Author Topic: Broadband activation fees (Read 2382 times)

Simon · « **on:** September 01, 2005, 18:23 »

Two days ago, I filled in a form on the BT website, to transfer my phone number to my new address. It said on the form they would call me before the moving date to confirm details. Today, I received a call from BT, who went through the line checking procedures, and confirmed my phone number transfer. While talking, the BT lady asked me if I used broadband. I confirmed that I used Pipex, expecting a sales pitch for BT Broadband, but received nothing of the sort. What she said was, that she had just activated broadband on my new phone line. There and then. One mouse click. Free.

So my question is, what are broadband 'activation fees' all about? Pipex, and some other providers don't charge activation fees, but some do, at up to around £60, and more! Surely, this must be seen as a bit of a scam, if the BT customer can call BT themselves, and have broadband enabled in seconds?

For once, I have to say,

to BT!

sam · « **Reply #1 on:** September 01, 2005, 19:13 »

it could be that the line you are going to use is already setup for broadband whereas others arent.

Simon · « **Reply #2 on:** September 01, 2005, 19:17 »

Possibly, Sam.

Clive · « **Reply #3 on:** September 01, 2005, 21:10 »

It's nice to hear a "good news" story for once!

sam · « **Reply #4 on:** September 01, 2005, 21:12 »

and yes it is isnt it clive!

Lona · « **Reply #5 on:** September 01, 2005, 22:02 »

Can I ask, Simon, are you keeping the same number.?

If so it's easy but had you been changing your number to a different exchange it could have been a different story.

Also, you are not changing your provider so I would think that would be just the same.

I think when you change providers then there could be additional charges.

I'm pleased you got fixed up so quickly.

Simon · « **Reply #6 on:** September 01, 2005, 22:14 »

Yes, I am keeping the same number, Lona, and it is on the same exchange. It's not quite done and dusted, as I still have to wait until Pipex disconnect my existing broadband service, and then I have to apply for a new account, but they have done as I requested and been flexible with the cancellation terms, so I don't have to wait 30 days. My only issue will be that I will have a new username and password with Pipex, and users will know how difficult to remember these are! I hope I can keep my existing e-mail accounts, or that will really screw things up for a while.

Lona · « **Reply #7 on:** September 01, 2005, 22:19 »

I really don't understand why you had to cancel your account. If you have the same number and the same exchange then there is no reason for Pipex to have to cancel your account. I think they are just exercising a "job's worth" excercise.

You should have kept quiet and Pipex would possibly have been none the wiser.

Anyway it's not as if they are coming to your house warming. :wink:

BTW are we all invited to christen the new house.

?

Simon · « **Reply #8 on:** September 01, 2005, 22:24 »

Quote from: "Lona"

I really don't understand why you had to cancel your account. If you have the same number and the same exchange then there is no reason for Pipex to have to cancel your account. I think they are just exercising a "job's worth" excercise.

D'you know what, I actually mentioned something along those lines to the BT lady, and she did give an explanation, but I can't remember what it was! Pipex have nothing to gain by making me close one account and re-open another, so there must be a reason for it. I suppose I would have had to change my address with them at some point, because of the card payments.

Lona · « **Reply #9 on:** September 01, 2005, 22:27 »

I hope you remembered to use your pipex points. You wouldn't want to miss out on a nice massage, Simon.

Your points will go back to zero when you open a new account.

Simon · « **Reply #10 on:** September 01, 2005, 22:35 »

Pipex points??

:grin:

sam · « **Reply #11 on:** September 01, 2005, 22:41 »

Quote

D'you know what, I actually mentioned something along those lines to the BT lady, and she did give an explanation, but I can't remember what it was! Pipex have nothing to gain by making me close one account and re-open another, so there must be a reason for it. I suppose I would have had to change my address with them at some point, because of the card payments.

probably looks good on their stats...we have had so many people join us recently...(note: this includes all the people who had to leave us and rejoin when they moved house!)

Lona · « **Reply #12 on:** September 01, 2005, 22:43 »

Quote from: "Simon"

Pipex points?? :grin:

Can I have yours then?

Simon · « **Reply #13 on:** September 01, 2005, 22:43 »

Maybe I'll go back to them and say that as the new line has already been enabled, and it's the same number on the same exchange, why do I need to have a new account?

Lona · « **Reply #14 on:** September 01, 2005, 22:47 »

That's it, Simon, be forceful.