Virgin Media cancel, and then sign up again as new customer.

JimboMarimbo

Been with VM for many years – basic TiVo box for non-premium TV channels, M125 Broadband – their slowest download since they started a three tier ‘choice’ of speeds, and the non-negotiable landline phone which I never use. A letter arrived, as I am no longer on a contract, saying “We always want you to be on the best package...you are currently paying £71.49 a month”. It goes on to “be completely straight up...a similar package to the one you have (only available to new customers), is £39", or if I sign up for 18 months contract £59. Clearly, I am being penalised for being a loyal customer and not having a contract, to the tune of £12.49 per month, or if I was a new customer £32.49. This business model is baffling compared, say, to motor insurance, which rewards loyal claims-free customers with a hefty 60% discount.

Here’s my question (finally!) – has anyone tried cancelling VM penalty-free on 30 days notice, and then having someone else in the household sign up as a new customer and pocket the £32.49 reduction?

Neil_Jones

Normally have to be away for a while before classed as a new customer at the address.  Doesn't matter if you put the account in your name, his name, her name, the dog's name...

You'll do better to phone up and say you want out.

TimSynths

Ive been with them for 20 years, asked for disconnections when they said the bill was going up and got that pack for £33 for 18 months. Took 59 minutes on the phone on a Saturday morning, I called at 8am as soon as they opened I wasn't happy with the first offer, think it too was £59 so I said i want to leave.
Once through to disconnections the price came right down, cheapest I've ever had, Ive since been told I should have gone ahead and got a leave date then they would have called with even better deals- I'll know that for next time.
Good luck! 

ForumUser7

JimboMarimbo said:

Been with VM for many years – basic TiVo box for non-premium TV channels, M125 Broadband – their slowest download since they started a three tier ‘choice’ of speeds, and the non-negotiable landline phone which I never use. A letter arrived, as I am no longer on a contract, saying “We always want you to be on the best package...you are currently paying £71.49 a month”. It goes on to “be completely straight up...a similar package to the one you have (only available to new customers), is £39", or if I sign up for 18 months contract £59. Clearly, I am being penalised for being a loyal customer and not having a contract, to the tune of £12.49 per month, or if I was a new customer £32.49. This business model is baffling compared, say, to motor insurance, which rewards loyal claims-free customers with a hefty 60% discount.

Here’s my question (finally!) – has anyone tried cancelling VM penalty-free on 30 days notice, and then having someone else in the household sign up as a new customer and pocket the £32.49 reduction?

As others have said, contact retentions and hopefully they'll be able to offer you something decent. This guide may help (although it is written in the context of mobile providers) https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mobiles/cut-mobile-tariff/. Keep this in mind - https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/jul/13/ofcom-investigates-virgin-media-over-complaints-contracts-hard-to-cancel

JSmithy45AD

No, it won't work.

What on earth do you think no claims discounts on motor insurance has to do with a TV package? Do people not actually read what they're posting before hitting the "post comment" button?