Re: Installation costs
 

I have to totally agree. Virgin Media are a business and (currently) they have a unique selling point and it is CORRECT to make the most of this from a business point of view.

As customers, we always have a choice to do business with a business or go elsewhere.

If you feel something is too expensive for your requirements (for whatever reason) then don't buy it. It is not anyones right to have a 50Mb connection.

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Never said you couldn't get to the diagnostic/status pages - as they don't need a username and password (when they work). There aren't any engineer pages

Even when TSC change settings they do it at the uBR - not on the modem

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As well as the engineer's visit you get a 50mb "N" capable router and a usb ethernet adaptor.

Re: Installation costs
 

Well said mate :clap:

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And from a quick search the router itself costs £73! http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop...ProductID=7259

and the cheapest I could find the adapter is £28
http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop...ProductID=5180

So that is at least £101 worth of kit included as part of the activation and install

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It does not matter how capable a person may be as they cannot access the cabinet or have an engineers meter to check the signal and power levels so 50Mb will remain as a manned install for the foreseeable future.

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sorry moldova forgot the sarcastic smiley :rolleyes:

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I guarentee they get for cheaper, buying in bulk does that, and you never get anything for free.

Its a misconception that catches people out all the time...

Buy this and get this free.. its never free, your paying for it. No company is going to give you something for free off the bat.

I am amazed though how people feel so strongly that they are getting a great or even good service from VM. I have given an example on newsgroups that one customer has had problems since last year, 6+ months ago! and nothing has been done about it. Do people accept this?

And that is not a one off thing, this is national. Their engineers to be honest suck, yes there is good engineers I have met a couple I will admit, but overall they suck. Are people happy to have them come to homes and try to fix issues they arent totally experienced in, cheaper staff = less expenditure.

Being routed to India for support, sucks, its a money cutting scheme so they can bring in money over quality. Whatever happened to the UK support that TW/BY once had (and im sure NTL had at one point) and people who know what they are talking about? Do people really accept talking to an Indian representitive who goes down a check list? Do people accept that when calling to see if a problem is in the area for example that restarting the modem and PC does anything, and that is before they will even check if there is a problem.

Do people accept that VM have hardly put any money into upgrading UBR's to deal with the increase in new traffic? (Im sure the VM staff here will say they have, but clearly they haven't) All because they want to cut corners again and spend little money as possible.

And also are people accepting the god awful throttling at 75%? Again ties in with the above paragraph, its all about saving money.

If people are happy with that then, go for it. I am not, after all im only discussing here what I feel and within the rules of the forum. I dont need to go into personal attacks either.

Shocking, no wonder there is a recession in this country if people are unable to speak up and complain about the services or lack of they receive.

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If they suck so much then vote with your wallet and leave. Such are the wonders of the free market.

The services VM provide me are excellent, and whilst I am not a fan of Indian call centres (and have made my opinion on this clear to Virgin Media), the support in the newsgroups is excellent. So overall I'm a happy chappy.

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You get the router and adaptor free as part of the 50Mb connection and you moan about them getting a good price because they get them in bulk.

Why use that analogy on Tesco's or any of the supermarkets you buy from and if you did you would starve or pay more for a lesser service in the corner shop.

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Thx for the replies guys, at least I know am not being totally ripped off.

---------- Post added at 19:02 ---------- Previous post was at 18:47 ----------

I didnt realise there was 4 pages of replies ( that ive just read). I have no issue with a engineer visiting my house as long as its a nessesary visit. As mentioned, if its just to plug in a modem and a telephone call for activation I'm not so happy. I have had very few issues with Vigin BB and hope it continues with the 50Mb upgrade. I would also agree that the standard of engineer is poor, but I have also dealt with guys who are very good(a couple).

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can some one help me please .
i have just seen on there web site virginmedia,152mb broadband and no istaltion charge but when i rang up they said yes i have to pay
is that correct i am a custermer
here is web site
http://store.virginmedia.com/broadba...and/152mb.html

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Terms of the offer:

Free installation online: 18-month minimum term contract applies. Offer available to new customers taking broadband up to 50Mb, up to 100Mb or up to 152Mb with a phone line; or broadband up to 50Mb, up to 100Mb or up to 152Mb and TV M, M+, L or XL with a Virgin Phone line. £49.95 installation fee applies to broadband, TV or phone when purchased on its own, or if not purchasing online. May not be used in conjunction with any other offer unless stated by Virgin Media.

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please show me link