Warning to anyone out there on NTL freedom or thinking of signing up with them - they provide NTL call rates over a BT line using the 1230 prefix or through CPS as well as dial-up and broadband internet access.

I started a service on the NTL cable network in 2000 and moved house in 2003 switching over to NTL freedom as they couldn't supply the cable network to the house.  Since then I have performed various downgrades and upgrades to the package and recently switched to another supplier (Tiscali actually) to take up a combined voice and broadband offer.  I call NTL up to cancel my package expecting to have to pay 30 days of service in lieu of cancellation and was told that as I did a package upgrade in Feb 2005 I was still in a 12 month contract so the cancellation fee would be the remainder of the 12 months!  

I looked at their on-line terms and conditiions and couldn't see anything that said that and they told me they had a copy - which I had never seen - which they could send out to me but as I had agreed verbally over the phone to a change in the package their 'hidden' terms and conditions apply!

So in line with their reputation for customer service they will put as many obstacles in the way as possible to discourage people leaving NTL.

threaten ofcom and ISPA.
Oh and as youve only signed the original contract I dont think they can claim ur in a 12 month contract

you are only contracted for 1 year unless you take on extra services, say if you sign for the phone only but then later apply for and take the internet by taking the new  service that is in fact taking a new contract
I hope this helps but I am sorry if it is not what you want to hear

I have been on telephone and internet since as long as I've been with NTL.  All I've done is adjust the packages slightly to get the best price overall for the phone calls and internet use - at one point in time I had to 'split' the package into 2 as it was cheaper when NTL adjusted the rates then they realised their 'mistake' and adjusted the combined package price to be cheaper than the split ones so I adjusted the package again. At no time was I told I was getting into a new 12 month contract in fact the last time I did the package change I asked what do I have to do to cancel the contract (as I was thinking of switching to someone who could give me broadband as NTL 'could not') and I was told just to give 30 days notice so of course I believed this and signed up with tiscali instead.

Providing you haven't actually cancelled a service and then later on got the service back then I don't see how they can claim by just changing/adjusting the package(s) means another 12 month contract.

I'm forever having my internet speed adjusted to best possible price and/or speed and not once has it meant I'm stuck with another 12 month contract.

There is a law against unfair contracts and I'd recommend ringing your local trading standards for advice and/or OfCOM/ISPA as mentioned above.

;D
Hooray - I got my contract cancelled with the standard 30 day notification period backdated to the date I originally tried to cancel!
I had to write to one of the UK directors of NTL to get this far though!
MP

Ive heard of this happening a few times with folks on the so called "freedom" package.. I really dont know why people should be tired down with a contract with a service they are apparently not happy with.. Even more so if you have used their services for over 12 months in all..

I to up and downgrade my packages with ntl every few months just to suit my budget and needs, they wouldnt dare tie me to another 12 month contract, so why they would do it with freedom customers I really dont know...

I hope all goes well.. Warning though, make sure you have a tranfer code from Tiscali, I hear they are pretty impossible to move away from also, and their packages look crap anyways ;)

"make sure you have a tranfer code from Tiscali" - what is a transfer code?

"their packages look crap" - I disagree - I'm very happy I'm getting 1M broadband and landline calls for free for £19.50 per month!