Mobile phone

[crapmemory]

My son has tried to cancel his phone contract because he lost his job and can't afford to pay it. Orange are insisting on still billing him for his monthly line rental until his contract is up. This now amounts to about £150 and will increase each month. Are they legally able to do this or is there any way he can stop them charging him? TIA

[factor-fiction]

Yes, it was a contract. See if he can negotiate a buy out

[crapmemory]

But he is now unemployed so how can he afford to do that?

[ChuckFickens]

Sounds nasty, but that's not Oranges problem.

As factor said he signed up for the contract so he has to see the contract through to the end.

[tamborine]

email them (evidence) stating situation & postpone contract.

[Greedyfly]

Speak to C.A.B maybe - they helped me out in a similar situation a few months back. He did sign a contract so he is obliged to adhere to it but at the same time if he physically cannot pay it due to redundancy then what can you do?! Give them a ring and see what they say.

[Mr k]

There may be a way out depending on when he signed his contract and whether he went over his allocated minutes this only applies to orange. A they breached there terms of the contract..
See below..

http://www.bitterwall...eshooting-guide/15849

[trish1234567]

I had Orange threatening me with legal action regarding
their broadband. They wanted to increase my broadband
by £4.00 per month. I didn’t want to pay an extra £4.00
so I informed them that I couldn’t afford it.

After a long fight with them, I seemed to be getting
no where. They eventually sent me a final demand from
their debt collectors. I did paid the final demand straight away
as I didn't want to be blacklisted! I then put the case to the
Ombudsman. The Ombudsman saw it my way and eventually,
I had my money refunded, plus what I thought was a reasonable
amount for postage, my time and nuisance. Orange think they
are a law unto themselves! However, good luck with this one.
Perhaps you son could try the Ombudsman?

[crapmemory]

Thanks for all your answers. I will definitately be following up some of your suggestions.

[factor-fiction]

trish1234567's story is a useful one but, as that one involved a breach of contract by Orange and this one doesn't, I don't think it is relevant to this case

[trish1234567]

Yes factor, you're right regarding contracts! Also, Orange completely disregard any points or questions you put to them. There is a sequence in their offices whereas first letter goes to correspondence dept. then finance, then on to different departments till you get to their bailiff's derpartment. Sometimes, it is just not worth the bother and sadly easier not to fight them.

[Nosha123]

we sent Orange about 11 letters over a period of a few months - and they ignored every single letter.... we too were trying to get out of our contract.

We did eventually agree a sum and got out of it - but it was a painful process! ANd their customer relations were Sugar!