On 08/07/2020 00:34:30, Dave Liquorice wrote:
On Tue, 7 Jul 2020 18:23:28 +0100, JoeJoe wrote:

That time of year is fast approaching, and am looking for a
contract
for a contract for a student that only lasts 9 months.

Define "phone line" do you mean a copper pair or mobile?

Is this SIM only? Many 1 month rolling contracts about for SIM
only.

What use is it going to get? Occasional email and web browsing or
watching Netflix for 6hrs/day?

Looking for a contract for a phone line and broadband for 9 month.
Don't need the phone line itself to make calls, just the broadband.

So a copper pair? Unless you have virgin available that means
Openreach. I think you'll be stuck with a minimum 12 months but you
can "take it with you" when you move elsewhere with an Openreach
line.

Any idea if such contracts exist for gas and electricity too?

There are companies that specialise in "one stop shop" for student
houses. All four utilities, line rentals and TV licence. Rates are
probably not the best though.

For nine months you're probably looking at a standard tariff but
also
lookut for tariffs with no early termination charge.

That's a good point, thanks - haven't thought of that.

I get the impression you're trying to sort out energy and 'net for a
student shared house and that you will be one of the students
sharing.

Presumably rented? Ask the letting agent about the "one stop shop"
options. They tend to be fixed price per month added to each students
rent. For the agents protection there'll be useage limits in the
contract/lease check they are reasonable and unless you seriously
over use they'll probably not chase. or make a deduction from the
deposit. It's not worth the time for just a few quid.

This side steps the possible arguments about splitting the bills when
they arrive. "Jane leaves the windows open", "George always has a
full bath every day", "I don't watch Netflix" and many other
"excuses" to try and get a share reduction.

OK you may all agree equal shares, no arguments, but if the bills
come in larger than expected...

And remember if a bill is in your name, you are liable for *all* of
the amount.

And if some one is a slow payer you end up subbing them until they do
pay, leaving you tight for cash or they could do a runner.

One stop shop, might be a litle more expensive but makes things far
simpler and predictable.


Except the OP will have control of the router and so may be able to ban
non-paying devices from his own home[1]. I would even make them pay up
front.

[1]You might have to 'fix' (remove) the factory reset switch and/or
remove the serial number label!