[jfman]

The call centre will be geared up for a standard call volume. Even standard plus 5-10% would create a ridiculous queue, plus average call times will be higher as the discussion may now involve UKTV. It’s the school holidays so no doubt peak annual leave.

Your “real costs” could be entirely negligible. You have no way of knowing how this will impact on future negotiations. Virgin could equally become emboldened, and third parties realise they aren’t kidding when they say final offer.