broadband and cynicism

[Seeker]

I'm with Zen broadband having switched from Virgin a year ago. I'm happy with their service since I've not had a single issue and my skype works much better than with Virgin even though Virgin was quicker (when running speedtest).
So I receive an email letting me know that my contract is coming up for renewal and I can (a) do nothing and continue at the same rate (b) sign up for the same service at less money (c) change providers.


Here comes the cynicism... option (b) same service for less money? I read it again, slowly in case the meaning of words has changed. No it still seems to mean I get exactly what I'm currently getting but for less money.


I call them (still expecting the catch) but no, the lady at Zen confirms it.


This brings me to the next thought, why offer option (a)? Is it like the EULA agreements - nobody reads them? The bike insurance companies say you may get a better deal by shopping around but this company tells me I can definitely get a better deal with them but just have to say that I want it. Weird.

[timwilky]

You have a choice, I am stuck with virgin as Openreach can offer me upto 1Mb on my aluminium cable. FTTP is years away.

[Bibio]

simple answers
option a, you can cancel your contract at any time.
option b, you are tied into another years contract. this will incur penalties if you cancel within the year.

[Dave20046]

Originally Posted by Seeker

I'm with Zen broadband having switched from Virgin a year ago. I'm happy with their service since I've not had a single issue and my skype works much better than with Virgin even though Virgin was quicker (when running speedtest).
So I receive an email letting me know that my contract is coming up for renewal and I can (a) do nothing and continue at the same rate (b) sign up for the same service at less money (c) change providers.


Here comes the cynicism... option (b) same service for less money? I read it again, slowly in case the meaning of words has changed. No it still seems to mean I get exactly what I'm currently getting but for less money.


I call them (still expecting the catch) but no, the lady at Zen confirms it.


This brings me to the next thought, why offer option (a)? Is it like the EULA agreements - nobody reads them? The bike insurance companies say you may get a better deal by shopping around but this company tells me I can definitely get a better deal with them but just have to say that I want it. Weird.

It's that they can depend on your business. If you foresee keeping the internet for the next year, I'd contract in. Check that you are able to upgrade the product or port to another address penalty free and that their are no exit fees (at end of contracted period) upon contracting and you're ood to go.

I don't know much about Zen, but if you;re happy with them thus far and they're reputable keep with them.
I usually go plusnet or BT (former for price reasons as they're a subsidary of BT. Plusnet have a fibre deal inc line rental £23 per month with £75 cashback at the minute.