. Looked at some deals afterwards, like Vodafone, TalkTalk and even Plusnet and some of the smaller Openreach providers like Aquiss working out at £24/month on 12 month contract. You wouldn't believe how much hassle it has been to get BT to revert my package within the cooling off period, so it ends in March. 4 Phone calls, fobbed off each time that it is "scheduled to happen tomorrow". Complaint raised and closed without explanation. Escalated to ombudsman and 9 days later finally have the plan reverted. 

Will never deal with BT again.

Neil49

JonnyMK said:

I was on BT Fibre 2 for £24.99 when i took it out April 21, increased to £27.31 with April 22 inflation rise, this April 23 it would rise by 14.4% + £6 out of contract rise = £38.10. How this can be allowed to go in is beyond me.

Have 3 months left so called BT to say please cancel it at the end so I can move provider, the best they could offer me to keep me was the same BT Fibre 2 package for £25.99 starting in January with a 14.4% rise in April 23 making it £29.73 just 3 months into the contract and further increases the following year.

I felt pressured into it on the phone so agreed to it. Looked at some deals afterwards, like Vodafone, TalkTalk and even Plusnet and some of the smaller Openreach providers like Aquiss working out at £24/month on 12 month contract. You wouldn't believe how much hassle it has been to get BT to revert my package within the cooling off period, so it ends in March. 4 Phone calls, fobbed off each time that it is "scheduled to happen tomorrow". Complaint raised and closed without explanation. Escalated to ombudsman and 9 days later finally have the plan reverted. 

Will never deal with BT again.

I'm afraid to say that you jumped in too early when you contacted BT with 3 months to go. You really need to wait for their email advising you that your contract is coming to an end (about 4 weeks prior) and then start to research your options.

Once you have an idea of what is available to you that is the time to start the haggling process as you can quote precise details of what the competition has to offer.