I'm Through with VIRGIN

[sav112]

I’m in the same Boat….I dropped the Virgin phone and TV and went over to sky-digital and its fantastic. My 2mb BB with Virgin has been really bad over the last few months, I have never had much trouble with NTL but recently it’s been rank rotten and it’s started to disconnect.

I’m not a heavy user but I expect when I switch the pc on for the Bb to be there and it just has not a few times which is unacceptable for me. Everyone knows Virgin is in poor shape there on the ropes with everyone else pounding them silly….Sky must be laughing at Virgins pathetic attempt. I always have a smile when I see the guy with the avatar with the wee guy ****ing on sky….Aye right I’m afraid it’s the other way around and the wee guy is not just ****ing its from a very high height.

I hate the bother of it all but I’ve been looking into BT etc as we never disconnected from them as the Virgin phone was just a rarely used second land line.

[Berealwith]

Well VM have admited this for thier adsl service ........... comment below

We are currently experiencing an uneven spread of traffic across different parts of the network, causing some customers to experience degradation in their broadband performance. This problem was also exacerbated by an unplanned outage which has been resolved. The traffic issue has been identified and the fix has been implemented. In conjunction with the broader improvements we are putting in place these should result in a significantly improved service. We’d like to apologise for the inconvenience this may have caused you. We are monitoring the situation closely on a daily basis and will post further updates if necessary. In some individual cases, customers using routers or the Virgin Wireless Kit may also benefit immediately from forcing a new session by switching your router off & on again at the wall socket. We take our customer’s experience seriously and are working to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.

this is the linky http://gps.virgin.net/service-announ...?serviceId=267

Don't you think it's about time they said the same for thier cable service........Come on Branson own up !!!!!!!!!!!!

[zctyp18]

Originally Posted by Mick

You cannot be serious - BT support has been dire in the past from what I have experienced. Also, what is it that you find difficult about so many people staying with VM? Not everyone has a problem with the service and as for people experiencing speed issues, at the end of the day, there is no SLA, thus no guaranteed constant speed.

OMG! I just knew a member of CF team would find some way to pick at my post and take bits of it out of context.. grrr!

I said BT is far from perfect (it's far from being cheap for a start!), but I had several issues to resolve via CS and they called back promptly and always resolved the problems quickly. Yeah, they were perfect and many staff were obviously based in India, but the thing is they obviously had a more integrated CS system and better information to hand, so were able to resolve problems whereas VM staff just couldn't and made so many errors, even some more capable VM staff were shocked. I'm certainly not the only person to have this experience of VM. I can understand why people stay with VM, there are a myriad of reasons - a few have good experiences, some have low expectations, some can't be bothered, others are believing the ads and have just joined, yet others are hoping things will improve in future.. that said, I do really feel that if more people left, it would force them to start to make some real improvements more quickly.

Regarding the speed, huge numbers of people complain about VMs internet speed and VM has admitted themselves that bandwidth issues are holding them back from launching a decent HD service. The big problem is that for large numbers of people who pay extra for higher bandwidth VM services, just don't get better bandwidth and VMs equipment, systems and staff incompetence really gets on people's nerves. Why on Earth does this forum exist if everyone thinks VM services are perfect? Yes, there is no SLA, but VM claim to have a fantastic broadband service, when for many people it just isn't. I thought going back to ADSL would lead to a big drop in speed from my 20MB VM services, but I personally noticed a big speed increase (especially out of peak hours) after switching even though my ADSL line only goes up to 7MB.

Not VM's fault - Blame Sky for significantly increasing the cost to air its declining channel(s).

It's strange that Tiscali managed to come to an arrangement with Sky. Also VM underplay the fact that Sky offered a lot more (esp access to HD channels) with their offer. Sure Sky leave a lot to be desired, but I think it shows incompetence that VM could not come to an arrangement with Sky (or even allow its customers to decide whether or not to pay the few extra quid for Sky channels as an extra). The public row has not done customers any favours and whilst I hope that the High Court action leads to a good result for all concerned, I don't think VM is completely without blame in this matter.

You have the assumption that because you disliked your services from VM that every other customers should feel the same way you do. It isn't the case.

I absolutely don't think this is true, but as I said before, if so many people hadn't had such poor experiences of VM, this forum wouldn't exist.

Well there is something I do agree on.

Hmm well that was gracious of you, but I'm not posting my opinions with the idea that everyone will agree with everything I have to say. I hope that you are more respectful of other contributors' opinons in future. IMHO CF team members should only criticise people who are being genuinely out of order and provide their own opinions and knowledge rather that trying to nit-pick through other people's posts in a petty manner.

If only Tiscali would hurry up and get their network spread more widely with HD/PVR services, they could really give VM, Sky and BT the kick up their butts that they all need. The forthcoming services from Orange (and hopefully O2 on their v fast ADSL2 service) will also help give people the choice they really need. BT and Sky are overpriced, VM have a ton of network, equipment and staff issues to sort out and change is long overdue.

It's a real shame VM ditched NTL's plans to move to MPEG4 TV as that would have enabled them to raise their game significantly (esp with regard to HD) and ditch the crappy set-top boxes that are causing so many problems.

[Mick Fisher]

Originally Posted by zctyp18

Hmm well that was gracious of you, but I'm not posting my opinions with the idea that everyone will agree with everything I have to say. I hope that you are more respectful of other contributors' opinons in future. IMHO CF team members should only criticise people who are being genuinely out of order and provide their own opinions and knowledge rather that trying to nit-pick through other people's posts in a petty manner.

If only Tiscali would hurry up and get their network spread more widely with HD/PVR services, they could really give VM, Sky and BT the kick up their butts that they all need. The forthcoming services from Orange (and hopefully O2 on their v fast ADSL2 service) will also help give people the choice they really need. BT and Sky are overpriced, VM have a ton of network, equipment and staff issues to sort out and change is long overdue.

It's a real shame VM ditched NTL's plans to move to MPEG4 TV as that would have enabled them to raise their game significantly (esp with regard to HD) and ditch the crappy set-top boxes that are causing so many problems.

I have been with VM since the analogue days when they were ComTel and in all those years they have never raised their game. In fact they have got steadily worse over the years before descending to the present disasterous situation they find themselves in.
While the present collection of buffoons continue to run this almost bankrupt shambles of a Company things will never get better.

[DerekRothwell]

I read this off another website, and ended up with tears rolling down my face as I read it.
I believe this was actually sent to NTL a while back. I have edited it as I see fit - mods please amend if I have missed anything.

Seems NTL/Blueyonder/VM have been getting irate customers for years now.

Dear Cretins,
I have been an NTL customer since 9th July 2001, when I signed up for your 3-in-one deal for cable TV, cable modem, and telephone.
During this three-month period I have encountered inadequacy of service which I had not previously considered possible, as well as ignorance and stupidity of monolithic proportions. Please allow me to provide specific details, so that you can either pursue your professional prerogative, and seek to rectify these difficulties - or more likely (I suspect) so that you can have some entertaining reading material as you while away the working day smoking B&H and drinking vendor-coffee on the bog in your office.
My initial installation was cancelled without warning or notice, resulting in my spending an entire Saturday sitting on my fat ar*e waiting for your technician to arrive. When he did not arrive at all, I spent a further 57 minutes listening to your infuriating hold music, and the even more annoying Scottish robot woman telling me to look at your helpful website... how? I alleviated the boredom to some small degree by [censored] for a few minutes - an activity at which you are no-doubt both familiar and highly adept.
The rescheduled installation then took place some two weeks later, although the technician did forget to bring a number of vital tools - such as a drill-bit, and his cerebrum.
Two weeks later, my cable modem had still not arrived. After several further telephone calls (actually 15 telephone calls over 4 weeks) my modem arrived - a total of six weeks after I had requested it, and begun to pay for it.
I estimate that the downtime of your internet servers is roughly 35%... these are usually the hours between about 6pm and midnight, Monday to Friday, and most of the useful periods over the weekend.
I am still waiting for my telephone connection. I have made 9 telephone calls on my mobile to your no-help line this week, and have been un-helpfully transferred to a variety of disinterested individuals, who are it seems also highly skilled ******* jugglers.
I have been informed that a telephone line is available (and someone will call me back), that no telephone line is available (and someone will call me back), that I will be transferred to someone who knows whether or not a telephone line is available (and then been cut off), that I will be transferred to someone who knows whether or not a telephone line is available (and then been redirected to an answer machine informing me that your office is closed), that I will be transferred to someone who knows whether or not a telephone line is available (and then been redirected to the irritating Scottish robot woman... and several other variations on this theme.
Doubtless you are no longer reading this letter, as you have at least a thousand other dissatisfied customers to ignore, and also another one of those crucially important tea moments to attend to.
Frankly I don’t care, it’s far more satisfying as a customer to voice my frustrations in print than to shout them at your unending hold music.
Forgive me, therefore, if I continue.
I thought BT were sh*t, that they had attained the holy ****-pot of god-awful customer relations, that no-one, anywhere, ever, could be more disinterested, less helpful or more obstructive to delivering service to their customers. That’s why I chose NTL, and because, well, there isn’t anyone else is there?
How surprised I therefore was, when I discovered to my considerable dissatisfaction and disappointment what a useless shower of *******s you truly are. You are sputum-filled pieces of distended rectum - incompetents of the highest order. British Telecom - w*nkers though they are - shine like brilliant beacons of success, in the filthy puss-filled mire of your seemingly limitless inadequacy.
Suffice to say that I have now given up on my futile and foolhardy quest to receive any kind of service from you. I suggest that you do likewise, and cease any potential future attempts to extort payment from me for the services which you have so pointedly and catastrophically failed to deliver – any such activity will be greeted initially with hilarity and disbelief – although these feelings will quickly be replaced by derision, and even perhaps a small measure of bemused rage.
I enclose two small deposits, selected with great care from my cats litter tray, as an expression of my utter and complete contempt for both you, and your pointless company. I sincerely hope that they have not become desiccated during transit - they were satisfyingly moist at the time of posting, and I would feel considerable disappointment if you did not experience both their rich aroma and delicate texture. Consider them the very embodiment of my feelings towards NTL, and it’s worthless employees.
Have a nice day - may it be the last in you miserable short life, you irritatingly incompetent and infuriatingly unhelpful bunch of tw*ts,
Yours psychotically,

[Rone]

I have seen that a few times, it always makes me laugh.
If only he was'nt about 100% right.

[scrotnig]

Originally Posted by ultimate

I have signed up with Tiscali good or bad I don't know but its a risk I am willing to take.

I can tell you now. Bad! Rethink before it's too late.

Whatever the issues with Virgin, and there are lots, my speed is appalling, but Tiscali are ten times worse. They aim at the bargain basement market and ALL their customer support is in India. Once you're with them you'll never get away, they won't give you a MAC.

I implore you, don't use Tiscali. You'll regret it.

[cusm]

UPDATE***************

Phoned VM to disconnect 4 Times before I spoke to someone with any sense, and after 30mins trying to explain why i wanted to leave I was given £19 off my bill till Feb for VM to rectify the problem.

So I'm still a customer until Feb, AT LEAST.

[xiao]

well i ordered a new BT line, which will come on wed, i will order Be there Broadband 24meg after that

i am only 2 months on of my 12 month contract with virgin media.
i hope it will be easy

any tips or experiance on cancling ur ontract after being 2 months in it

i have complaied almost every week about the bad service and they sent out 2 engeiners already

[cusm]

Originally Posted by xiao

well i ordered a new BT line, which will come on wed, i will order Be there Broadband 24meg after that

i am only 2 months on of my 12 month contract with virgin media.
i hope it will be easy

any tips or experiance on cancling ur ontract after being 2 months in it

i have complaied almost every week about the bad service and they sent out 2 engeiners already

Just tell them that the service you ordered is not what you are getting.

They will tell you there will be a cancelation fee. But I'm sure you could spout about all the complaints you've made and that they are in breach of contract.

[xiao]

do u know how much the cancelation fee is?

and do u know how long it takes to cancle it?

[Musicman]

I believe the cancellation fee, is basically the monthly amount you have paid, for the number of months remaining on the contract.

So if you pay £30/month, and you have only had it two months, then it would be 10x£30, or £300!!!!

[xiao]

Originally Posted by Musicman

I believe the cancellation fee, is basically the monthly amount you have paid, for the number of months remaining on the contract.

So if you pay £30/month, and you have only had it two months, then it would be 10x£30, or £300!!!!

thoes mother loving sons of

i pay £37 per month = £370!!!

are u sure?

[xpod]

thoes mother loving sons of

I know how much of a cancelation fee they`d get out of me......
Our original 12 months started last March anyway so i believe we could now kick them into touch without incurring any cancelation fee`s.Not that i would of course.
BB speeds are not the be all & end all even though i dont accept them without a bit of fun & games on that phone....next step is package reduction i think as we probably dont even need 20Mb i now realise.
I`m not sure if their typical "shut em up" 3 month deals count as contracts or not but thats what we`re on atm as far as the bb is concerned.....supposed to be anyway.
All traces of said agreement though and indeed any mention(notes) of the previous calls to TS & CS that resulted in our paying half price atm had apparently vanished from their systems last week.In fact,it had never even existed according to the 2 different departments i initially spoke to on Friday.
A few days,a couple more calls and an engineer later it had magically reappeared.
They must have had system problems Friday she said,
"viruses & spyware" i asked

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 19:13:16 GMT

Test 1: 1024K took 4130 ms = 247.9 KB/sec, approx 2043 Kbps, 2 Mbps
Test 2: 1024K took 5332 ms = 192 KB/sec, approx 1582 Kbps, 1.54 Mbps
Test 3: 1024K took 5747 ms = 178.2 KB/sec, approx 1468 Kbps, 1.43 Mbps
Test 4: 2048K took 11125 ms = 184.1 KB/sec, approx 1517 Kbps, 1.48 Mbps

Overall Average Speed = approx 1653 Kbps, 1.61 Mbps


To repeat this test from the source server click he

Damn.......and i thought everyone would be watching bloody Xfactor just now

[sallycinnamon]

xiao

I am also 2months into contract, and phoned a couple of days ago to cancel due to crap speeds (20mb, yeah rite!). They told me they would have to charge me £10 per month for every month remaining on the contract. They have booked me an engineer visit, and if the prob turns out to be theirs, they will let me out without penalty. Meantime, they have knocked £8pm off the BB.