Scottish Elises

I got BT infinity about 14 months ago when fibre made it to our village, all was well, fast connection and free BT sport. From next month they will now charge £5 per month for the service - reasonable value, but I really don't watch much tv and can catchup elsewhere so I chose to cancel.

I followed the details laid out in the letter to cancel and was taken to a downgrade option, BT sport lite (1 channel) free instead of the full package. Seems like a good option..........but wait, it also automatically renews your broadband contract for 12 months, so no chance to change to a better rate or shop around. So I have to cancel the full BT sport not downgrade, unfortunately the letter does not provide any helpful detail for cancellation.

An online search reveals that BT have done a great job of giving no info on how to cancel, it's not in FAQ or forum issues etc, and there is no electronic deselect option. Instead you have to call their re negotiation department, who try to sell you everything from the downgrade to the full HD option first. Oh and the call wait time is 20-30 mins, I've tried several times its always the same.

I know BT have invested heavily in TV and for many this will be a good service, but to automatically opt in customers who signed up to a free service and then make it very very difficult to cancel is bordering on criminal. I fear for others who can't be bothered with the hassle, or can't work there way through the BT maze of obstacles.

In a rare moment of public protest, I have submitted a complaint to BT, OFCOM and Watchdog. (rant off)

You were fortunate that you were able to find a telephone number, most of them make it as difficult as possible to cancel, almost impossible on line as they want to speak to you to try and talk you out of it.

I have become an expert at it, especially with moving home.

tut

I like your style.... Always find it a horrible experience when downgrading my sky subscription, firstly trying to find the correct phone number then spending an age convincing them that I'm not odd because I don't watch much TV.
It usually ends in an argument as I know what I want to do and just want them to do it without a lengthy discussion around it.
Look forward to hearing what sort of response you get.

Actually I didn't. Ironically my land line has a fault which I spent yesterday reporting, so rather than wait for 30 mins on the mobile I did an online chat which india, who eventually called my mobile and connected me.

You can buy virtually anything online, but try cancelling it........