Why BT, why?

[techno1972]

My BT contract was approaching the end and I was currently paying £38/mth for Fibre 1 (FTTC) at 50Mbps. I rang up to see if they could offer me a better deal for the following 24mths and I was pointed towards FTTP products.

I said that I would be quite happy to stay on my FTTC package as the speed was good enough and I didn’t want the hassle of a new install. BT said that the price of that would increase to £43 on a rolling monthly contract. There were no new FTTC contracts being offered.

I felt coerced into getting FTTP because it was £33pm (first 3 mths free) and faster. So I booked it all in and ended up being shunted onto EE (because apparently they are merging with BT, even though they are both still offering separate deals. Riddle me that one, Batman)

Today I have the EE install and guess what? BT email to remind me that my contract is coming to an end and offer me my original FTTC package at £31.99/mth with the first 3 months free.

So you can imagine I am ever so slightly annoyed as I was told a few weeks ago that all new deals/contracts would be FTTP. I could have had a price drop without having a new installation and new contract.

[wolfie882]

My Fibre 2 FTTC contract expires in Jan, and BT have emailed me with suggested renewal deals. One deal is an option to stay on my existing BT package at £4 per month less than currently paying. I could also upgrade to FTTP Full Fibre 100 at same price as I am currently paying. Yes, this situation where both BT and EE are offering parallel contracts with different names and different specs is confusing. Had BT contacted you with deals?

[techno1972]

Yes BT contacted me with new deals today, which was pointless, as they know I've already signed a new contract with EE (via them!) about 3 weeks ago.

[apoplectic]

Why does anybody sign up for a 'contract'?

Seriously, I've been wondering this for years. I've never seen any benefit in a contract, other than for BT. I check regularly, and can never see any fiscal benefit of having a contract. Also, it means that the next time they fail to provide the level of service I expect, I can simply go to another provider.

[HHGTTG]

Well there's usually a discounted price for entering into a contract isn't there? Frankly I cannot be bothered with contracts now so I will just pay more and not be bullied by them. Life's too short to bother about a few quid here and there.