Finding it impossible to cancel AOL broadband

[fuzzybobble]

Hi people,

AOL are sending me around in circles. For over 2 weeks now I've tried to cancel by email and in writing. Each time I try to cancel I provide what they ask for. (full name, phone number, master screen name, last four didgits of car number used to start the account with) Each time I send the info they reply a day later saying they cannot process my request as I didn't provide the info. They even copy my email at the bottom that contains all the info they are requesting.

This has happened 5 times now, and my written request has been ignored. Can I change ISP without a MAC code? I have a feeling that AOL are just messing me about so I will give up tying to change.

[locutus]

What internet service provider are you moving to? If it's an LLU then they cannot process it with a MAC code anyway, as they need to phisically change the harware in your telephone exchange.

[fuzzybobble]

Changing from AOL to BT. Well trying to anyway.

[locutus]

I'm afraid you will need a MAC code then unfortunatly (or to cancel it, wait for it to clear off your line then re-order it... the MAC process probably easiest).

Try calling them on 020 73488000 (thats the head office switchboard)

[Conniff]

You don't need a mac code, it can take a couple of weeks without one though.

OFCOM recommends that you contact the isp that you want to join and not the one you are leaving.

That sounds sensible as the one your going to will want you on their books as soon as possible.

Try it.

[fuzzybobble]

No internet isn't a problem as my neighbour has offered to let me use his wireless network while I sort this mess out. I'll call BT on monday and get the ball rolling.

[389shell]

AOL! I was with them for many years, I had 2 problems in about 8 years, the first time took them 4 weeks to remedy, the next time I invoiced them for my wasted time and phone bills after 6 weeks with no internet, have been with Sky ever since.

AOL, RUBBISH!

[Conniff]

Originally Posted by fuzzybobble

No internet isn't a problem as my neighbour has offered to let me use his wireless network while I sort this mess out. I'll call BT on monday and get the ball rolling.

It wont be a couple of weeks if you are going to ring BT, they will probably have the mac before you can put the receiver down.

[locutus]

BT retail find it as hard as any other broadband retailer to do this Conniff. The MAC process would definatly be more straightforward.

[legalpickle]

Originally Posted by 389shell

AOL! I was with them for many years, I had 2 problems in about 8 years, the first time took them 4 weeks to remedy, the next time I invoiced them for my wasted time and phone bills after 6 weeks with no internet, have been with Sky ever since.

AOL, RUBBISH!

Even worse now that they're part of TalkTalk!!!

[fuzzybobble]

I had a run in with Talk Talk a few months back. Tried to cancel under the distance selling regulations and they billed my mate for a £500 disconnection fee. Ended up complaining to OFCOM about disproportionate penalty fees and the fact it had been cancelled before the connection even took place. Talk Talk soon dropped it.

Update on the AOL thing. After flooding them with emails complaining, I should get the MAC code sometime this week by email.
What's the betting they cut off my acount beforeI can retrieve the code?

[legalpickle]

Originally Posted by fuzzybobble

I had a run in with Talk Talk a few months back. Tried to cancel under the distance selling regulations and they billed my mate for a £500 disconnection fee. Ended up complaining to OFCOM about disproportionate penalty fees and the fact it had been cancelled before the connection even took place. Talk Talk soon dropped it.

Update on the AOL thing. After flooding them with emails complaining, I should get the MAC code sometime this week by email.
What's the betting they cut off my acount beforeI can retrieve the code?

You were with TalkTalk? Why are you with AOL then, after experiencing how terrible TalkTalk are? They are basically the same - and have been for over a year at least [not sure how long exactly].

[locutus]

I think the run in was for someone else. Still... looking more and more like I'm in the minority getting my issues sorted the day they come up!

[fuzzybobble]

Originally Posted by legalpickle

You were with TalkTalk? Why are you with AOL then, after experiencing how terrible TalkTalk are? They are basically the same - and have been for over a year at least [not sure how long exactly].

The problems with Talk Talk were with a mates business phone line. I was with AOL for dial up and broadband for a total of 12 years. No problems at all until Carphone Warehouse/Talk Talk took over. Then I got slow connection speeds, connection kept dropping out around 5 times a night. Tried to complain and got sent around in circles by obviously undertrained Indian call centre staff and getting charged 9p a min for what used to be a free and useful helpline.

[fuzzybobble]

Finally got my MAC code from AOL.

It's only taken 3 weeks and 9 emails to get it, so now I'm billing them £30 for my valuable time they've wasted.