3 mobile phone

[chris.g]

ARGH!!!!!!! It just shows you how cunning these companies are!!!! I have had my mobile contract for the last 18 months and have not missed a payment, even when we were struggling like mad.....I recently upgraded, dropping my tarrif but tying me in for another 18 month. Yesterday I lost use of my phone, inactive sim. When I phoned they told me that the contract had been cancelled by them.....because I had been declared bankrupt...in Feb '08....nearly 7 months ago!!!! Now cynical as I may sound, my original contract expired this month!! Strange I think that they have only been notified that I am br!!!! The advisor did say that I could apply for a new contract with them, don't think so with my credit history!!! Anyhow, out of principle now I wouldn't give them my business or my money!!!
The small thing they seem to have overlooked is that the contract was renewed in the last 2 weeks, then cancelled, leaving me with a new phone and no service....I'm assuming that they will contact me for the phone.....
It's just very annoying and frustrating that they have waited for the end of the contract to cancel, knowing fine well that if they cancelled before it would be absorbed by the br!!! Now I need to get a new phone, new sim and new number....I might be as brazen as them and phone them for a PAC....keep my old number!!!!
Sorry for the rant....I like my number, I know my number and everyone who I want to contact me know my number....it's just not fair!!! [:(]

[Viki.W]

Chris, you're right, that's NOT fair. What a load of rubbish. I'm not sure how it works but I do hope you get to keep your number. X

[TheMatrix]

Oh my God, they are now credit checking existing clients. My contract is up for renewal shortly and was thinking about updating my handset at the same time and renewing a 18 month contract.

Would I be better off just sticking with my current contract and let it run month on month without renewing it. I'm on a good deal with vodafone at the moment and don't want them to disconnect me as well if I'm forced to have to renew it.

I don't know what to do now

[chris.g]

It's definately a pain! I asked in the shop if they carried out a credit search and he said no. Don't know if they did or whether they have been notified....can't think of any other way they have found out though other than doing a search....
I was happy with 3, even though their coverage can be hitty missy.....I'll go on PAYG for now, going to cost more money though, I know it will....

[chris.g]

Just checked their T&C's. They can terminate the contract immediately in the case of br! I' guessing that all the other mobile contractors are going to have the same clause to protect themselves...Looks like Pay As You Go is the Way To Go, especially if you face upto your debts....

[TheMatrix]

I was just over a year into my IVA and managed to upgrade my vodafone contract last time round and now I'm coming up to renewal time again, i'll have to dig out the T&C's but been with them now 7 years and always made payment to them on time, it would be a real bummer if they cancel it now.

[chris.g]

Now I'm really worried... Read further into their T&C's and it seems that I am liable to the end of the contract even if they cancel it. Seeing as I have just upgraded it may be that I will have to pay for the upgraded 18mth contract!! Any experts out there that can tell me if this is the case will it be absorbed by the br as it is a contract I originally took out pre-br?? I have a horrible feeling it won't be.....

[TheMatrix]

Are there no exception clauses in the contract if this relates to the service provider terminating the contract?

It would not be right surely for you to have to pay for something your not getting because the other party terminated the contract

[chris.g]

Can't see anything. My point is I was br when I upgraded so surely it should not have been authorised if br's can't have a contract...

[chris.g]

Can you have a look?
http://www.three.co.uk/BlobServer.srv?b ... 010808.pdf
It's on page 36, thanks

[Skippy]

Oh Chris that's awful. I had no problems with Vodafone and they knew I was BR as I told them - I didn't want to be unexpectedly cut off. I have heard that 3 are awkward about BR - they told someone else that they don't recognise BR! I hope you get this sorted out x

[tori]

oh crikey that is worrying as im also with 3.i wonder if they'll look upon an iva the same as br ? like you chris i wouldnt want to have to change my phone number as ive had the same one for years.and this phone is my lifeline as we dont have a landline & i use my mobile for email & internet aswell.oh i hope they leave me alone.what a nightmare for you chris ! [:(]

[chris.g]

I'm more concerned about being tied to a contract for the next 18mth and not being able to use it now! I'll take the stand that I was mis-sold the upgrade as I am not allowed to have a contract due to br. Oh my luck is getting worse by the day.......

[TheMatrix]

I just read the contract and in there it states....

In the following cases, we may end your
agreement immediately and you have to pay all
the Charges you owe up until we Disconnect you:
(i) if we have the right to Suspend your
3 Services on any of the grounds in Section 9
and we believe that the grounds are serious
and have not been, or are unlikely to be,
rectified;
(ii) if we believe that your communications
with 3 Customer Services or any of our
retailers or agents, or your use of our 3
Services, are jeopardising the operation of the
network, or are of an unacceptable nature;
(iii) if we reasonably believe you will not be
able to pay your bill. This could result from a
failure to pass one of our credit assessments;
or
(iv) in the event of your bankruptcy,
insolvency or death.

I think the key here is where it says....

you have to pay all
the Charges you owe up until we Disconnect you And the way I interpret that is you have to pay up to the point you were disconnected. (And not for the remainder of the contract).

[TheMatrix]

Still a bummer though, they should know what your payment record is like by looking at it. Did you try phoning to upgrade the contract or did you just go into the shop to buy without mentioning the existing contract?