Virgin Media price changes

kaymin

Virgin Media (VM) have the following clause in their broadband agreement. What are the views of others on the legal standing of this clause - it seems to give VM the right to unilaterally change prices previously agreed for the duration of a 12 month contract. If you don't provide notice of your objection within 30 days (of what?) then the new prices are applicable - though are they legally binding for the remainder of the contract?

Also the sentence in bold is not conditional on providing notice in my view though I understand VM takes a different view. How would others interpret this provision?

btw - I'm not seeking legal advice just alternative viewpoints.


Changing the Terms and Conditions
We retain the right to amend, modify or substitute these Terms and Conditions at any time and we will notify you in writing 30 days in advance of doing so. Any such modification, amendment or substitution shall also be posted on our website at virginmedia.ie. You have the right to withdraw from this Agreement without penalty if you do not accept the modification, amendment or substitution. If you do not object to the modification, amendment or substitution by giving notice to us within 30 days, the new Terms and Conditions shall then become applicable to you.

Robbo

It's a standard consumer protection clause.

From experience, Virgin email you in advance of the price change and notify you of your right to cancel. You then pick up the phone and threaten to walk unless they offer you some goodies. Do a quick search for an equivalent package with a rival and say their price is uncompetitive.

They then give you a few months of a discount, conditional on you signing up for a further 12/18 month period.

This is one situation where the canny consumer can end up with a better deal than they initially entered into if they play their cards right.

Samuel T. Cogley

kaymin wrote: »

Changing the Terms and Conditions
We retain the right to amend, modify or substitute these Terms and Conditions at any time and we will notify you in writing 30 days in advance of doing so. Any such modification, amendment or substitution shall also be posted on our website at virginmedia.ie. You have the right to withdraw from this Agreement without penalty if you do not accept the modification, amendment or substitution. If you do not object to the modification, amendment or substitution by giving notice to us within 30 days, the new Terms and Conditions shall then become applicable to you.

See underlined.

ScouseMouse

I got the notice by email. Threatened to leave, so I increased my package, with 6 months half price, and the yearly cost is now less.

Work that one out!

mark316

Hey only seeing that virgin put up there prices, checked my emails and they had sent me and email to say i could cancel by the 27th dec

Would i have any chance of cancelling now?

colm_mcm

mark316 wrote: »

Hey only seeing that virgin put up there prices, checked my emails and they had sent me and email to say i could cancel by the 27th dec

Would i have any chance of cancelling now?

No. Unless you’re out of contract anyway.

how.gareth

mark316 wrote: »

Hey only seeing that virgin put up there prices, checked my emails and they had sent me and email to say i could cancel by the 27th dec

Would i have any chance of cancelling now?

No!

mark316

colm_mcm wrote: »

No. Unless you’re out of contract anyway.

Nope only finished the discount period and all 6 months left