British Telecom...............robbers!

[craft1948]

I have had BT broadband at my current address for the last 6 years, and when it was first provided I was told the package automatically included 1571 and Caller Display.
I've got my new bill today and as from the 4th January I'm now being charged £9.65 a quarter for each of these previously free services.
It's the first I've heard of this but was told the change has been extensively advertised.................daylight robbery!!

(Rant over)

[baza]

you must have missed the very very small print on the adverts.

[craft1948]

I must have baza. It's annoyed me so much that I'm either going to change ISP when my current contract is up, or buy an ansaphone and a caller display unit.

[pixie373]

They are awful. Remember how big their directories used to be, before people had a choice?

[ubasses]

We received the info from them in January and it was in the newspapers, so opted out of 1571 as we already had an answerphone but kept caller display.

[sidkid]

Phone them and complain (I did) you should then receive a refund.

[craft1948]

sidkid I have phoned them to complain............got nowhere.

[sidkid]

That's strange. It was only a couple of weeks ago that I phoned. I asked for the service to stop and for a refund from the start of January.

[gness]

Just been caught the same way when I checked my bill today, Craft.... will make a fuss I think.....advertised where?

[Jeza]

Tut Tut Craft, how dare you slate your former employer and pension provider .lol

[Psybbo]

Jeza, you reading my mind again? Lol

[tonyav]

Still robbing gits though aren't they.

[Psybbo]

They're a business Tony and they have to keep Craft in luxury!

[tonyav]

Ah yes, I had forgotten that slight detail, Psybbo.

[Giggsie]

I was the same craft told it was included in package when I took out broadband package. They should not be allowed to change this....but it is BT. I also phoned and told them so and cancelled 1571 but I like caller display. After the fuss I made about it I am getting it (caller display) FREE for another year....:>))))

[KARL]

I find your story very interesting because I had a period when I was told caller ID display was included and yet I was charged - a mismatch. I specifically asked when renewing the contract and was again told ID display would be included for free - again the second quarterly bill included a charge. For while I got the charge refunded but in the end it was not refunded and BT began denying that they had said it would be free. I turned to the Ombudsman quoting call dates and times - they turned around and said a retailer is free to vary the terms of business at will. In a word "Tough". This is but one of my experiences of how "freedom" means something very useful for businesses and more or less the opposite to the consumer/public. "Justice" is another concept that is similarly weighted. I left BT after 35 years or so with a determination never to go back to them. By the way, the telephone directory has much less to do with BT's customer base than the UK's obsession with ex-directory status.

[Tuvok]

I had caller id free then spotted it being charged - but you go to the website and you can get it for free again - looks like they have made it an annual opt in or else you have to pay for it!

[craft1948]

I'm still fuming.............I may compose an email to the Chairman's office.

[janbee]

I used to have BT but had so many problems with their overcharging and sneaking in other charges, that I changed my provider. Wish I 'd done it sooner. Never heard of anybody with anything good to say about BT.

[Orderlimit]

^ Wait till you need their useless engineers, unbelievable lot.