upc want to dig up garden?

DingDong · 31-03-2011 12:52AM

dub45 wrote: »

Surely any reputable company will not knock on a door unannounced and expect a person to sign permission forms there and then?

A person is entitled to know exactly what is involved in any such request and be given time to consider it.

Of course they don't. People are given time to think if they need too. Some people sign there and then while other require longer. It completely up to the home owner to sign or not. In my experience it's very rare for someone to sign straight away. The norm would be for drawings method statement and insurance details would be shown to home owner.

Quite honestly the more I think about it the more appalled I am at this sort of approach. And the amateurish nature of it is borne out from what the op has said above. If the people involved are incapable of leaving a phone number who would trust them to dig up their garden?

Can you explain to us if you are familiar with the "process" why UPC adopt this approach and do not write formally to all those potentially affected by this with all the details I had listed elsewhere?

If you ever worked on project the scale UPC has undertaken you will understand why its best to call to the customers door. A letter can go missing or be treated as junk mail. If the home owner requires a letter after first contact it can be supplied.

You are in no position to give assurances here. If something goes wrong in the future pointing to a post on boards.ie from your good self will do little use for the op. And using a so called reputable contractor is no guarantee that a jobe will be carried out properly.

In recent times a so called reputable contractor carried out work on behalf of Dublin City Council on remedial water works and their behaviour was a disgrace. They treated people in the area with total contempt, for example a young lad was sent around doors to clean the muck of them with his bib and spit. A two foot deep uncovered hole was left directly outside the door of an 80 year old lady with very bad sight and I could go on.

What has that got to do with UPC nothing. UPC contractors are supervised by direct UPC staff who insure the quality and standard of their work.

It should not be necessary for the op to contact UPC. They should be contacting his mother with all the appropriate information and an apology for turning up at her door unannounced.

And I stand by my advice get everything in writing from UPC they cannot be trusted.

I have already offered to have some one contact danois. That all I'll say on the matter.

dub45 · 31-03-2011 01:03AM

DingDong wrote: »

Of course they don't. People are given time to think if they need too.

So why is anyone allowed sign on the spot then? Surely eveyone needs time to think about the implications of having part of their property dug up? And it certainly appears from the thread that the UPC people involved were not exactly competent in this case. Can you tell us who does this job of calling around to peoples' houses?

DingDong wrote: »

Some people sign there and then while other require longer. It completely up to the home owner to sign or not. In my experience it's very rare for someone to sign straight away. The norm would be for drawings method statement and insurance details would be shown to home owner.

If you ever worked on project the scale UPC has undertaken you will understand why its best to call to the customers door. A letter can go missing or be treated as junk mail. If the home owner requires a letter after first contact it can be supplied.

With all due respects to your good self that is nonsense. How many doors are called to only to find people are out? Why aren't people given an information pack with all necessary details from the very start?
No matter how big a project is doing things properly from the start surely helps it? Upsetting elderly people and not having proper information available from the start is hardly a sign of competence?

It is also very intimidating for older people to be presented with forms to sign at a door and after all these are likeliest to to be found in during the daytime.

DingDong wrote: »

What has that got to do with UPC nothing. UPC contractors are supervised by direct UPC staff who insure the quality and standard of their work.

I have already offered to have some one contact danois. That all I'll say on the matter.

It has everything to do with your argument that using a reputable contractor will ensure good work. The crowd that did the work in our area were supposedly supervised by Dublin City Council.

And I have a letter from UPC attempting to disassociate themselves from one of their subcontractors!

Again I would repeat to anyone having any dealings with UPC get everything in writing from them they are not to be trusted as a company.

lesserspottedchloe · 31-03-2011 01:05AM

UPC did this in my garden a year ago.They would've had to dig up and wreak all the tiles in our hall in a rented house otherwise but the solution we settled for was for them to lay cables from the footpath up our garden and in through the side wall of the house instead. I was really worried at the time but I need not have been as they did it very neatly and put everything back EXACTLY as it was before and they even put the little bits of soil that were displaced into a plastic bag and took it away with them! Really there is NO need to worry, this is very common and they take great care with your property.

dub45 · 31-03-2011 01:12AM

laylah wrote: »

UPC did this in my garden a year ago.They would've had to dig up and wreak all the tiles in our hall in a rented house otherwise but the solution we settled for was for them to lay cables from the footpath up our garden and in through the side wall of the house instead. I was really worried at the time but I need not have been as they did it very neatly and put everything back EXACTLY as it was before and they even put the little bits of soil that were displaced into a plastic bag and took it away with them! Really there is NO need to worry, this is very common and they take great care with your property.

There is no one saying that they wont. However their approach is appalling.

They do this so often they should have it down to a fine art with all the details available up front and not be calling to people's doors unannounced and upsetting them.

Kevin! · 31-03-2011 01:18AM

dub45 wrote: »

There is no one saying that they wont. Their approach is appalling.

They do this so often they should have it down to a fine art with all the details available up front and not be calling to peoples's doors unannounced and upsetting them.

They did this to my granny actually, they had to cut a few branches off a tree in order to lay cables

&

I'd probably let them dig up my front garden to get upc in my estate, sick of 3mb broadband

lucernarian · 31-03-2011 10:56AM

dub45 wrote:

So why is anyone allowed sign on the spot then? Surely eveyone needs time to think about the implications of having part of their property dug up? And it certainly appears from the thread that the UPC people involved were not exactly competent in this case. Can you tell us who does this job of calling around to peoples' houses?

That's a bit unreasonable now in fairness. People are entitled to do what they want with prospective contracts up to and including shoving it where the sun don't shine, on the very doorstep. Furthermore, this criticism of UPC seems to be based on primarily third-hand information coming not even from the OP, but the OP's mother... It's unfair to discount everything DingDong has said, who has a proven track record of providing helpful and accurate information on this forum, while simultaneously taking the OP at face value (no offence meant to any poster).

I strongly disagree that it's somehow inappropriate to call to people's doors unannounced, with the proviso that any householders are given due deference and given plenty of time to consider issues if they so wish for any time. Furthermore, letters can be hand-delivered and placed in a letterbox even if the householder is out, thereby guaranteeing that they receive contact from UPC and not depend on An Post. I have several poor experiences from that semi-state and I wouldn't trust them with any important letter.

Speaking of registered letters, I can easily imagine a variety of people becoming very worried were they to be told they have a registered letter to pick up in the local delivery centre. That could be a court summons or a fine notification or even medical results etc. To find that it's just UPC looking for wayleave would probably anger more people than calling on a door unannounced.

hdowney · 31-03-2011 12:17PM

not sure how i would feel if they called to the door asking for forms to be signed to dig up my garden (actually i think my first question would be well why the **** didn't you lay the damn things ten yrs ago when the houses were being built, you didn't even lay regular analogue then!:D but that is another story!). i think i would certainly want to have time to read through them, ask about a million and one questions and get assurances in writing before signing anything. but that is just the type of person i am.

i would hope that if it was my mother they got at the door not me she would have the common to not sign there and then either - but i think she would!

as to what the previous poster said about reg letters i agree. if i missed the posty or something and was told i had a reg letter there waiting for pickup (and i wasn't expecting something) it would give me the wobbles. i'd be like what have i done wrong that i am getting a reg letter. so it may do more harm than good cos once i go get the letter and find it is just upc looking for permission to dig i am gonna be pissed that they put my heart rate up and gonna point blank refuse out of frustration!

there has to be a middle ground between the two tbh

dub45 · 31-03-2011 10:52PM

To_be_confirmed wrote: »

That's a bit unreasonable now in fairness. People are entitled to do what they want with prospective contracts up to and including shoving it where the sun don't shine, on the very doorstep. Furthermore, this criticism of UPC seems to be based on primarily third-hand information coming not even from the OP, but the OP's mother... It's unfair to discount everything DingDong has said, who has a proven track record of providing helpful and accurate information on this forum, while simultaneously taking the OP at face value (no offence meant to any poster).

I strongly disagree that it's somehow inappropriate to call to people's doors unannounced, with the proviso that any householders are given due deference and given plenty of time to consider issues if they so wish for any time. Furthermore, letters can be hand-delivered and placed in a letterbox even if the householder is out, thereby guaranteeing that they receive contact from UPC and not depend on An Post. I have several poor experiences from that semi-state and I wouldn't trust them with any important letter.

Speaking of registered letters, I can easily imagine a variety of people becoming very worried were they to be told they have a registered letter to pick up in the local delivery centre. That could be a court summons or a fine notification or even medical results etc. To find that it's just UPC looking for wayleave would probably anger more people than calling on a door unannounced.

I believe it is plain silly to call to someone's door in this way. The ops story has been supported by a number of other posts in the thread.

Any utility company should know exactly what is involved in seeking this permission and have all the likely questions answered in some sort of publication and ready for the occupant.

In particular, issues like the extent of the work, the likely duration of the work, the likely impact of the work (noise etc) and the time for restoration of the premises should all be detailed. Issues such as insurance matters etc could be addressed in the document as well as what would happen in the event of future access being required.

Any offer that UPC are making to the occupant should also be detailed.

Would it be that hard to present this information up front?

The occupant should be encouraged to take time to read the documentation and consult whoever they wish but encouraged to return the completed documentation within a specified time frame. Again there should be a contact provided who would be in a position to answer any further questions.

There is no indication as to the status of the people calling on behalf of UPC or how informed they are as to the work to be carried out. We dont know the status of the forms people are being asked to sign - are they legal documents?

I believe that any utility company that allows a person to sign up on the spot particularly an elderly person is only inviting trouble for themselves further down the road.

Ding Dong is talking on his own behalf presumably and has no authority to represent UPC. He was giving broad assurances which are worthless to any person in the op's position.

Once again I repeat my advice that anyone in this position should get everything in writing. It cannot be said often enough that UPC simply cannot be trusted.

Sponge Bob · 01-04-2011 11:16PM

UPC customer service cannot be trusted, their engineering department is different Dub45. If they offer a good deal...and confirm in writing...I advise people to sign the wayleave. They will do a great deal if yours is the corner house at the entrance to an estate and will give you feck all if you are the last house :cool:

ted1 · 01-04-2011 11:26PM

i honestly don't see what ever one is whinging about. It'll take a day or two and they'll put back as it way it was. Christ With people expecting so much compensation and forward notice nothing would happen. It's No wonder the countries infastructure is the way it is.

In our estate they laid the fibre down the middle of the road and them the large cable along the facia and soffit of the houses. It was greatly well comed by the estate and we all have the best broadband. It costs over

dub45 · 02-04-2011 12:20AM

Sponge Bob wrote: »

UPC customer service cannot be trusted, their engineering department is different Dub45. If they offer a good deal...and confirm in writing...I advise people to sign the wayleave. They will do a great deal if yours is the corner house at the entrance to an estate and will give you feck all if you are the last house :cool:

The engineering department is just a unit of a company that overall has comprehensively proved its lack of trustworthyness, its lack of respect for its obligations under its own terms and conditions, its lack of respect for the national regulator, its lack of respect for the data protection act, etc etc.

You say if they are offering a good deal? How is an elderly person suddenly presented with forms to sign at their front door supposed to judge what a good deal is? Why isn't any offer made available in writing to each tenant?

Do we know what documentation is left with people who sign the forms they are present with? Are there signed formal commitments given on UPC stationery? If the op's post its to be believed the mother was given nothing except the promise of a few shillings off the next bill?? Trust them?

Originally Posted by danois
Went down to see my mam today and she told me upc called in to her and asked her could they dig up her front garden to lay pipes. They said they would give her a few euro off her next bill!!! Didnt say how much or if they would fix up her garden. They got her to sign a permission form. Didnt say how much garden they would dig up or anything, is there anything i can do now or does she have to let them. I feel like they are takin advantage of an elderly lady.

Thanks

dub45 · 02-04-2011 12:24AM

ted1 wrote: »

i honestly don't see what ever one is whinging about. It'll take a day or two and they'll put back as it way it was. Christ With people expecting so much compensation and forward notice nothing would happen. It's No wonder the countries infastructure is the way it is.

In our estate they laid the fibre down the middle of the road and them the large cable along the facia and soffit of the houses. It was greatly well comed by the estate and we all have the best broadband. It costs over

Yes it is absolutely outrageous that people might want to be warned about people trespassing on their propery and digging up their gardens - how dare they stand in the way of "progress"!!!!:rolleyes:

Jumpy · 02-04-2011 12:36AM

Man ... Is it possible to see a thread in this forum that isnt made up of 50% Dub45 whinging?

dub45 · 02-04-2011 12:52AM

Jumpy wrote: »

Man ... Is it possible to see a thread in this forum that isnt made up of 50% Dub45 whinging?

Yep the vast majority of them in fact!

Jesus Wept · 02-04-2011 01:01AM

dub45 wrote: »

Yes it is absolutely outrageous that people might want to be warned about people trespassing on their propery and digging up their gardens - how dare they stand in the way of "progress"!!!!:rolleyes:

Jeez Louise, Captain Buzzkill.
I just want to come into your garden and dig it up tonight, all this notice and stuff, sheesh, I won't bother me hole.

not cool dude, not cool.

Sponge Bob · 02-04-2011 11:49AM

The engineers are a lot less dismal than that sh1thole of a call centre of theirs in Limerick. Please cut them some slack Dub45.

They should first leave a note to SAY they are coming along next week with the wayleave forms maybe, other than that they are following proper procedure.

dub45 · 02-04-2011 01:30PM

Sponge Bob wrote: »

The engineers are a lot less dismal than that sh1thole of a call centre of theirs in Limerick. Please cut them some slack Dub45.

They should first leave a note to SAY they are coming along next week with the wayleave forms maybe, other than that they are following proper procedure.

Whose proper procedure exactly?

How can any procedure be considered remotely adequate when an elderly lady is left not knowing what she has signed and a relative has to resort to boards.ie in an attempt to find out what's going on?

Thats not a proper procedure for any organisation to be using.

gramo · 08-08-2011 08:44AM

danois wrote: »

Its in bray so maybe upc finally getting broadband here. I dont mind them laying cables i know it has to be done. Its just that her garden might be ruined she loves her garden and to be told we will give you a few euro off your bill not even told how much i thought was a bit cheeky.

Thanks for all your replys

Im in bray and the work is just finished in my estate.. I have a cable going from the back of my house to the house behind me. Birds **** on my clothes line ect..
Im calling today and demanding everything for free for life or I will cut the cable myself...

How did you ever get on?

Premier · 08-08-2011 10:21AM

Go for the jugular, get what you can, TV, Hd, Phone and broadband, full package, Theres a guy in waterford on a corner house and the main feed is comming in from his to the estate, for the last 20 years and has never got a bob, a few months ago upc was back to upgrade, He didnt give a ****e caus I installed a fta+terrestrial pack for him after upc had the balls to cut him out after he couldnt afford his basic . , he called me to ask me what to do as hes getting on a bit, i told him to tell upc to contact his solictor to find a way through, low and behold he has everything now plus i believe a few bob.

STB · 09-08-2011 10:57PM

Ranicand wrote: »

The UPC lines carry phone and broadband.

This is not really taking advantage if they put the garden back they way they found it.

These lines have to go somewhere.

ESB Eircom water they all have to pass under gardens and roads also.

Cable is new compared to the above but it is a utility and if everybody said no to letting the cables pass under their gardens we would all lose.
........

No these lines do not have to go somewhere and most certainly not through peoples private property. I have a serious problem with the elderly many of whom may be vulnerable to being doorstepped by people to sign pieces of paper. The cheek!

This is a successful commercial Pay TV provider we are talking about who should be using main roads NOT accross people private property. It is NOT an essential service. It is an opt in. If they want to cable the city, let them do it legally and properly without leaning on the vulnerable.

Cable is NOT new. It has been in Dublin for example since the late 60s.

Ranicand wrote: »

Your wrong cable is a closed system and they can keep their analogue switched on as long as they like.

Analogue for life eh.... clever wording that isnt it. The simple matter is that UPC WILL be switching off their analogue service. It is one of the reasons that lines are being upgraded in the first instance. Most UPC customers would now have digital boxes. I most certainly cant see analogue cable lasting any longer than terrestrial analogue which is due to switch off next year. Not alone is the content limited, it makes no sense to run a parallel inferior and antiquated analogue service alongside a new digital one.

Yawns · 09-08-2011 11:06PM

Yeah you tell em STB. How dare they only target the elderly for laying cable in their gardens. Sure if there's a young couple next door, they just tie it off, skip a house and start at the next oap's home. Damn them targeting the vulnerable in our society to try and bring a service to an area as cheap as they possibly can so that they don't have to charge rates thru the roof.

Sure if they had to have a really expensive rate to cover that you'd prob be among the first whinging about how high the cost of BB is then.

STB · 09-08-2011 11:21PM

Yawns wrote: »

Yeah you tell em STB. How dare they only target the elderly for laying cable in their gardens. Sure if there's a young couple next door, they just tie it off, skip a house and start at the next oap's home. Damn them targeting the vulnerable in our society to try and bring a service to an area as cheap as they possibly can so that they don't have to charge rates thru the roof.

Sure if they had to have a really expensive rate to cover that you'd prob be among the first whinging about how high the cost of BB is then.

Thanks for the sarcasm Ted.

I think we all know stories about Sierra and the likes and the practices as regards getting jobs done regardless of age or agreement of the homeowner.

They have no divine right to daisychain or access any persons property to sell there products elsewhere.

Doorstepping people with pieces of paper is not on. Simple, if you are a multinational commercial company like UPC you do it right, spend the money on proper infrastructure and dont piggyback off people's good nature or stupidity of others.

I dont depend on UPC for broadband. They are not the only show in town.

yawn.

ted1 · 10-08-2011 07:56AM

What's wrong with running a cable through a garden or under a facia?

Yawns · 10-08-2011 10:33AM

STB wrote: »

They have no divine right to daisychain or access any persons property to sell there products elsewhere.

No they don't and as far as I can see they don't presume to have either. They have a team of representatives out asking permission so that they can see if they can lay cabling if all the neighbours agree to it.

Doorstepping people with pieces of paper is not on. Simple, if you are a multinational commercial company like UPC you do it right, spend the money on proper infrastructure and dont piggyback off people's good nature or stupidity of others.

Again they are not depending on people's good nature or stupidity. Some people have gotten free services or compensation along with garden restored to original condition. They carry the forms with them so that they can go back to office and see if an entire area has given them the go-ahead etc so they can build a layout map. Can't do it if 3 houses in the middle withhold permission can't they. At any time the homeowner can withdraw permission too.

Also if you take a drive down the country etc you will see eircom and ESB do the same thing with poles & lines run along farmer's fields etc.

I dont depend on UPC for broadband. They are not the only show in town.

That's nice. I don't have them for broadband at all. However when I did use them I found they were the best in town for BB service. If they can't continue to roll out their network cables, then other people can't gain access to their service. Wasn't too long ago when Eircom were basically the only show in town. Were it not for some competition they would have even higher prices.

The more competition there is for broadband services, the lower the prices shall fall as customers have a choice. As it is a lot of the country can get Eircom or a dsl reseller which isn't that much cheaper than Eircom themselves in a lot of cases or they can try to gain access through a wireless bb service.

DSL & wireless speeds are very very poor and slow.

upc want to dig up garden?

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