- Report: #43583
Complaint Review: Bell ExpressVu - Toronto Ontario
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Bell ExpressVu
100 Wynford Drive, Suite 300 Toronto, M3C 4B4 Ontario, Canada
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Bell ExpressVu ripoff NHL Billing Is Like Plauge - you can't get rid of it Toronto Ontario
In Sept or so of 2001 I placed an order for the NHL channels on bell express view(+ $200.00 for the season), they proclaimed their may be some black outs, well I didn't clearly understand this and found almost all Ontario teams to be blacked out. In February of 2002 I called Bell and expressed my frustration and stated "cancel the channels" even though I had booked for the season, I didn't care for any refund (which they advise there would not be one) just I was upset. During our conversation I must have missed a reference that their was going to be a small time frame that we had to cancel in during the summer months.
In the late summer I received with a bill, notice of the NHL packages. I disregarded the notice because I had no interest in having it again. The hockey season started around Oct 10 2002 or so. In late October I received my Express view bill and guess what... I was being billed 4 equal instalments of $50.00 each.
I called and spoke too two people and was advised, Signing up in Sept or Oct of 2001 was a contract to continue forever unless it is canceled prior to the season beginning. I stated I had told them to cancel the channels in February of 2002. They said I had to respond during my notice in the summer months. Which I had discarded, thinking it was a renewal form. again I responded, "I canceled it in February", well apparently that dosnt count! I further stated "I have never been activated, i dont even have these channels". Their response was" that's a troubleshooting issue, we will have them turned on right away". I quickly responded "dont you dare. I dont want the channels" I feel their harsh reactions to my statements "are you saying, you would prefer to receive payment for a channel you dont own and I am not receiving and loose my business, rather then just cancelling the channel" their response only included some policy statements and then a threat of taking me to court if I don't pay, then in conclusion their would be a fine if i ever wish to reconnect.
I am not sure if this is a buyer beware or rip off but it sure feels good to pass this on in hopes more people don't get miss lead.
Mike
Kirkland Lake, Ontario
Canada
In the late summer I received with a bill, notice of the NHL packages. I disregarded the notice because I had no interest in having it again. The hockey season started around Oct 10 2002 or so. In late October I received my Express view bill and guess what... I was being billed 4 equal instalments of $50.00 each.
I called and spoke too two people and was advised, Signing up in Sept or Oct of 2001 was a contract to continue forever unless it is canceled prior to the season beginning. I stated I had told them to cancel the channels in February of 2002. They said I had to respond during my notice in the summer months. Which I had discarded, thinking it was a renewal form. again I responded, "I canceled it in February", well apparently that dosnt count! I further stated "I have never been activated, i dont even have these channels". Their response was" that's a troubleshooting issue, we will have them turned on right away". I quickly responded "dont you dare. I dont want the channels" I feel their harsh reactions to my statements "are you saying, you would prefer to receive payment for a channel you dont own and I am not receiving and loose my business, rather then just cancelling the channel" their response only included some policy statements and then a threat of taking me to court if I don't pay, then in conclusion their would be a fine if i ever wish to reconnect.
I am not sure if this is a buyer beware or rip off but it sure feels good to pass this on in hopes more people don't get miss lead.
Mike
Kirkland Lake, Ontario
Canada
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Michael
Toronto,Ontario,
Canada
NHL CENTRE ICE SUBSCRIPTIONS
#2UPDATE Employee
Sun, February 15, 2004
NHL Centre Ice is a package carried by various service providers, including Bell ExpressVu. It is licensed by the NHL (the same body who decided what games are blacked out in your area, and which are not). Firstly, the cost is 179.99 (44.95 x4) or 199.99 (49.99 x4), not in excess of $200 as your complaint states. These channels are all hockey all the time, and as such are purchased as a package for the entire season. The liscence can not be partially refunded, as per NHL stipulations, which is why there are specific times when you must cancel by. If the cancellation request is given early, the service is taken off the account. Secondly, the blackouts are only when games are either : a) not televised. b)available on another local channel in your area (ie.: CBC, or TSN, EPSN, etc..) or c)when they are part of a PPV package (again, mandated by the NHL). This is explained clearly in all NHL centre ice literature, and explained to each customer BEFORE they purchase. Thirdly, renewal letters are sent out, in addition to phone calls, and bill inserts. It is also shown on the info channel, and printed on the bottom of bills, as well as on the on hold messages when calling customer service. Just to clarify, most of these stipulations are set in place by the NHL league, who deals with teh licensing. For channels that are "not coming in" on your receiver, there are no refunds, since it is a technical troubleshooting issue, and we provide 24 hour tech support. If there are tech calls and support provided and no results, then we offer a partial of full refund for the customer, or provide a solution to get the desired programming. These and all Bell ExpressVu policies can be viewed at www.expressvu.com or by calling 1-888-SKY-DISH wihtin in Canada.
