What are the best deals available to existing customers?

[apnomis]

Hi all, I just wanted to know what deals are available to me as an existing customer? I've been having trouble with my Broadband lately (flashing light on STB) and I was looking on various cable/ntl topics to see is I can find a solution, which seems to be ring CS, but during my search I noticed an alarming inconsistency in the deals available to people and the price people are paying!

The general vibe I got is that you have a word with CS and they can arrange all sorts of perks for you. Now I'm not normally the type of person that's hard faced enough to try that, but given as I need to ring them to sort out my broadband anyway I was wondering what sort of things I could ask for/expect while I'm on to them? I mean I only found out that I could get broadband+ for free the other week by accident!

I have the family pack, with the standard phone package (I think it's called 321) and also a 2mb connection. This is currently costing me around £56 (excl. calls) a month, but if people are to be believed I'm paying over the odds as discounts are available just for asking! I've just looked at their new customer website and sure enough there is a "triple plan" which is basically the same pack as I'm on but only costs £50 and includes free local calls!!!

So obviously I'll ask for that (I can't believe they don't tell you these things as standard though) but is that the best I can expect, is there anything else I could ask for that I could get without too much arm twisting? I mean I've heard one or two people only pay £26 for the 10MB service, and I've heard about a free upgrade for 2Mb users to 3Mb (I didn't even know there was such a service), and there also seems to be people that only pay £17.99 for the 2Mb service??? Some also get some free TV package upgrades etc too.
So what should I be asking for? I want to keep the family pack, not too fussed about the phone package as we don't use it much, and the Broadband would have to be 2Mb or above. What should I be asking for to get the best deal?

Thanks.

[Chris W]

The value pack that you mention is available to new and existing customers, so if i were you i would ask to be switched to that one to save yourself a few pennies

You will need to speak to two different departments though- Faults re the flashing light issue, and Customer service (billing) for the package price to be changed. You may also find that Faults give you a credit to reflect the problems you've had- particularly if the issue is ongoing.

[SLM]

Originally Posted by apnomis

So obviously I'll ask for that (I can't believe they don't tell you these things as standard though)

Had to laugh at this, one simple answer as to why they do not tell you....they are a for proft business.

Best thing to keep ahead of the game keep www.ntlworld.com as your home page and you will hear first hand (eg the BB+ free to 2meg users etc) the other side of the coin is that if you do not ask you do not get, you sound like a pleasant chap so should not have any trouble getting something, its the people that phone up demanding a deal that do not get anywhere.

[apnomis]

Hi, just to let you know I spoke to the CS department about this and they were very helpful (as they usually are from my experience), I rang to take off the £1 itemised billing, which gave me an excuse to ring rather than just ringing to ask for discounts. The operator gave me the £2 unlimited weekend/evening call plan and then added an £8.50 discount code to my account! This actually makes the value pack £48.49 rather than the £49.99 they say on the website, but I wasn't going to argue with her!!!

Also the guy came out to fix my broadband (there was a slash in my cable), so he added a temporary fix and said they would send someone out next Saturday to relay the entire cable free of charge!

I really don't know why people take such issue with NTL's CS, I've had nothing but good experiences with them...

[Scope]

I was in a similar position earlier in the week, only difference is I have the Basic (mid range) package. I rang coz my free tv package ended this week (had it for free for 12 months) and was offered the "3 for £30" package, which was fine, coz it means basically having the TV for free again for another year. The only problem is that they have downgraded my broadband to 1mb (I was supposed to keep 2mb, and pay the difference), but im starting to think I'll probably keep 1mb, as I dont really "need" 2mb.. They saved me a further £7 a month.

But the only thing that is for sure, if you call to ask for a discount, you usually get one.. (depending on your services, etc, ofcourse)