Forum Discussion

shazz's avatar
shazz
Tuning in
5 months ago
Solved

Pensioner paying almost £80 for landline and a few TV channels. No offers ?

My dad (82) is paying nearly £80 for his landline and a couple of extra TV channels.    I tried to get him a better deal from virgin just a few years ago and was told there was non on offer at that time, but they'd be coming soon.  Nothing happened, so he kept paying even as your prices went higher.

He's just had an operation,  not feeling too well, and he's just had his winter fuel allowance stopped too.   So he's not in the mood to haggle prices over the phone for hours (to probably be told no).   

What's the best thing for him - cancel virgin altogether and go elsewhere?  Or should he cancel virgin and get his wife to start a new contract ?  What would her price be for home phone and telly as a new customer?   They don't use the internet.  


  • shazz wrote:

    but we would want it sorted fast,


    Much then depends whether you want a quick solution, or a good solution. The outcome may well not be the same - rushing into a re-contract negotiation could well leave you unprepared.

  • japitts's avatar
    japitts
    Very Insightful Person

    It's not unusual for customers of your Dad's demographic to fall foul of VM's style of business.

    First off - do a basic audit of the channels your Dad wants from his TV service, using the table at the bottom of this page . Would the base-tier (broadly Freeview-equivalent) Mixit suit? Or would he be wanting the top-tier Mega instead?

    All of VM's current TV services do require a VM broadband connection - for the OnDemand & internet-based functions. This includes TV guide updates.

    As another starter for six, at least price up possible alternative suppliers for your Dad - for whatever combination of phone, internet or TV he wants. At least that might put you both in a better position to decide what services he wants, and what prices are available. Any conversation with VM retentions will be a lot more fruitful if you're informed with some facts & figures.

    • shazz's avatar
      shazz
      Tuning in

      Thanks for replying.  The last time I talked to the retention team about his package I did have all his details to hand.  Right now I don't and don't want to bother him to look out his paperwork.  i think he only has discovery channels and normal tv. 

       He's recovering from his operation and miserable about that, and his monthly bills.  I could call them with the info from his house when he's feeling a bit better, but we would want it sorted fast,  not have him waiting for the retention team to call him back when I'm not there.    

      • Matthew_ML's avatar
        Matthew_ML
        Forum Team

        Hey shazz, thank you for reaching out and I am so sorry to hear about this. 

        Have you checked here to see what deals may be available for you?  

        I hope the recover goes well.