Giving notice to end contract but having to pay for cancellation?

jimbo16d

Hi. I've been with 3 for 12 years, having taken out a new contract with a new phone every 2 years.

Today I've decided to leave as they aren't matching a better deal from a different provider like they always have previously. I've been through the wanting to cancel process with the retentions people, management etc, but they're just not willing to match the better price. So I told them I'm giving them notice to cancel. But I don't understand what they want to charge for cancellation.

My minimum term ends in 30 days from now. They require 30 days notice to cancel. Upon giving them that notice they say that they will be charging me a fee that equates to two months worth of what I pay. I asked why that is and they say that it's because I'm cancelling during my minimum term. But I'm not, as today I'm giving the 30 days required notice to end it when the minimum term ends. They said that to avoid this charge I need to wait 30 days until the term is up, then put in the cancellation request. But then as it's still 30 days notice from this point, I'm still going to be paying for an extra month that I don't want to use.

Is there any way round this, or have they got me over a barrel basically? I just want to end the service on the day the minimum term ends, without having to pay for an extra period past this point.

Many thanks.

eDicky

Assuming you want to keep your number the simplest way is to obtain your PAC from Three and give it to your new provider at the end of your minimum term. Then there's no need to cancel, the Three service is terminated when your number ports and any charges, including pro-rata for any extra days after the final month, will be taken as a final bill.

flashg67

As above , I've always used a PAC to transfer and not had any further dealings with the old provider. You'll receive an invoice/credit once the PAC is used

jimbo16d

They told me that even if I use a PAC I’ll pay the extra costs for some reason. But I’ve read into the terms of my contract and it states “ A 30 day notice period may apply unless you choose to switch provider”. So guessing I’ll be OK. Wondering if they’ll take money then I can get it refunded after?

eDicky

They are likely to take a full month's payment by direct debit but must refund for any unused period after actual service ends when your number ports. So don't cancel the DD. You will owe them any applicable early termination fee, of course, if you port before your contract's minimum term ends.

J_B

eDicky said:

They are likely to take a full month's payment by direct debit but must refund for any unused period after actual service ends when your number ports.

This happened to me - it took Three ages to refund my £3.50, but my obstinacy made it happen!!!

savergrant

When you request a pac they will notify you of any exit charges based on the assumption that you will be presenting the pac immediately. If you don't give the pac to a new provider for 28 days your exit charges will be a lot less.