Thinking Of Moving From Bt To Virgin Or Sky

[ladyalex]

I need information and advice, please.
I have BT broadband and TV but am fed up with them.
What 'kit' if any would I need to change to Virgin or Sky?
I do not have a satellite disc nor is there cable installed to my house, I only have a phone line.
Would it be easy for me to switch?
Do you have any recommendations?
I will want internet, TV and telephone.
Thanks.
:-))

[whiskeryron]

I agree with mikey, also remember unless you go independent & use either Sky or Virgin EVERY other supplier HAS to use the BT line.

[ladyalex]

Hi folks

I am fed up with BT's customer service.
They suddenly started charging me for BT Sport which I had not agreed to and do not want and it took me two days wrangling with the website, online chat then eventually a real person on the telephone to get it sorted....allegedly. I have to wait until my next bill in November to be sure that they have refunded the charges as they said they would.
I do not find their website user friendly .
We have BT Vision and our box is either past its sell-by date or it is a duff box. I'm not sure which as I don't think it has ever really worked properly. It freezes, is unresponsive to the remote and has to retune itself about once every two weeks or so.
When I have been on to the customer service about the box, all they can suggest is that I put new batteries in the remote (that really lights the blue touch paper for me....I have checked that before I try to speak to a helpline) or to turn it off and on again.....again something I have figured and tried myself.
Turning it on and off again solves the problem.....until it happens again with great regularity.
I also have to say that I do get very downhearted when I speak to the customer services staff, as it seems to me that they are reading from a script rather than listening to what I am saying or reading my emails.
Telephone and internet service is fine, I have no quibbles with them.
So these are my problems with BT.
Thanks for your replies.
:-))

[Bathsheba]

As I said before, I rate Virgin's customer service as excellent! Been with them for years without any problems!

[Maydup]

Just as I expected, phone line and internet connections are Ok but its not a good idea to go anywhere near the TV service.

[mastercraft]

Virgin wins the vote for me, and I recommend them.

[ladyalex]

Thanks folks.
Its looking like a thumbs up for Virgin.
I'll ponder things for another few days.

[ladyalex]

Thanks, methyl.
So, if I go for Virgin I should get them to install a cable connection ?

[hc4361]

Virgin no longer provide a service over the BT line, so you will have to get a cable connection.
Whatever speed broadband they promise you now is going to increase in a few weeks at no extra cost.

[Marijn]

Just wanted to say, I agree with you about BT's customer service; it's like hitting your head against a brick wall. . .soooo frustrating. I want to change too, so am interested to read this thread.

[Quizproquo]

I have BT infinity for internet and telephone and it is flawless. I don't use the television services, so I can't comment on them. I hear good things though.
BT's Homehub has been voted best service provider router more than once.
My partner has Virgin for telephone, internet and TV and while the TV and internet are pretty good, though not as fast as BT, they are very reliable.
The telephone has been terrible lately with lots of loss of service. The problems have taken days to fix, so if you need a reliable telephone, I would stick with BT.

[trt]

## Would I need planning permission for the dish?
I'm in a so-called Conservation Area and we seem to need someone's permission to do anything...##

Do other houses in your area have satellite dishes, if so your Q is answered.

[SirOracle]

Ladyalex ....I have had Virgin for many years and am completely satisfied.

Today I received a text message on my mobile offering me £50 to introduce a friend to them,and also they will give my friend £50 if the friend transfers to Virgin.

If you are at all interested then just give me a shout.

[ladyalex]

Thanks again everyone for your input.

We have Bt Infinity and I have to say that the internet and phone service is fine for us.
It's just the wretched TV that has been a bother.
I'm now wondering if the solution is to get BT TV taken off the package altogether and just buy a recorder or whatever from Currys
if such things exist that would allow us to record and pause programmes access catch-up etc.
Any thoughts on this, folks.
(If I do go the Virgin route, I will certainly get in touch, Sir O.)
Sorry you too had problems with Bt , Marjin....it is like punching a sponge , isn't it?

[ladyalex]

Thanks, methyl.
Food for thought.