Contract length issue

Hi All, need some advice regarding contract length with preordered fttp.
Whilst I understand this section is for fttp, I would like people's comments regarding their contract lengths and experiences.
The isp in question had my preorder waiting for wayleave, but it didn't need it, so just sat in limbo for a month, it only got anywhere because another salesman knocked and queried the preorder with me, took it off wayleave on the system and the preorder process started.
There following day sales rep called to collect missing details and said I would get another email once the system generates it. The email arrived shortly after for direct debit info etc, this was all filled in as requested and sent back. The confirmation of preorder arrived shortly after but on reading the contract length had risen to 30 months.
When I originally ordered and still on their website it clearly states a 24 month contract.
I contacted the sales lady she said that because we get 6 months free, the contract does not start until we begin paying for the service.
Anyone else had anything like this?
To me a 24 month contract is just that, 24 months, and not a 24 month paid contract with 6 months free but total contract of 30 months?
Got to say this feels very underhand and feel like cancelling the preorder straight away.
Cheers for any comments
Lee

Any promotional period (free, half price, discounted etc.) is typically included within the period stated on the contract and not added to it. The contract commences on the date the service commences.

Exactly what I thought.
I'm going to thoroughly read co traxt details now, see what it says in there.
Thankyou

Ofcom state that consumer contracts should be no longer than 24 months

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-interne...

"As a consumer (separate rules apply for businesses) the contract for your telecommunication service should be no longer than 24 months. Some contracts for mobile handsets may be longer so its important to check the terms for the handset as well as the airtime."

Any service that is sold as 24 months with 6 months free I would expect to be a 24 month contract, with the final 18 of those paid for.

I'm reading through the t and c's now, so far no mention of length of minimum contract, just mentions minimum term a few times.

Good Morning Lee

Hope you are well.

It is in fact a 24 month contract but the 30 months takes into account your deferral of 6 months.

Hope that is ok?

Any problems please let me know.

Kind Regards

Is it business broadband or residential broadband?

I was always under the impression that residential broadband contracts were limited to 24 months, unless that has recently changed.

Any 6 months free would still form part of the contract period.

Edit: I see jpm beat me to the punch.

Edited by j0hn83 (Thu 26-May-22 11:56:08)

Residential, sorry.

No mention of it at all in " Sent terms and conditions" but found on the website under "6 month Defferal" terms and conditions.
Wording seems to be the big thing here being "Defferal".

What is Broadband 6 Month Deferral?

We want to give everyone the opportunity to benefit from Be Fibre products and services but understand that many people may be locked into contracts with other providers. We are therefore offering you the opportunity to take our services free of charge for up to 6 months.

 
What do I need to do?

In order to benefit from up to 6 months’ deferral, we simply need you to provide evidence of the time remaining on your existing broadband deal which must be written confirmation from your current provider1.

We can then sign you up to our services on the offer of your choice free of charge for the time remaining on your current contract up to a maximum of 6 months so that you avoid paying an early termination fee to your current provider.

 
When does my contract start?

Your contract will start on the day you first begin to receive services. The services will be provided free of charge for the remainder of your contract with your current provider for up to a maximum of 6 months. You will then start paying for your services from BeFibre and will be subject to a further 24-month term.

Your total contract length will be your deferral period plus 24 months.

 
Can I end my contract early?

If you do want to end your contract this is subject to the terms of Our Agreement and there is likely to be an early termination charge.

For the avoidance of doubt, your contract may be terminated in line with Our Agreement particularly in line with paragraph 14 and paragraph 3.1 of our standard terms and conditions. The 14-day cooling off period referred to in paragraph 3.1 of our standard terms and conditions begins on the first day of your contract.

I'm going to contact OFCOM and ask if this is acceptable.

Still seems a very underhand way of increasing contract term, to 30 months with 6 months free, 6 months defferal t and c says contract starts when service starts, ie 6 months defferal plus 24 months contract lol
what a joke
Lee

I think they are fine - you could always opt-out of the 6 months deferral and then you have a standard 24 month contract.

Could be an idea lol
Just tweeted the other 2 Alt ISPs installing to see what there "Offers " mean, the both offer 3 months free on either 12 or 24 month contract, just sked if that means 12 or 24 or 15 or 27 months lol