A snapshot from Aug 2013 states:

In reference to web.archive.org/web/20130815103011/http://www.plus.net/support/cust...:

Generally, the main reasons for broadband ceases are: Switching providers without a MAC key - (LLU migrations excluded)

Whereas now it states:

In reference to www.plus.net/support/customer_service/billing/cessation_charges.shtml:

Generally, the main reasons for broadband ceases are: Switching providers without a MAC key

If this charge is due to a change in BT Wholesale policy which Plusnet is simply passing on to their end users, fair enough. If it's an arbitrary tax on people leaving for MPF providers, it's not so fair.

Also, BT Retail do not charge the cease fee for migrations "following another recognised transfer process": www.bt.com/ceasecharge

So Plusnet appear to be following a different route to big brother. I find it unlikely that BT Retail is swallowing the charge and not passing it on, if this BTw charge actually exists for migrations to MPF.

If it exists then I will be supporting a strong letter to Ofcom about uncompetitive practices strangling competition in the market.

If I was a PlusNet customer I would also be checking my contract and changes to it to see when this new charge was notified to me.

Link to the notification already posted here http://forums.thinkbroadband.com/plusnet/t/4334400-r...

http://www.plus.net/support/customer_service/billing...

"4. When do cessation charges apply?

The charge can apply to any customer who has a broadband cease placed on their line.

Generally, the main reasons for broadband ceases are:

A broadband account is cancelled (without switching providers)

Switching providers without a MAC key"

This page seems to have been updated on 10th June '14.

Edited by 4M2 (Thu 12-Jun-14 12:10:05)

And I am waiting for an official PlusNet response and BT Wholesale too.

Based on the PlusNet wording, yes they will be charging the end-user, but I can find nothing that says Openreach or BT Wholesale charge that fee for a WBC to MPF LLU migration. The only time it would happen is if the WBC provider issues a cease itself and the gaining provider ends up having to do a provide on the voice and broadband.

Full LLU providers are MEANT to use http://www.thinkbroadband.com/guide/migration.html#m... which triggers notification of the WLR provider.

Ofcom is as part of the wider regulation and new migration systems looking at making ceases zero cost.

In reply to a post by Oliver341:

A snapshot from Aug 2013 states:

In reference to web.archive.org/web/20130815103011/http://www.plus.net/support/cust...:

Generally, the main reasons for broadband ceases are: Switching providers without a MAC key - (LLU migrations excluded)

Whereas now it states:

In reference to www.plus.net/support/customer_service/billing/cessation_charges.shtml:

Generally, the main reasons for broadband ceases are: Switching providers without a MAC key

If this charge is due to a change in BT Wholesale policy which Plusnet is simply passing on to their end users, fair enough. If it's an arbitrary tax on people leaving for MPF providers, it's not so fair.

Hi Oliver

Term 19 of T&C: If you choose to end your agreement for the service and you do not request and use a migration access code (MAC), or do not use another recognised migration process you will be subject to the broadband cease charge as shown in the price guide

Do you think a migration to LLU is another recognised migration process? If not, what is?

The text you quote is a support page that is not part of the T&C, not even as an asterisk or link. Do you think it's reasonable to understand it in conjunction with term 19 as being a general example, not an absolute rule, and referring specifically to not using a MAC when that process applies?

I think the Plusnet charge to the end-user is a breach of their T&C.

In reply to a post by vimto_girl:

Do you think a migration to LLU is another recognised migration process?

Yes. I think it's reasonable to expect that any migration performed by Openreach (as approved by Ofcom) has been done via a "recognised migration process". Otherwise, whose recognition are we seeking?

In reply to a post by vimto_girl:

I think the Plusnet charge to the end-user is a breach of their T&C.

I agree with you. It's baffling why Plusnet would purposely alter their support pages to contradict their T&C.

In reply to a post by MrSaffron:

And I am waiting for an official PlusNet response and BT Wholesale too.

Did they both ignore you in the end?

In reply to a post by MrSaffron:

And I am waiting for an official PlusNet response and BT Wholesale

Did you hear back yet?