How much do packages actually cost?

G4v1n · 19-07-2011, 16:42

I'm asking because I'm currently paying what seems to be a ridiculous £38.50 a month for M broadband with L TV, no phone (wouldn't want one anyway, their charges are mad) and a standard box (i.e. Not V+).

I went to the 'My Virgin Media' site to see what the various pricing options are but all I can do is make an application to change my package and they will get back to me with details.

Further, I don't have the option to downgrade - I can only upgrade. I don't particularly want the L TV package as I'm happy with a combination of Freeview and Usenet but there's no way I can change it ... only take an even more expensive package.

Seems to me that they are trying to be as obscure as possible on price packages. I'd tell them to stuff it and go with another provider but I'm in a rented house and don't fancy taking on a 12-month obligation should I decide to move out in the next year.

RobboEdin · 20-07-2011, 09:31

Standalone BB L is £21 per month. Phone Virgin Media and go through to the 'leaving us option' and say that's what you want:

http://shop.virginmedia.com/broadband/up-to-10mb.html

You can see the price of any combination of products using the bundle builder and pretending to be a new customer:

http://shop.virginmedia.com/check-your-postcode/

G4v1n · 20-07-2011, 13:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobboEdin

Standalone BB L is £21 per month. Phone Virgin Media and go through to the 'leaving us option' and say that's what you want:

http://shop.virginmedia.com/broadband/up-to-10mb.html

You can see the price of any combination of products using the bundle builder and pretending to be a new customer:

http://shop.virginmedia.com/check-your-postcode/

Thanks for the tip. Seems like my broadband, M, no longer even exists but I should be able to get L broadband (which seems equivalent as they upgraded the M to 10 megs a while back) along with L telly, for £33.

Further, I should have a HD capable box but the one I have is SCART only. Time to give them a call....

nutellajunkie · 24-07-2011, 19:29

hee hee, I hope no one at VM reads your "usenet" comment, just a thought

jb66 · 24-07-2011, 21:15

Did you pay an activation to get the hd box? Otherwise you won't get one

G4v1n · 25-07-2011, 14:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by jb66

Did you pay an activation to get the hd box? Otherwise you won't get one

I called (what a palaver getting through their voicemail system) and yes, they wanted cash to provide a HD capable box even though it's supposedly standard for subscribers on my TV package.

Will have to have a think about it ... I'm annoyed at not getting the services I'm entitled to (HD channels) as part of my package without having to cough up extra money to swap my box but equally if I cancelled the telly 'in spite', I would miss the catchup features.

I will say that VM are one of the most awkward companies to deal with, the way that their website and customer services are set up. It's so convoluted, time consuming (and expensive if you aren't using a Virgin phoneline) trying to get through to someone or to find some info from their website.

BenMcr · 25-07-2011, 14:31

The HD ready box is standard equipment now, but wasn't when you requested services. The cost of providing the box for new customers is covered by the increased TV subscription fees Virgin get by signing someone new up

G4v1n · 25-07-2011, 15:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMcr

The HD ready box is standard equipment now, but wasn't when you requested services. The cost of providing the box for new customers is covered by the increased TV subscription fees Virgin get by signing someone new up

That's as may be but since one of the big deals VM make is about the customer not owning their STB but rather renting it as part of the subscription - with associated benefits of renting rather than owning - I'd expect to have my hardware updated as updates become available at minimal cost to me.

As it is, I wasn't even aware that I could get HD on my package until I hunted around the VM website. So I have been paying part of my sub for a service I haven't been using and can't use unless I pay a hefty charge for a new STB (which is now the standard box).

I wouldn't object to paying a shipping charge or, if absolutely necessary, installation fee (if it really had to be done by an engineer) but to be asked to cough up ~ £70 just to upgrade my rented STB to get a service/hardware that is supposedly standard on my package is a bit much.

BenMcr · 25-07-2011, 15:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by G4v1n

I wouldn't object to paying a shipping charge or, if absolutely necessary, installation fee (if it really had to be done by an engineer) but to be asked to cough up ~ £70 just to upgrade my rented STB to get a service/hardware that is supposedly standard on my package is a bit much.

£70? It's £20 to cover the delivery

http://shop.virginmedia.com/existing...de-to-vhd.html

Don't have a V HD Box?
For just a £20 quickstart installation fee, you can upgrade your current V box to a V HD box with free HD activation.

G4v1n · 25-07-2011, 15:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMcr

£70? It's £20 to cover the delivery

http://shop.virginmedia.com/existing...de-to-vhd.html

Don't have a V HD Box?
For just a £20 quickstart installation fee, you can upgrade your current V box to a V HD box with free HD activation.

Then I was lied to by the customer services person I spoke to - she claimed it would cost me £50 plus £20 delivery to get the V HD box. £20 to have the box delivered (and old one sent back) is reasonable.

I think I will take this up with VM. Are all calls recorded?

BenMcr · 25-07-2011, 15:52

That might have something to do with this

Offer only available online, for a limited period, while stocks last

Although they should have told you to go look at the website.

G4v1n · 25-07-2011, 16:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMcr

That might have something to do with this

Offer only available online, for a limited period, while stocks last

Although they should have told you to go look at the website.

Indeed - although the VM website is pretty badly designed in terms of finding out anything about the service unless you are thinking of subscribing. It's like they do everything possible to obfuscate information if you are an existing subscriber.

If VM had bothered to let me know that I could update to HD on a bunch of channels, on my existing package, for a one-off £20 fee for a STB replacement I'd have jumped at the chance.

BenMcr · 25-07-2011, 16:15

There is a website redesign on the way to make it easier to find info for existing customers as well as new sales

Fspiders · 27-07-2011, 10:41

I'm having problems with VM's site too. I recently asked to add sports and when I realised I had to pay £7 per box per month to get 2 extra channels in HD I worked out it would be cheaper to go on VIP50.

I pay £70 a month for my current services and adding sports would add an extra £36 a month.

When I called I was told the deals on free installation/activation/delivery (whatever they now call it) for VIP50 was only online. But I cannot find any way of applying for VIP50 through the site.

I've called 3 times and been offered 3 different prices for VIP50.

The funny thing is that Sky are trying to drag me back and offering me a half price deal. Full packages and sports with full HD for £32.60 a month. If it wern't for the rigmarole of cancelling after 11 month I'd jump at it.

So how do i get the online VIP50 deal?

Regards.

BenMcr · 27-07-2011, 14:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fspiders

When I called I was told the deals on free installation/activation/delivery (whatever they now call it) for VIP50 was only online. But I cannot find any way of applying for VIP50 through the site.

That's wrong. If you as you are upgrading to 50Mbit you can get free install and activation via Customer Services

TiVo is currently free install as well, so there definately should be options