Broadband News
TalkTalk warns customers over rolling BT contracts
Wednesday, 04 March 2009
By Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk
Thousands of BT customers could find themselves automatically tied into another long contract, rival TalkTalk has warned.
“BT customers could find themselves unwittingly and unfairly ‘locked out’ of the market for another 12 or 18 months,” missing out on other competitive deals, said TalkTalk Broadband (www.TalkTalk.co.uk).
February marked the first anniversary of BT Broadband's (www.BT.com) rolling contract scheme, which automatically renews customer’s contracts - unless they notify BT that they no longer want the service.
Customers who find themselves tied into a new contract could be forced to pay up to £180 if they want to leave warned TalkTalk.
“We believe that rolling contracts are a sharp practice at any time, but particularly so in the current credit crunch and with given the riches available in the market,” said Andrew Heaney from TalkTalk. “We would like to see these unfair rolling contracts stamped out and have already called upon Ofcom to take a firm line in this area.”
Most other providers consider their customers “free agents” once their initial contract has expired, allowing them to look elsewhere for new deals.
Michael Phillips, BroadbandChoices.co.uk product director, advised BT customers to check if they are on a rolling contract and to note the renewal date. “Customers on any type of contract should beware of sales calls,” he said, “because new contracts can in fact be agreed over the phone. Always take the name of the person you spoke to and get a call reference number if you do agree to any new deals or renew your contract.
“It always pays to shop around,” added Phillips, “and switching your home phone and broadband provider can save you over £135 on your bill.”
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