Virgin increased price Mid-Contract -What do I need to know when I ask to leave?

[Tobal]

I took out a package with Virgin Media, that started on the 25th April 2014, for 18 months, that included Broadband, TV, Phone. It included an introductory offer, that has now expired and the package now costs me circa £70 p/m.

 

I've grown sick of the poor TV and don't want to continue. I was therefore intending to either ask them to stop the TV service at the end of October when the 18 months is up, or leave completely. However, I received a letter from Virgin stating they are increasing my TV package by £3 per month, from the 1st September, because of a new channel they are including (BT Sport Europe HD). Somethng I have no interest in, let alone want to pay for.

 

I found this article...

 

theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2324658/ofcom-rules-customers-hit-by-mid-contract-price-hikes-can-leave-for-free

 

Which states that I can leave my contract without penalty.

 

Here are my questions..

 

1) Does that mean I can terminate my entire package, or just the TV aspect of it (it was bought as a bundle)?

2) If I can terminate the entire package, COULD i just ditch the TV service?

3) Could I terminate as early as the 1st of September then? (assuming I give notice in the next few days).

 

Is there anything particularly I should / shouldn't say when I call up?

[maroondevo52]

Hi,

 

Sorry I'm not sure about how you go about getting out of your contract, best I could suggest was to phone them and ask as you sometimes find they are willing to come and go a bit if your going to leave them.

 

Sounds like I'm on the same bundle as you and they have also informed me about the £3.00 per month rise. I'm getting ready to shift to someone else myself.

They are forever phoning me to say what a wonderful customer I am, then go into their spiel about how they are willing to offer me some some great sports channels or a new mobile for another £30 a month !!!

 

They are starting to get very annoying.

[Mr.P]

1) Does that mean I can terminate my entire package, or just the TV aspect of it (it was bought as a bundle)?

2) If I can terminate the entire package, COULD i just ditch the TV service?

3) Could I terminate as early as the 1st of September then? (assuming I give notice in the next few days).

 

I had the "we are increasing our charges" letter a few years back. I had completed the minimum contract term so was on a rolling contract. Told them that the "free" TV package was worthless and I would be moving to a new provider. The end result was a renegotiated package at a reduced price with an undertaking that it would be reviewed annually. So each year, I ring them up and go through the same "I'm moving to another provider, need to cut costs" pitch. The last "discount" offered basically negates the increased package fee.

 

You have nothing to lose by ringing them and telling them that you will be moving unless they can come up with a better offer. As you say, the extra channels do not provide any incentive to stay once the price is increased. The target price to aim for is 50Mb fibre with free weekend calls for £5.00 plus line rental at £16.99 - It might be a fight to get them down to that, but if they can do it for new customers, they should be able to do it for you.

[unclebulgaria67]

Exactly what you have to do. Reduce package, so you are not paying for rubbish. Make sure you are not entering into any new contract. Try to negotiate reduced price, with threat of cancelling and going elsewhere in October.

 

If you do this, you may end up being in a happier place than now. I paid for a TV service for years that i was not really watching. Most of the cable channels broadcast repeats, with only the occasional new programme. As for football, go down the pub for any match you need to watch and watch Match of the Day for others. I would not pay to see multi millionaires kick a ball around, as you are paying their wages to waste on expensive car collections.

[Tobal]

Thanks very much everyone. I feel like I've some idea of what to go into the call saying now.

[havinastella]

I had an email a few days ago saying the price was going up another £3 a month. Already paying VM over £120 a month. so have just cancelled it.

 

Can get exactly the same (or better) package on Sky for £84.02.

 

The advisor on the phone came down to £100 but I still cancelled. I'm sure they will match it, if not, off to Sky I go for 12 months.

[IdaInFife]

most of the companies included " prices may vary" and can only increase you payments no more then 10 % on your contract period. its all about what in your t&c's but most want to keep you so always worth a call

[havinastella]

Just had a call from VM Loyalty retentions.

 

Settled at £90 a month for 12 months. Net saving £38 a month.

[maroondevo52]

Just had a call from VM Loyalty retentions.

 

Settled at £90 a month for 12 months. Net saving £38 a month.

 

Good stuff

 

I just phoned VM about getting bumf premium text messages at £4.50 a pop, god knows where they are from, was told to text back STOP did this, we shall see if they stop.

I also asked how much notice I need to give to cancel my mobile contract, ended up getting another 1gb on top of what I have if I stay.

[mikeymack2002]

Seriously bad is this, I had the same issue, I let them know point blank TV is done internet and phone only package price is now just £24.49 and my TV package has over a 1,000 channels, mostly from the states but almost anywhere in the world.

 

 

You do not need and special equipment just a well known browser, then getting an addon and using one from the drop down and then you can dump your PC in the US and watch live TV from there, these are always nearly a year ahead of most new seasons. Then you can get a decent PVR and still record your favourite shows, cost for this is free... How much better is that?