BT has axed plans to introduce a broadband exit fee, following pressure from consumers.

The communications giant was due to introduce a fee of £5 for customers leaving its service.

After discussions with the UK's media watchdog Ofcom, however, the plans have been scrapped.

Changes that would have raised the cost of barring outgoing calls from a home phone from £11.50 to £17.50 have also been axed.

But, for customers who want to pay their bills on receipt rather than by direct debit, there has been no such luck. BT is to press ahead with a charge of £4.50 per quarter for those who pay by cash or cheque.

Karen Derby of consumer comparison website SimplySwitch said: "Consumers looking to find a better deal were set to be unfairly punished and in today's competitive market a penalty for switching would be seen as grossly unfair."

She added: "The good news is that there is no penalty for changing suppliers. Switching phone companies is quick and easy and doesn't mean you lose your phone number or need new phone lines installed."

BT is nevertheless an "innovative" company, according to SimplySwitch.



Tuesday, 27th March 2007

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