Choose switch date

Question

I've just signed up to switch from BT to Virgin broadband. I was led to believe you could choose the switch date (see https://www.virginmedia.com/blog/broadband/what-is-one-touch-switch). But I've not had any option to do this.

My BT contract does not end for a month, but I have to give 30 days notice, so I was hoping to be able to select a switch date to coincide with that end of contract (and so not have early termination fees, BT are saying that will be £600!, which FWIW is wrong).

Anyone know of there is a way to choose the date? If not I will likely need to cancel this order.

Thanks!

newapollo · Answer

Hi sballThe OTS should only cancel landline and broadband services.If you beleive that BT's early termination fee is wrong then you should ask them for a full breakdown of the charges (they should have already done this)It's possible that you have both a broadband and TV service with them and they have different contract end dates, especially if you made any changes to the TV package.&nbsp;&nbsp;You should have&nbsp; been able to select a prefered switch date from those offered by the gaining provider (VM) as part of the signing up process, however I don't think this is confirmed until after your current provider (BT) have informed VM that you've consented to the switch.&nbsp;

nodrogd · Answer

The big factor with VM is that they use their own infrastructure. Particularly if you are in one of the legacy cable areas there are multiple contractors to get involved in the installation process. If one of them finds a blocked duct or other issues the install can drag on beyond the initial date. I would be very wary of giving notice before you have the necessary VM infrastructure in place. If you are porting a telephone number to VM from BT then the correct procedure is for VM to handle the cancellation process or you may lose your number.

goslow · Answer

Similar problem mentioned herehttps://community.virginmedia.com/discussions/Setup/how-to-arrange-transfer-of-service-from-present-provider/5619254where the customer seems to have unwittingly been launched into a VM contractUsual advice on here would be to try to overlap two services, if affordable, and only cancel your existing when VM is up and running to your satisfaction. It involves paying two subscriptions during the overlap period but avoids being cut off with no services if VM fails to install on time (which is a very common topic of complaint on here).

sball · Answer

Thanks for the reply nodrogd. We already have the VM connection from previous occupants of the house. So it's just a simple self install of the router.

This is more a question about the new One Touch Switch system. While it certainly is very simple, I've not been given any say in when the switch happens.

sball · Answer

Thanks goslow and newappollo. Reckon I need to wait until Monday to see what arrives from BT, or to talk to them.

I think the sign up process could be improved by either allowing you to select a target switch date or to make it clear that you can select that later. The whole selling point of OTS is supposed to be the gaining provider doing all the leg work for you and for there to be a seamless switch over.

FWIW, I think BT just quoted a 24 month price rather than the 1 remaining (I have no other contract with them).

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