BT phone line contract commitment if inprisoned

whippet08 · 24th January 2008, 04:38

Hi, I have just taken out a new 12 month BT phone line contract but it looks as there is a possibility next week I could be serving time in Her Majesty's prison, will BT still pursue me for the remainder of the contract ?

Thanks,
Gareth

JOSH_IOU · 24th January 2008, 10:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by whippet08

Hi, I have just taken out a new 12 month BT phone line contract but it looks as there is a possibility next week I could be serving time in Her Majesty's prison, will BT still pursue me for the remainder of the contract ?

Thanks,
Gareth

I think if you ring BT and inform them that you may be spending time inside they may cancel the contract for you since you have been honest with them.

I am not certain as to what BT's Exit fee's are.

I hope someone else can help you out better.

louis wu · 24th January 2008, 11:22

Quote:

I am not certain as to what BT's Exit fee's are.

bt have no exit fee.

the cost of reinstalling your line, however, currently stands at £125, so you may be liable for that.

louis

robin9342 · 24th January 2008, 17:36

You could appeal to their better nature, but BT are likely to try and charge for the rest of the term. Depending how long your sentence is, it might be cheaper to leave the line connected.

meagain · 4th February 2008, 21:45

May be too late, but strictly speaking you shouldn't have to pay. You will find buried in the contract a clause which will probably be headed "force majeure". If either party's ability to perform is affected by circumstances beyond their direct influence, they are not liable for the results. The idea is that BT are not responsible for the telephone pole falling over in a storm, etc. - and what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. If the magistrates (or, $DEITY-forbid, the judge) has the option of whether or not to imprison you, you are not liable for their decision. Of course, if in sending you down they say "You leave me no choice ..." your case in this respect is rather weaker ...

Note that ending a contract as a result of force majeure is just that - ending. You'd need to arrange the return of anything BT have given you under the contract. I believe this can be achieved by inviting them to collect by appointment, but ICBW.

poppynurse · 5th February 2008, 07:47

Not sure that the force majeure would apply - being imprisoned is not beyond an individuals control - it's a result of an act they have committed.

And why sign up to a 12 month contract if you are likely to go down next week?

aladinliverpool · 5th June 2008, 14:31

Take it this guys in the klink now then?

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