That's terrible
When will ntl learn that they need to communicate these things to the customer, not just make arbitrary changes to dates and not talk to anyone.
If you do still want an ntl service, we can escalate this for you, but I suspect once bitten twice shy. PM me with details (accont name, acount number if issued yet / or order number, address, contact phone and email) and we'll pass it on to our senior ntl contacts. Alternatively, if you have given up - I don't blame you - you may want to give ntl a piece of your mind, in which case may I suggest Responsetek.