16 November 2007
Telecoms firm TalkTalk has won praise after agreeing to review its home movers' phone policy following a uSwitch campaign.
Earlier this week, the price comparison service revealed that British consumers were being forced to spend an estimated £44 million each year for the simple service of getting a phone line installed in their new homes.
Research from uSwitch showed that two of the top six phone companies preferred to force customers to sign up with a 12 month contract with BT Retail - carrying a set up fee of £125 - rather than supporting them during their move.
uSwitch also criticised phone firms for charging an exit fee of up to £70 for those home movers who signed up to the BT Retail service - which TalkTalk has now agreed to waive.
Head of Communications Services at uSwitch Steve Weller said that he was "delighted" at TalkTalk's decision.
"The new service will eliminate the need for customers to sign up to BT Retail just to get a phone line when they move house, which is exactly what we are campaigning for," he added.
In the wake of TalkTalk's backtracking on its previous policy, Mr Weller called on other telecoms firms to reduce the cost and inconvenience they cause to customers moving home.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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