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Misleading BT Offer.
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anglo29
Posted: 02 December 2019 15:45:13(UTC)
#1

Joined: 04/12/2015(UTC)
Posts: 779
Whilst not exactly a scam. I've just received a letter from BT inviting me to "Recontract My Current Broadband Package, Paying the Same as Today". The also offer a "Free Video Doorbell worth £89".

However turn over the page and at the bottom is the "small print" it reads:

"Our calling plans have changed". "So when you Upgrade.....(I haven't asked for an "Upgrade") we'll recommend one of our new plans"...plus CPI price changes apply.. (paying "the same as today"??….beginning to sound very hollow)).

Furthermore, re. the so called "Free Video Doorbell"...…"After 30 days subscription charges may apply"...
(May apply??..aren't they sure??)

Re. the "Superfast Fibre" (which I've not requested) "May need a compatible line for which a £49.99p charge will apply" (£50 note OK BT?....do keep the change) "If you leave within the first year we'll charge you £65 for your new BT hub".(No mention of new hub needed in main part of letter) "After 24 months your monthly contract price will increase by £8...…..(plus all the above"?)

Have other BT customers received this?.....

Does this break any rules over misleading offers I wonder?
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Alexander Johnston
Posted: 02 December 2019 15:48:11(UTC)
#2

Joined: 22/09/2018(UTC)
Posts: 1,998

Thanks: 3589 times
Was thanked: 2770 time(s) in 1145 post(s)
If it doesn't, it should.
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2 users thanked Alexander Johnston for this post.
Old dribbly on 02/12/2019(UTC), anglo29 on 03/12/2019(UTC)
anglo29
Posted: 03 December 2019 12:00:39(UTC)
#3

Joined: 04/12/2015(UTC)
Posts: 779
Could the reason for BT being keen to get subscribers to sign up right away to a "new contract", ahead of the election, be fears that if a Labour win transpires; Corbyn will straight away carry out his proposal to nationalise BT, amongst all other utilities?

Apparently he has promised "free broadband" to all with nationalisation. If this is the case then where will that leave subscribers to BT, who, if they sign up to the contract already outlined, will have committed themselves to two years of further monthly payments?

Interesting...…...
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DJLW
Posted: 03 December 2019 16:25:06(UTC)
#4

Joined: 06/01/2014(UTC)
Posts: 100
Nothing to do with the election - BT have always been hard sell cowboys - albeit they don’t actually sell rather they rely on consumer inertia and apathy.

Over last 5-10 years I have spent on average 1-2 hours per year on the phone to them renegotiating contracts and subsequently managing the occasional ombudsman letter referral.

Suffice to say there is significant flexibility in their pricing structure for those who are able to and do make the effort.

It is not a cost effective use of my time and I probably would not bother if it weren’t for the principle of the thing and their behaviour that irks me so.

Rant over!

(this post has been brought to you courtesy of BT Fibre Optic Broadband)
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paul armstrong
Posted: 05 December 2019 13:34:16(UTC)
#5

Joined: 14/03/2010(UTC)
Posts: 1,366
They have been going hell for leather chasing market share over the last few years, perhaps to feed into BT Sports. One of the reasons I won't touch the shares.
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Keith Cobby
Posted: 05 December 2019 13:42:14(UTC)
#6

Joined: 07/03/2012(UTC)
Posts: 5,064
I'm with BT but all their marketing material is binned/shredded unread. I have fond memories of buying BT shares on their market debut in 1984. Obviously sold them many years ago.

1984 was the most important investing year for me. The floatation of BT, the launch of the FTSE100, and by far the most important - the launch of the first IT savings scheme by F & C.
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