keeping old kit

[bixieupnorth]

Hi

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

[JimM11]

@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

[bixieupnorth]

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!

[JimM11]

@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.

[bixieupnorth]

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.

[bixieupnorth]

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

[JimM11]

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

[bixieupnorth]

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

[JimM11]

@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????👍

[bixieupnorth]

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!