COLUMN: Making a case to cancel contracts

Scenario: '˜I recently signed a two-year phone contract with a new network provider but the reception in my home is terrible. Is there any way I can get out of the contract, or have I just got to stick with it?'
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Mar 2017, 13:38 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:38 BST
Iphone 6Iphone 6
Iphone 6

Roger says: While poor signal doesn’t give you a right to cancel your contract, you should be able to make a case to your phone company to end it.

If you bought your mobile online or over the phone within the last 14 days, you can cancel the contract without needing a reason by contacting your provider.

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But if you bought it in store or have had the phone for longer, you’ll need to ask to leave the contract.

Contact the company and explain the problem. They may give you a device which can boost your signal.

If this doesn’t work, you can ask to terminate the contract. However, they will usually ask you to pay an exit fee, which can be as much as the remaining cost of the contract.

Paying the exit fee could allow you to terminate the contract immediately, but if you don’t want to pay then make a complaint using their complaints procedure.

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This can take time, but if you haven’t got a resolution after eight weeks, ask an alternative dispute resolution service to intervene.

An adjudicator will make a decision on releasing you from the contract.

For more advice contact Citizens’ Advice Derbyshire Districts on 0300 4568390.