BT cancellation charge - any way around it???

Question

I have just moved into my first place, and had to pay BT £124.99 just to connect the landline, which I reluctantly did. I then cancelled my line and went to TalkTalk. Just over a month later, I now have a bill from BT with a cancellation charge of £251.44!

We have never signed ANY documents to go with BT, nothing we have been given refers to any minimum contract, and we weren't told about the minimum contract on the phone when we signed up. I've tried to dispute it with them, and they've given me the whole "we'll call you back in 24 hours" spiel.

Do we have a leg to stand on as far as not paying this ridiculous, unnecessary charge?!

Answer 1

I cancelled a line in my shop after a short time with 13 pence of calls due and was sent a bill from BT for £1,170 +. It was reduced to £156 but I have refused even to pay that as I cannot see how it can be so expensive for 13p.It has now been risen to £240+.After letters from various debt agencies I am now being threatened with a visit from some heavies from outside Glasgow.F*ck them I say. I am about to send copies of their ridiculous charging to the ombudsman or some such as I don`t know what to take as the real cost.

Answer 2

Oh, I feel sorry for you and I can't even offer you any advice really.  I have an 18 months contract with BT for phone and broadband and it is costing me £48 per month!  I am out of there as soon as my contract is up.  Daylight robbery.

Answer 3

Do you have a leg to stand on - No.

The charge is for the installation of the line and the line rental due. You have entered into a verbal contract, and will have been sent paperwork to cover it.

Sorry the news is not better for you.

Hope this helps?

Answer 4

i did a similar thing, ordered BT to change the number to new address, they wanted £125 connection fee and i changed the plan also.   however found out previous owners had virgin and there was a box there, they didnt charge anything to connect so i cancelled BT order. they didnt charge me anything.

Answer 5

if you've used the phone while with BT you've entered into their contract and you'll probably find you can't cancel without a charge.  Unless you can appeal to their generous side and they waive the charge or reduce it ............don't hold your breath though