Why is it so hard to cancel your contract?

[Saea]

My 24month contract is ending in September. I never wanted this particular contract as I was trying to purchase one on the website but every time I went to the basket it didn’t work so picked one over the phone but didn’t realise it would double in price after the first year. 

Finally it’s near then end so I try searching to clues on the website what will happen when my contract ends. Will it just end and I’ll have to pick a new one etc. 

I gather that you have to give 30day notice even if your contract has ended otherwise it will just roll over to a monthly. Searching for more answers I come across EE page stating you can do it 45days prior to the end of your contract maximum. 

I call the call centre as it seems the only way to cancel it and I’m told I have to do it on the 30day mark. How can it actually be legal for you to give a 13hour window for you to just say you don’t want to be charged past your contract date? Why is this so difficult?

[Matt_124 · Accepted solution]

The 30 day notice period is for entirely cancelling with EE, however if you wish to choose a new plan on EE (you do this via the Upgrade process) this can be done any time within the last 30 days and will automatically switch you onto a new contracted minimum term on your new plan in time for the end of your minimum term.

Alternatively if you are looking to leave EE, you can request a PAC Code to port your number to another network by texting PAC to 65075. This takes 1-2 working days to transfer and will automatically close your account. The date on which you do this in relation to your billing date matters as you could end up being charged for an entire month ahead if you do not port out before the next bill, but once your account is closed (leave your Direct Debit active) a final bill would generate within 30 days which would credit you for any unused period on a pro-rata basis after your Port Out date and then automatically close your Direct Debit after this has been returned to you.