BT Group faces criticism for implementing new set-up charges starting at £30 beginning today. The telecommunications giant now mandates a one-time fee of £30 for new BT and EE broadband customers, while Plusnet customers face a £20 fee upon sign-up.
Uswitch has condemned this move, labeling it as poorly timed given the near absence of upfront set-up fees in broadband-only packages over the last decade. New customers of BT, EE, and Plusnet broadband services are bound by lengthy 24-month contracts, a trend following widespread bill hikes among major broadband and mobile service providers in April.
Ernest Doku, a broadband expert at Uswitch, expressed disapproval, stating that amidst an ongoing focus on living costs, there should not be a financial barrier to accessing affordable broadband services. He criticized the lack of flexibility for new customers to opt-out of the charge, particularly suggesting that those with functioning routers should have the option to avoid the fee.
Doku further highlighted the potential deterrent effect of the £30 charge on budget-conscious households seeking cost-effective broadband deals. BT Group has been approached for their response to these concerns.
For consumers not under contract, it is advisable to review current mobile and broadband expenses. Understanding usage patterns such as call minutes, text messaging, and broadband speed can reveal potential overpayments for unnecessary services. Comparison websites are useful tools for identifying competitive deals, facilitating potential switches to more cost-effective providers or negotiating better rates with existing service providers.
Polite negotiation tactics, such as informing current providers of better offers elsewhere and inquiring about price matching, can often lead to reduced costs. If unsuccessful, switching providers may be a viable option, with cashback platforms offering additional incentives for new broadband or mobile subscriptions.