"Short" story:
I called up Sky Broadband today, as I wanted to know if I need to have TV package with Broadband, or I can only order an ADSL connection. Unfortunately, I must get the standard package £17.50 plus £15 for unlimited broadband, plus still have to keep my line rental (£11.50 this is sooo not the 21st century), which adds up at the end to £44. Tell me another country where they provide you a basic TV and 8MB ADSL for this price.
Right now I pay £36.50 for phone and broadband from BT, but this will expire this November, and I do not want to sign another 12 month contract with the Great BT. (This will be another thing to complain about)
So, long story short, I called up SKY Customer service, which was (and this is a big suprise) located in the UK.
- Hello Sky Customer Service, my name is David, how may I help ...
- Hello, my name is Zlot (yes, spelling it for ya....) and I'd like to double check if I will need to sign up for basic TV package even if I want to get the unlimited broadband only?
- Yes, I am afraid so.
- Ok, then could you please let me know what is the procedure of the installation? Will you need to install areal, or a dish on the roof/wall? Or is it gonna be provided through coaxial cable? This would be quite important for me as I live in a flat and I am not familiar with the building regulations.
- Could you please give us your address?
- Yes, my address is 10 Rillington Place (obviously this is not my address I posted here, so don't show up visiting me :)))
- Let me forward you to our local installing contractor, and they can provide you the details.
- Cheers
Ring ring ring ring
- Hello My name is Sofie, how may I help you?
- Hello Sofie, I'd just like to ask about the installation procedure for Sky TV and broadband
- Could you please double check your details with me Sir?
- Yes (I was suspecting something bad)
- Is your name is Zlot ...?
- Yes.
- First line of address?
- 10 Rillington Place, etc, etc, etc
- Date of Birth?
- Excuse me? Why do you need that? I just wanna ask a simple question, not to sign up for anything right now.
- That is alright sir, however I will need your date of birth before I can give you any answer ....
- And why is that?
- Because this is a requirement, we are not allowed to talk to a person, who is under 18.
- I am NOT under 18.
- What is your date of birth Sir?
- I am not comfortable giving it to you, I am sorry.
- And why is that?
- Because in the possession of my full name, address, and date of birth, these details could be used to get my account information from my bank, or to use it for any fraudulent activity. (In the UK, banks are only asking for these details over the phone, this is the "SECURITY SCREENING")
- I can assure you Sir, this would not happen with your details provided.
- I still not sure about it, if this was a contract I would be happy to provide it, but otherwise I will not do it.
- I can not help you then...
- That is alright, no worries, Bye
- Bye
No comment Guys, was I too suspicious? Maybe, but after the stories I heard, and knowing the real weak security checking procedures in this country, I was not sure why I should have provided these personal details...
