Cancellation service n°1 in United Kingdom
Now Internet, formerly known as Sky Broadband, operates as a subsidiary broadband service provider within the United Kingdom telecommunications market. In accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and Ofcom regulations, Now Internet functions as a distinct trading entity offering residential broadband connectivity services to consumers throughout the UK. The service provider maintains its operational headquarters and registered business address under the Sky UK Limited corporate structure, thereby inheriting the established infrastructure and regulatory compliance frameworks of its parent organisation.
The contractual relationship between Now Internet and its subscribers falls under the jurisdiction of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Communications Act 2003, which collectively establish the legal framework governing telecommunications service agreements in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, the service provider operates in compliance with Ofcom's General Conditions of Entitlement, which mandate specific obligations regarding contract terms, cancellation procedures, and consumer protection measures.
As a broadband service provider, Now Internet delivers internet connectivity through fixed-line infrastructure, utilising both fibre-optic and copper-based networks depending on geographical availability and service tier selection. The contractual obligations undertaken by subscribers encompass minimum term commitments, monthly payment obligations, and adherence to acceptable use policies as stipulated in the service agreement documentation.
The legal relationship established upon subscription constitutes a binding contract under English law, whereby both parties assume reciprocal rights and obligations. Consequently, any termination of services must comply with the contractual provisions outlined in the terms and conditions, as well as statutory requirements imposed by consumer protection legislation.
Now Internet structures its service offerings through a tiered pricing model, with contractual terms varying according to the selected broadband package. In accordance with transparent pricing obligations mandated by Ofcom, the service provider publishes standardised pricing information that includes both monthly subscription fees and any applicable one-time charges.
The service provider typically offers multiple broadband tiers, each characterised by distinct download speeds, upload capabilities, and contractual minimum terms. The pricing structure reflects the technological infrastructure utilised, with fibre-optic services commanding premium pricing relative to standard ADSL connections.
| Package Type | Average Speed | Monthly Cost | Minimum Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Broadband | 11 Mbps | £20-£25 | 12-18 months |
| Superfast Fibre | 36 Mbps | £25-£30 | 18 months |
| Ultrafast Fibre | 63 Mbps | £30-£35 | 18 months |
It should be noted that the aforementioned pricing represents indicative ranges and may fluctuate based on promotional offers, geographical location, and prevailing market conditions. Furthermore, the contractual documentation specifies that prices are subject to annual increases in accordance with the Retail Price Index plus an additional percentage, as permitted under the terms and conditions.
Beyond the standard monthly subscription fee, subscribers may incur supplementary charges throughout the contract duration. Installation fees typically apply for new connections, though these are frequently waived during promotional periods. Early termination charges constitute a significant financial consideration, as the service provider reserves the contractual right to recover remaining monthly payments when subscribers terminate services prior to the minimum term expiration.
The contractual framework stipulates that subscribers remain liable for all charges accrued up to the effective cancellation date, plus any applicable early termination fees calculated in accordance with Ofcom's guidance on contract exit charges. These financial obligations persist regardless of the cancellation method employed, whether postal, telephonic, or electronic.
The legal framework governing cancellation rights for telecommunications services in the United Kingdom derives from multiple legislative sources, principally the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 and sector-specific regulations promulgated by Ofcom. These statutory instruments establish mandatory consumer protections that supersede contrary contractual provisions.
In accordance with the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, subscribers possess an unconditional right to cancel distance contracts within fourteen calendar days from the date of contract conclusion. This statutory cooling-off period applies irrespective of whether services have commenced, though service providers may request express consent to begin service delivery during this period.
Should the subscriber provide such consent and subsequently exercise cancellation rights during the cooling-off period, liability arises for a pro-rata proportion of services actually consumed. Nevertheless, the service provider cannot impose early termination charges or other penalties during this statutory period, as such provisions would contravene mandatory consumer protection legislation.
Following expiration of the fourteen-day cooling-off period, cancellation rights become governed by the contractual terms and conditions agreed upon subscription. The service provider typically requires advance notice ranging from thirty to ninety days, depending on whether cancellation occurs during the minimum contract term or thereafter.
Subscribers cancelling after the minimum term has expired generally face no early termination charges, though they remain obligated to provide the contractually stipulated notice period. Conversely, cancellation during the minimum term triggers liability for early termination fees, calculated according to the methodology specified in the contract documentation.
Certain circumstances permit subscribers to terminate services without incurring early termination charges, even during the minimum contract term. These include material breaches by the service provider, such as persistent service failures that remain unresolved despite reasonable opportunity for remedy, or unauthorised price increases exceeding the contractually permitted thresholds.
Furthermore, Ofcom regulations mandate that service providers must permit penalty-free cancellation when subscribers relocate to premises where the contracted service cannot be delivered, provided the subscriber can demonstrate genuine relocation and service unavailability at the new address.
Postal cancellation represents the most legally robust method for terminating broadband service agreements, as it generates documentary evidence of both the cancellation request and the date of dispatch. In accordance with established contractual law principles, notice periods typically commence from the date the service provider receives written notification, though some contracts specify commencement from the dispatch date when sent via recorded delivery services.
The utilisation of postal cancellation methods, particularly through Royal Mail Signed For or Recorded Delivery services, establishes irrefutable evidence of contract termination notification. This documentary proof becomes invaluable should disputes arise regarding cancellation dates, notice period compliance, or alleged non-receipt of cancellation requests.
Telephonic cancellation methods, whilst potentially more convenient, lack the evidentiary robustness of written communications. Service providers may dispute the content of telephone conversations, the identity of the caller, or the specific date upon which cancellation was requested. Similarly, email communications may encounter technical delivery failures or be subject to claims of non-receipt.
Furthermore, postal cancellation aligns with traditional contractual principles established under English common law, whereby written notice constitutes the gold standard for formal contract termination. Courts consistently afford greater weight to documented postal communications when adjudicating contractual disputes.
The cancellation letter must contain specific information to satisfy contractual requirements and facilitate efficient processing. Essential elements include the subscriber's full name as it appears on the service agreement, the complete service address where broadband connectivity is provided, and the account number or customer reference number assigned by Now Internet.
The correspondence should explicitly state the intention to terminate the broadband service agreement and specify the desired cancellation date. If cancelling during the minimum term, acknowledgement of potential early termination charges demonstrates awareness of contractual obligations, though such acknowledgement does not constitute acceptance of charges that may be disputed on legitimate grounds.
Additionally, the letter should request written confirmation of the cancellation, including details of any final charges, the effective termination date, and arrangements for equipment return if applicable. This request establishes a paper trail documenting the entire cancellation process.
Accurate addressing constitutes a critical component of effective postal cancellation, as correspondence sent to incorrect addresses may result in processing delays or claims of non-receipt. The official correspondence address for Now Internet cancellations must be obtained from current contractual documentation or the service provider's website, as administrative addresses may change periodically.
Based on current information, cancellation correspondence for Now Internet should be directed to:
It is imperative to verify this address immediately prior to dispatch, as corporate restructuring or administrative changes may necessitate address updates. The service provider's official website typically contains the most current correspondence addresses within the contact information or terms and conditions sections.
Royal Mail Signed For 1st Class service provides optimal balance between cost-effectiveness and legal protection for cancellation correspondence. This service generates a proof of posting certificate and requires recipient signature upon delivery, thereby establishing documented evidence of both dispatch and receipt.
Alternatively, Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed provides enhanced tracking capabilities and compensation coverage, though the additional cost may be unnecessary for standard cancellation correspondence. The critical requirement is obtaining proof of posting and, ideally, confirmation of delivery to support potential disputes regarding notice period commencement dates.
Services such as Postclic offer streamlined alternatives to traditional postal dispatch methods, providing digital platforms for letter composition, professional formatting, and tracked delivery through Royal Mail services. These platforms generate comprehensive audit trails documenting the entire dispatch process, from letter creation through final delivery confirmation.
The advantages of such services include time efficiency, as subscribers avoid physical trips to post offices, and enhanced record-keeping through digital storage of all correspondence and delivery confirmations. Furthermore, professional formatting ensures that cancellation letters contain all requisite information and maintain appropriate business communication standards.
Postclic specifically provides proof of posting and delivery tracking, which satisfies evidentiary requirements for demonstrating compliance with contractual notice periods. The digital nature of the service ensures permanent record retention, eliminating risks associated with lost paper documentation.
Comprehensive documentation of the cancellation process provides essential protection should disputes arise. Subscribers should retain copies of the cancellation letter, proof of posting certificates, delivery confirmation receipts, and any subsequent correspondence from Now Internet acknowledging the cancellation request.
Photographic documentation of the sealed envelope bearing the service provider's address and postal service tracking barcode provides additional evidence. These records should be preserved for a minimum of six years in accordance with the Limitation Act 1980, which establishes the statutory limitation period for contractual claims.
Prudent practice dictates monitoring for written acknowledgement of cancellation within ten business days of confirmed delivery. Absence of acknowledgement warrants follow-up correspondence, again sent via tracked postal services, referencing the original cancellation letter and proof of delivery.
Should the service provider fail to process the cancellation or dispute the notice period commencement date, the accumulated documentation provides compelling evidence to support complaints to Ofcom or alternative dispute resolution schemes such as the Communications Ombudsman.
Understanding the typical motivations underlying service cancellations provides context for contractual termination decisions and may inform negotiations regarding early termination charges or service modifications as alternatives to cancellation.
Persistent connectivity problems, including frequent disconnections, substandard speeds significantly below advertised averages, or chronic technical faults, constitute primary cancellation drivers. When service quality falls materially below contractually specified standards, subscribers may possess grounds for penalty-free cancellation based on service provider breach of contract.
Ofcom's Broadband Speeds Code of Practice establishes minimum performance standards, and persistent failure to meet these benchmarks may vitiate the service provider's contractual rights to enforce minimum terms or early termination charges. Documentation of service failures through speed tests, outage logs, and complaint correspondence strengthens claims for breach-based cancellation.
Economic circumstances frequently necessitate household expenditure reduction, prompting subscribers to seek lower-cost alternatives or eliminate non-essential services. Whilst financial hardship does not automatically negate contractual obligations, service providers increasingly offer payment arrangement options or temporary service suspensions as alternatives to cancellation.
The annual price increases permitted under most broadband contracts, typically calculated as Retail Price Index plus 3.9%, can render services progressively less affordable. Subscribers should note that price increases exceeding contractually specified thresholds may trigger rights to penalty-free cancellation, as such increases constitute material contract variations requiring subscriber consent.
Residential relocation represents a common cancellation trigger, particularly when subscribers move to properties where Now Internet services are unavailable or where alternative providers offer superior value propositions. As previously noted, Ofcom regulations mandate penalty-free cancellation rights when subscribers relocate to areas lacking service availability.
Subscribers relocating must provide evidence of the new address and may be required to demonstrate that Now Internet cannot provide services at that location. The service provider typically requires proof of relocation, such as tenancy agreements or completion statements, before waiving early termination charges.
The competitive broadband market frequently presents opportunities to obtain enhanced services or reduced pricing from alternative providers. Whilst desire to switch providers does not negate existing contractual obligations, subscribers may negotiate early termination charge reductions by highlighting competitive offers, particularly when approaching the end of minimum terms.
Some service providers offer to match competitive pricing or upgrade services to retain subscribers, making cancellation threats potential negotiation tools. Nevertheless, such negotiations should be conducted in good faith, and subscribers should be prepared to complete cancellation if retention offers prove unsatisfactory.
Inadequate customer support, including prolonged wait times, unresolved complaints, or unhelpful service representatives, erodes subscriber satisfaction and motivates service cancellation. Whilst customer service quality alone rarely provides legal grounds for penalty-free cancellation, documented patterns of service provider failure to address legitimate complaints may support claims of breach of implied contractual terms regarding reasonable service provision.
Subscribers experiencing persistent customer service failures should escalate complaints through the service provider's formal complaints procedure, ultimately accessing alternative dispute resolution schemes if internal resolution proves unsuccessful. This escalation process creates documentary evidence supporting cancellation decisions and potential claims for compensation.
The decision to cancel broadband services carries significant contractual and practical implications requiring careful consideration. Subscribers must balance immediate dissatisfaction against potential early termination charges, ensuring that cancellation represents the optimal course of action given individual circumstances.
Before proceeding with cancellation, subscribers should exhaust alternative remedies, including formal complaints regarding service quality issues, requests for service credits compensating for outages or performance deficiencies, and exploration of contract modification options that might address underlying concerns without necessitating full termination.
Nevertheless, when cancellation becomes necessary, postal notification via tracked delivery services provides the most legally robust method for protecting subscriber interests and establishing clear evidence of contractual compliance. The documentary evidence generated through proper postal cancellation procedures proves invaluable should disputes arise regarding cancellation dates, notice periods, or the legitimacy of charges imposed by the service provider.
Subscribers should approach the cancellation process methodically, ensuring compliance with all contractual notice requirements, maintaining comprehensive documentation, and pursuing written confirmation of cancellation terms. This disciplined approach minimises potential disputes and facilitates smooth transition to alternative broadband providers or temporary periods without service.
The utilisation of professional letter dispatch services such as Postclic streamlines the cancellation process whilst maintaining rigorous documentation standards, offering particular value to subscribers seeking efficiency without compromising legal protection. Regardless of the specific dispatch method employed, the fundamental principle remains consistent: written notice via trackable postal services provides superior legal protection compared to alternative cancellation methods.