Just one other thing - I don't understand why you didn't get the free modem and set up when you joined, as I thought that was an ongoing offer.
By the time I joined that offer was discontinued. Story of my life, Simon.
Hmm... strange that, given that the offer is still going now.
Big brother has won round one but I am going to check out trading standards to see if they can do what they are doing.
While what they are doing might be unfavourable to existing customers, I can't see that it could be seen as illegal, as they have not forced anyone into anything. I would imagine TS would ask on what grounds you thought they were acting outside the law? They have not taken money from you unlawfully, they have not
forced you to pay to upgrade, then given the upgrades free to others, and they are still providing the service you have contracted them to provide. I don't think they are any different to most other business, who are out to make a fast buck wherever possible.
I can't see why I can't cancel my existing account and set up a new one under my hubby's name. After all if I left him, and he wanted to set up an account with Pipex he should not have to pay £15 as he is a new customer.
Presumably, if you left hubby, all he would need to do is change the name on the account, which wouldn't involve disconnecting and reconnecting again.
I asked them to close my account and give me a MAC number. The girl asked me why I was leaving pipex and I said I was not technically leaving but was going to sign up as a new customer under my husbands name. She said I couldn't do that as you can't move from the same isp.
Presumably, again, that's because the phone line and number would be the same, and their systems can't handle that sort of trick. What if you were to cancel your existing service without migrating anywhere? How long would it take them to disconnect you, in order for you to sign up again, without going anywhere else in between? Can't see any reason why you shouldn't be able to do that, but you might lose your service and have to go back to dial up for a few days.
It's a ludicrous situation to say the least.
Yes, and unfortunately, one where it's difficult to see how you can win. Don't get me wrong, I'm not defending Pipex (or sucking up to them!) - I'm just trying to see it from a neutral prospective. All businesses charge fees wherever they can. It's how they make their money. Hell, I'm surprised the banks don't charge you to walk in the door these days! I think you'll get clobbered for some sort of migration fee, or set up charge, whatever you try to do here, with any ISP. In the case of the Pipex regrade, you have the option whether to pay the fee or not, depending if you want to queue jump. Personally, I think I would try to establish from Pipex what the timescale is of you getting your upgrade, before launching into a time consuming crusade, which might get you nowhere.
Just my thoughts, Lona.