28 March 2007
Having come under increasing pressure from a number of consumer groups recently, BT has chosen to throw out its previous plans to impose a £5 penalty for switching to a rival and to increase its charge for barring outbound calls from a landline from £11.50 to £17.50.
However, industry analysts are still concerned about its policy of charging extra for those who pay their bills by cash or cheque, claiming it will put BT's most vulnerable customers at risk.
In line with its original plans, from May 1st, any customer who does not pay by direct debit or monthly payment plan will face an extra £4.50 quarterly charge from BT.
John Petter, Chief Operating Officer of BT Consumer Division, claimed earlier this week: "Our policy of charging is entirely in line with the industry."
Despite Mr Petter's claims, Steve Weller, head of communication services at price comparison and switching website uSwitch.com said that the fee seemed "unfair".
"Once again loyal customers look like they are being targeted by BT. It seems unfair that just because you pay by cash or cheque customers should have to pay more," said Mr Weller.
"And given the healthy profits announced last month, it is staggering BT has decided to penalise customers with another charge."
According to uSwitch.com, the fee charged to those not on a monthly plan or who are not paying via Direct Debit could see BT make an additional £33 million each year.
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