BT Installation ?

[bidstermeister]

This is on behalf of a neighbour... Being the local PC guru, I was asked to help set-up their Home Hub get their internet working. My interest was aroused because BT sent a chap out to install a socket in their house and activate the line - However, the previous occupants of the house DID have a phone when they were alive - turns out that my neighbour has never had a phone. Not sure why the socket was removed. Anyway, BT man installed a phone socket in the hallway 12ft from the existing little cable box near the front door.

My neighbour paid about £140 for all this - I wasn't sure if she really had to pay that much because a line already existed, however the master socket appears to have been removed when the previous occupants passed away. Rubbing salt into the wounds, seems that BT have a special offer on this month whereby they are drastically reducing this charge!

Essentially - is there grounds for a complaint or perhaps at least a bang on the counter to BT ?

[locutus]

To be honest, BT only care when you are 1st signing or when threatening to leave. They always have a deal on when connecting, and they always offer a little something when you say you're leaving (unless you are in term)

I think it would be hard to get this offer added retrospectively as your neighbour has already agreed to it.

[bidstermeister]

Yeah that's fair enough - but I was hoping that somebody in a similar position could have stuck their head up and said "ooh, I only paid £35" or whatever, if, however, this is the typical charge then so be it.

What puzzles me is why the master socket was removed in the first place, the house wasn't empty for very long (it's one of the few remaining council ones in a small cul-de-sac). All that was left was the little cable junction box above the front door - the engineer simply installed a new socket in the hallway and went to the next street to activate the line.

Not bad for an hour's work Anybody want me to extend their telephone socket by 12ft for £150 ? Thought not.

[robin9342]

BT are currently offering £95 off the installation charge. Your neighbour should most definitely complain that she was not made aware of this offer.

http://www.serviceview.bt.com/list/p...o/SNL21-08.pdf

[JoeTP]

Thanks robin9342, you just saved me £95 off my bt line installation by signing up for 18 months. BT seemed surprised when I mentioned this offer and asked where I found it (I just told them on the 'bt' web site)

[breeze1996]

Just checked this out as my sister wants to join BT. Told them it was on our site and they said it has no time limit, you just have to ask for it.

[sugg1]

is the offer closed now ?

I am with virgin media ,but i want to change companys over to sky or talk talk but i am told i need a BT phone line ,but i can`t afford the £130 odd payment to get a BT line.

[yourbank]

It might be worth telling virgin you will be leaving because of the price/speed level, etc,etc, you'll be amazed how much of a discount you will then get and how much they really really really want to keep you

[locutus]

Notices 2008 25/08 Calling Plans - Line Connection Special Offer

The new deal is the same as the old one. 29.99 connection providing you sign up for 18 months