Bt Broadband With Laptop

[freddie]

I don't know if anyone else has recently re-signed with BT, but I did a couple of weeks ago. To keep existing customers they were matching AOL's offer of a free laptop if you get a 36month contract.

I though sure I'll stay, but the laptop I recieved wasn't the one they mentioned and now they deny there was a different one!
The original spec was HP530 laptop with Intel T2030 processor(dual core 1.6Ghz), 80gig drive, 512 ram, 15.4" screen, dvd writer. What i got was the same except for the processor which was a Celeron 410 (single core 1.46Ghz).

The clauses state the they have the right to withdraw the offer and that if the offer they have isnt available they will replace it with a laptop of EQUAL value. Well if it's the latter case, they are pulling a fast one.

Now luckily I have saved the web page that had the original specs, but I'm a bit miffed that they are being sneaky and flippant about what they said I would get and what I received!

Add to that the time it takes to actually get through to someone, and then someone in the right department and we have a headache.

I'd appreciate your opinions or experiences.

[burble]

Do they define what they mean by 'equal value?' I've read about cases where the small print said that it meant any substitute offered must be of a value equal to the price paid for the item by the customer. Ie, £0.

[dangel]

Ah but the price paid by the customer is having to use BT - can you put a price on that?
(and yes, i'm a BT broadband customer).

[ikonia]

only an idiot would sign up to a broadband provider for 3 years.......more so for a free laptop.

[[GSV]Myocardial]

Is the number that you have to call to complain about it a freephone number? If so I'd say it's worth trying at least. If not I think you'll do a lot of waiting for little gain although you would have thought they would have just sent a lower spec dual core if there is one Have you told them that you have printed off the spec originally quoted ?Maybe compare this with a couple of external websites with similar spec machines to the one you have and the one you thought you would get.

And Ikonia I'd been with BT Broadband for 6 years prior to moving away from my parents and haven't really changed service, other than upgrading to their Total broadband service for the whole time. So is everyone that sticks with a product for a while (why fix what isn't broken?) an idiot ??

[burble]

So is everyone that sticks with a product for a while (why fix what isn't broken?) an idiot ??

But what happens when it does break and you can't fix it by going elsewhere? I think terming someone an idiot is a bit strong, but I agree with the sentiment.

[[GSV]Myocardial]

If your BB broke and was completely unuseable then you'd most likely be able to get out of the contract with "Not suitable for the purpose intended".

And if they changed the service while in a contract you generally have the right to give notice and move if you don't agree with their changes.

Worst way you end up going to Ofcom or court just like you could for any contractual issue for provision of services/product.

Most of the problems I hear about with Broadband are to do with initial setup/transfer where I have had difficulties and poor speed during peak periods, which isn't a problem I've experienced with BT ever personally.

[Clingy]

I dont think ikonia was on about loyalty Myo....nothing wrong with that...but I do echo his sentiments, if not his language, about people signing up for long term contracts on something as volatile as broadband. Three years is a long time to tie yourself into broadband. I have only ever had monthly contracts which I believe keeps them keen. But then I haven't been offered anything free .

I know you have been a long time advocate of BT, Myo, and from my experience there are a lot worse than them. Indeed their connections are generally good, just their customer service that could do with organising better.

[Mossy]

any links to this promo?

[freddie]

Well after a few calls things seem to have sorted out....3 years does seem like a time, but i've been with bt 3 years already sure they are more expensive, but i hadnt had any problems with them. none, well until very recently.

re the laptop, i was going to get a cheapo one anyway so why not get one thrown in? they agreed they made a mistake and gave 3 months free broadband, i would have preferred the higher spec laptop but hey...

also thrown in was bt vision, a freeview box with a hard disk to record 80hrs of tv, all in all i still think it's not a bad deal (now that it all works)

plus if bt upgrade their lines i'm eligible for free upgrade as well, so i've kept that open as well.

BT Total Broadband | Laptop Offer | Personal | BT.com is the link, obviously the processor has changed since i looked at it.

it is a hastle when things don't go smoothly, but now it's all done. working and thats that.

thanks for the comments.

[Rishi]

Vista with 512MB of RAM - Ciao to that!

[Sinizter]

Not even a free laptop is worth being locked in BT for 36 months.

What if their FUP is changed in the 36 months to something even worse that it is now ? Would you be happy to stay in the contract ?

[freddie]

yeah i guess time will tell if i'm happy!

it's too late now anyway, so fingers crossed that from now on it's smooth sailing.

and def need ram upgrade!