Left BT but came back

[iniltous]

It’s an Ofcom requirement that ISP’s  have to write to their customers close to the expiration of any minimum term to alert them to that  fact that a ‘perfect’ opportunity is coming to switch provider  (Ofcom is obsessed with switching ) obviously it’s also a marketing opportunity for the ISP  to make a retention offer to re-contract but the fact is no one should inadvertently move onto an uncompetitive ‘ out of contract’ price without being aware of it  ,  that out of contract flexibility may suit some .

There was AFAIR a really big brand ISP that was ‘fined’ by Ofcom for not doing this notification   (it wasn’t BT BTW ) , which as well as showing this notification requirement is policed, also shows the misinformation around it , there are  those that will swear blind that they don’t get told this information or that it’s made  impossible to find , when in reality they probably deleted  the email or have thrown  the communication in the bin without reading it , knowing when your minimum term is expiring is only really useful as that date gets close , and BT , same as everyone, let you know when that date is approaching.

[swana2k]

I've left BT twice and returned twice but only after being with PN in between both times because I flip flop between the two. I've never had a problem with either BT or PN as far as service is concerned, both have been absolutely excellent. The reason I switch ISP and return after each two year contract, is because I cannot stand Retentions departments and the haggling and BS over whether or not they decide or can be bothered to give me 'new customer' pricing. It's just easier to switch and that way I get that new customer deal without any effort. If BT just renewed me at their lowest new customer pricing package at the end of the contract, I'd happily stay, but still they continue to hike the price every year in the hope existing customers will pay it so they can subsidise new customer business. Rant over!

@Kimberlin I'm considering this process (for the same reasons) when my BT renewal is next due. I too have never had an issue with the BT service but despise the constant price increases and 'temporary discounts' offered when renew.

Out of curiousity, as we have 3 of the wifi discs, presumably these all have to be handed back or can they be kept/used with PN?

[gg30340]

@swana2k 

Plusnet is a separate company from BT. They just both happen to be part of the BT Group.

You will need to hand back all the BT equipment if you leave BT or you will be charged for each item.

If you want to pay for any of the items them obviously you would then be able to keep them.

[Kodikid]

They can be used no problem with the plusnet router as it's the same router just different colour. 

And no you can't keep them as BT will want all the equipment back.

Blessing in disguise as they work perfectly without a subscription and are easily available on e bay.

[Kimberlin]

@swana2k   I will reiterate, I'm not anti-BT but I find their retention practices somewhat irksome. In short, they get my back up. I should probably just be a better person and ignore it, but when they tirelessly call without leaving messages, it gets on my wick and I have zero desire to engage with someone begging on a commission (probably).

As for the equipment, I don't use ISP supplied gear. Yes, it's supposed to be idiot proof, plug and play and for the most part works, but from experience, ISP routers are poor compared to a decent 3rd party offering. Every time I switch, they send out a new router when I specifically ask them not to, or the customer isn't offered a choice to reject a router on switching, they just send one out and it goes up in the loft and forgotten until it has to be sent back. Time and effort on my part going to a Post Office when I've got better things to be doing.

As for customer service, I'll take PN C/S over BT any day of the week.