unexpected new fiber contract

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debo

207 posts

Master Geek

#268114 28-Feb-2020 17:54

I joined Orcon on 18 October 2017 to get fiber. I got ADSL while i was waiting for the fiber installation. On 22 February 2020 i finally had my fiber installed (shared driveway caused a long delay). I went to change to a faster fiber plan today but got told that I was still on contract. It turns out that they started my contract on the installation date rather than the day i signed up. As such, i cant get a cheap plan via Glimp or Broadband Compare.

Has anyone had a similar experience? Any suggestions on how to get out of this new contract?

richms

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#2429018 28-Feb-2020 18:35

Why should you get out of the contract to chase a better deal? The deal you have was clearly good enough when you signed up for it and agreed to the term contract.

Richard rich.ms

nzkc

874 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2429019 28-Feb-2020 18:44

I guess the OP is expecting that after almost 2 1/2 years they would be out of contract. Most are just 12months after all. 24 at a stretch. So after waiting that long and (finally) getting what they asked they have assumed the lock in period has expired.

Also, after that time a lot of plans have changed. Its reasonable to think "I may no longer be on the best plan for me" and clearly they've looked around and decided that another vendor is better for them.

Now what we dont know is:

What was the original contract term
Was installation of fibre cause to renew/restart a contract with their ISP

What I do not recall when I ordered fibre is if this triggered a new contract/lock in term with my provider. So I cant comment as to whether this is "the norm" or not. Sorry to the OP on that.

Behodar

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#2429020 28-Feb-2020 18:57

The impression I got is that the 2017 order was for fibre... and that Orcon provided ADSL in the interim. In that case I'd expect the contract to have expired.

If, on the other hand, the 2017 order was for ADSL and a new order was placed in 2020 then that's a different story, but that's not the impression I got from the OP's post.

debo

207 posts

Master Geek

#2429041 28-Feb-2020 19:43

Thanks for the replys.

Yes, the original order was for fiber. No new order for fiber has been requested. I believe it was a one year contract.

"Was installation of fiber cause to renew/restart a contract with their ISP" That i don't know. Perhaps burred in the original contract somewhere. I have to go through email to dispute this (they won't dispute over the phone) and have not heard back yet.

"Why should you get out of the contract to chase a better deal?" because when I signed up it was a one year contract. I am not trying to get out of that contract. It is this new contract that they have imposed on me. ISP offerings have changed a lot since I signed up.

lNomNoml

1527 posts

Uber Geek

#2429095 28-Feb-2020 22:01

When the fiber was installed and you got that speed Orcon would have reset your contract, they do this even if you change address.

hio77

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Spark

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#2429096 28-Feb-2020 22:03

Many providers restart your contract on fibre installs, as among other charges they often replace your modem as part of it.

the contract helps cover those costs should you leave straight away.

#include <std_disclaimer>

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

debo

207 posts

Master Geek

#2429105 28-Feb-2020 22:28

hio77:

Many providers restart your contract on fibre installs, as among other charges they often replace your modem as part of it.

the contract helps cover those costs should you leave straight away.

How can they restart a contract? is there some sort of clause in the old contract to allow them to do so? if so, can you help point it out, or provide a link to where a contract is (so i can hunt through it). Thanks

coffeebaron

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#2429117 28-Feb-2020 23:06

I think in these cases it's a case of contract starts when fibre install is complete. The temp xDSL connection whilst waiting for fibre is open term.

Chorus has spent $1.4 billion on making their xDSL broadband network faster and even more now as they are upgrading their rural Conklins. If your still stuck on ADSL or VDSL, why not spend $195 on a master filter install to make sure you are getting the most out of your connection?
I install - Naked DSL, DSL Master Splitters, VoIP, data cabling and general computer support for home and small business.

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Jase2985

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#2429132 29-Feb-2020 05:03

coffeebaron: I think in these cases it's a case of contract starts when fibre install is complete. The temp xDSL connection whilst waiting for fibre is open term.

this

you likely had an open term ADSL contract while you were waiting, and when fibre was connected you should have been given the term contract.

maybe you should have kept an eye on the deals and had orcon update your contract prior to the fibre being installed?

sbiddle

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#2429138 29-Feb-2020 08:06

So you lodged your UFB install nearly 2 1/2 years ago?

hio77

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#2429159 29-Feb-2020 09:39

sbiddle:
So you lodged your UFB install nearly 2 1/2 years ago?

That's long enough to forget agreeing to a new contract :)

#include <std_disclaimer>

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

debo

207 posts

Master Geek

#2429162 29-Feb-2020 10:08

sbiddle:

So you lodged your UFB install nearly 2 1/2 years ago?

Yea, shared driveway. Back then you needed neighbours approval. Its changed now. Neighbours have a certain time (7 days?) to disagree otherwise the install can go ahead. A much better way.

"maybe you should have kept an eye on the deals and had orcon update your contract prior to the fibre being installed?" Too true. This is really what I want. I'm surprised they wouldn't let me update my plan when I phoned. I'm pretty sure I signed up to a Glimp special with 3 months free for new customers. The sales lady said I could not get that now because I joined years ago and Glimp specials are only for new customers.

Thanks for the replys. I will update the thread when i get a reply from Orcon.

snnet

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#2429183 29-Feb-2020 11:18

I think Orcon has the chance to be nicer here. I know it isn't their fault the install for fibre took so long but it isn't like the OP is changing providers is it?