topic Re: keeping old kit in Broadband & Landline

keeping old kit

bixieupnorth — Thu, 23 May 2024 08:28:41 GMT

I have recently changed contracts (nominally from BT to ee, but it kept me on BT) and received the new ee tv box pro. I am now being bombarded with emails and texts about returning the old box, or being charged £140.

The thing is that I still have loads of stuff that I haven't watched on the old box. will they just scrap it if I send it back? Is there an option to keep it, or will I have to pay £140 to do this? If it's being recycled surely it'd be better for me to keep hold of it and keep using it than to simply break it down?

thanks

Re: keeping old kit

JimM11 — Thu, 23 May 2024 09:14:18 GMT

@bixieupnorth Short extract and the link you require.

If your equipment isn't returned

We made some changes to our Terms & Conditions on 13 December 2019, meaning that BT Hubs and TV boxes are being loaned to you. So if you joined us or have renewed your contract on or after this date, you’ll be charged for not returning equipment to us. You’ll have 60 days to return it from the date you stopped using it before we charge you.

How to return and recycle your BT equipment for free | BT Help

Re: keeping old kit

bixieupnorth — Thu, 23 May 2024 09:35:05 GMT

Thanks, but that didn't really answer my question.

I'm fully aware of the reasons for the return situation, but was curious as to why they don't appear to let you keep the box, as being broken up isn't exactly the best for the environment etc, when i want to keep on using it.

I find it very frustrating that having 'rented' this box for several years they just want it returned so that they can dismantle it in the name of recycling. when it's a perfectly good working unit that doesn't need to end it's days in some soulless returns department.

They say they may refurbish the box, but as the envelope they've sent is unpadded i fear for it's condition after several days in the dubious care of royal mail!

Re: keeping old kit

JimM11 — Thu, 23 May 2024 09:40:14 GMT

@bixieupnorth Did you read the link, you are assuming one thing and you did not rent it, if you want to keep it then it cost's you the purchase price of £140, and you will have the same issue for the new EE tv box when that comes around so more payments. Your choice.

Re: keeping old kit

bixieupnorth — Thu, 23 May 2024 11:02:18 GMT

yes i read it, loaned then not rented. just find it strange that they'll be taking a perfectly good piece of kit to pieces when i could use it happily for years yet. obviously it's worth nowhere near £140 so i will be sending it back. i wonder how they settled on that price for it? I assume there's a resale market for them, ebay etc. but i can't see bt selling them?

cheers anwyay, i'll try to watch as much stuff and get it send back. what a shame.

Re: keeping old kit

bixieupnorth — Thu, 23 May 2024 11:03:32 GMT

just looked on ebay. they seem to be going for £50-100.

Re: keeping old kit

JimM11 — Thu, 23 May 2024 11:09:53 GMT

@bixieupnorth You can always keep it and send the EE version back that you received.

Re: keeping old kit

bixieupnorth — Thu, 23 May 2024 12:23:48 GMT

haha i bet they'd charge me the £140 as it def says the BT box that needs returning!

Re: keeping old kit

JimM11 — Thu, 23 May 2024 12:58:07 GMT

@bixieupnorth Yes, but BT is the New EE, and New EE is the BT, its all so confusing, honestly don't even think it matters, what is sent back, they want a TV box back, and you are correct, if you have had it for a couple of years, you keep it in good condition etc, do find some better packaging and post back with the return label, will make you feel a lot better, you never know, your box may repair some other poor failed boxes. And it stops you from putting it on E-Bay, that is the question????👍

Re: keeping old kit

bixieupnorth — Thu, 23 May 2024 13:40:25 GMT

wasn't going to ebay it, but i was surprised that bt are contemplating charging me way more for a box that is used.

would people really just bung the old one in the bin as bt seem to be suggesting?

i'll send it back, and as you said parcel it well. i might even put a few breeze blocks in with it to teach them a lesson!

Re: keeping old kit

robh661 — Thu, 23 May 2024 14:38:55 GMT

If you've got that much to watch on the BT box, and you can afford it, pay the £140 that they as for. Because then the Box becomes yours and you won't have to binge watch to clear the recordings.

Re: keeping old kit

Mustrum — Thu, 23 May 2024 14:52:48 GMT

@bixieupnorth If you have some time on your hands you could always copy the stuff you want to an external hard drive.

There is more info on the BT forum, such as https://community.bt.com/t5/EE-TV-YouView/Transferring-Recordings-from-BT-TV-Box-to-an-External-Hardrive/td-p/2309259

Re: keeping old kit

bixieupnorth — Thu, 23 May 2024 15:12:14 GMT

thanks for the advice, there's really not that much on there that i simply must watch. i can't justify paying way above the market price for it, just to watch some tv. so they can have it back. frustrating and a huge waste in my eyes. oh well, i'll have forgotten all about it once it's at the post office!