Will BT suspend charges for properties that are used as holiday homes?

[Kpssc]

During the current Coronavirus crisis, holiday homes are shut down. No one is allowed to visit, properties are empty and unused. That being the case, will BT suspend Land Line and Broadband costs for these properties?

[gg30340]

I very much doubt it just as I doubt the other utilities and councils will suspend their standing charges.

[Kpssc]

Standing charges I understand, but is the monthly Broadband charge an actual standing order or a monthly fee for the use of the service? 

[imjolly]

its a contract to supply the service whether you use it or not

[gg30340]

It is a monthly fee for a service that you have contracted BT to supply to your property whether you use it or not.

EDIT: Snap!

[gg30340]

Out of interest, is the holiday home used solely by you and your family or is it a letting holiday home whereby others can rent it from you?

[Kpssc]

Hi DS,

What does it matter, it can't be used regardless.

[Kpssc]

Sorry DS, missed your earlier reply. 

Looks like I need to study the small print of the contract.

[gg30340]

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@Kpssc wrote:

Hi DS,

What does it matter, it can't be used regardless.

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Yes it does matter because if you are renting it out to other people you should be using a business broadband account and would be covered by any discounts that may be offered to any business users but if you have a BT residential account, which I suspect you have, and are renting it out you are breaching the terms of your account and may make it invalid should there be any future discounts for residential BT broadband customers. 

[Kpssc]

Again, what difference does it make? The properties are still unusable.

Also, makes me wonder how many properties are rented out but use  residential Broadband no matter who the provider is. Probably thousands.

And why do you suspect I'm renting it out. You're making an assumption, and what do assumptions make? Not very distinguished or sage-like of you.

However, in order to make it clear to all who may read this thread, can you say exactly which terms are being breached and what those who rent out holiday homes should be doing.