UPDATE Big UK Broadband ISPs Pledge NO Exit Fees for Armed Forces Users

Internet providers including BT, EE, Plusnet, Sky Broadband, TalkTalk and Virgin Media have agreed not to charge Armed Forces personnel a cancellation fee for their broadband and media services, albeit only when posted overseas or to another part of the UK.

The change has been agreed under the tenets of the Armed Forces Covenant, which reflects the fact that members of the Armed Forces are often stung by cancellation and or other exit fees that can occur each time they’re required to move to a different part of the country or be deployed overseas.

Happily related subscribers will now be able to exit their contracts penalty free. Sometime it’s the little things that really count, particularly when risking your life to help keep the rest of us safe.

Mark Lancaster, Defence Minister, said:

“Our Armed Forces are sent all over the world and across the country to help keep our country safe and they should never be at a disadvantage because of this. The removal of cancellation fees by leading broadband providers is yet another example of the Covenant in action, which is making sure our brave personnel are treated fairly.

It’s a welcome move and we’re looking forward to seeing what more British businesses can do to support our military.”

Gavin Patterson, BT CEO, said:

“Armed Forces personnel play a vital role protecting our country, whether serving overseas or stationed away from home in other parts of the UK. That’s why we’re committed to ensuring they don’t have to pay for broadband or TV services they can’t access, when they find themselves in this situation. Whether it’s through today’s announcement, our hiring of ex-armed forces personnel, or through our work with Reservists, BT, along with our fellow signatories are proud to support our country’s military personnel.”

Dido Harding, TalkTalk’s Outgoing CEO, said:

“We recognise that service personnel and their families face unique challenges, not least due to the fact they are regularly posted to new locations all over the country and abroad, often at short notice. TalkTalk was the first ISP to recognise how tricky this can be and offer free disconnections for service personnel moving overseas, and we’re delighted that the rest of the industry has followed suit.”

The announcement makes no mention of Sky Broadband, which is a bit odd since they represent around 6 million of the United Kingdom’s broadband subscribers and have previously waived cancellation fees for members of the Armed Forces. We have asked and are awaiting a reply.

Pictured (Top Left): A couple of troops practicing for what happens if they don’t get to cancel their broadband service without charge. Allegedly.

UPDATE 28th March 2017

The Government seems to have amended their press release to insert Sky’s name, after they were originally excluded.