Cancelling HKBN internet contracts

[nino.scibetta]

Hi all,
I have just moved in and I'm planning to get HKBN for internet, however it's either a 2 years contract or no contract but with almost double the monthly rate so not very worthwhile imo. I am planning to maybe move out of HK next year and I wanted to know if anyone had the experience of cancelling an internet contract for that reason, and whether it was smooth or troublesome. Thanks in advance.
Cheers,
Jay

[emx]

I am planning to maybe move out of HK next year and I wanted to know if anyone had the experience of cancelling an internet contract for that reason, and whether it was smooth or troublesome.

Moving out is not a valid reason.

Either pay for a fixed term contract or pay the monthly rate.

Welcome to Hong Kong.

[nino.scibetta]

Hi emx.
Thanks for your reply.
I have discussed with the operator who confirmed it and I have done it before when I moved out of Europe, but contractually, moving out of a country is usually a valid reason. Only question is what kind of evidence is required. Actually, back in Paris I knew some people who fraudulently used to take advantage of this clause.
Cheers,
Jay

[emx]

I have discussed with the operator who confirmed it and I have done it before when I moved out of Europe, but contractually, moving out of a country is usually a valid reason.

This is not Europe, and you can be sure any of the telecom you sign a contract with will make life very annoying for you when you try and cancel a fixed term contract here (without paying the penalties).

Search these forums and you will find numerous "new" residents complaining about the same thing.

[bdw]

Clause 7 of HKBN contract states that if you terminate and move to an area outside of their coverage, not only do you have to pay the remaining months of the contract but you have to pay them at LIST PRICE and you also have to pay them for any installation charges that they may have waived for you at the time of installation. There is no mention in their contract about moving to another country:

If the Plan(s) is/are terminated within the Minimum Commitment Period for whatever reasons, Subscriber shall pay
the total amount of the special monthly fees payable for the remaining Minimum Commitment Period to HKBN as
liquidated damages. If Subscriber terminates the Plan(s) as a result of moving to area without HKBN's service
coverage, liquidated damages payable shall then be the sum of the following amounts : (i) any installation charge
previously waived or any difference between the standard installation fee and installation fee paid; and (ii) if
applicable, pro-rata listed price of premium calculated by remaining contract months to fixed Minimum Commitment
Period (e.g. if listed price of premium is $2,400, Minimum Commitment Period is 24 months, Subscriber terminates
the contract 6 months prior to expiration of Minimum Commitment Period - pro-rata calculation will be : $2,400 / 24 X
6 = $600). The listed price of premium shall be the amount as set out by HKBN. Subscriber agrees that HKBN can set
off the liquidated damages with prepayment (or any part thereof) of related service and Subscriber shall pay the
remaining balance of liquidated damages after set off, if applicable. The above liquidated damages are genuine
pre-estimate of loss and not penalty. All offers in the Plan(s) will also be terminated.

https://images.hkbn.net/apply/orpres...30NTBC_ENG.pdf

[nino.scibetta]

Actually I have used HKBN for 2 years on a commercial contract. I know how annoying it can be to deal with them, it took me almost a year to get back the installation fee which was supposed to be waived, but I was in my right. Worst case If I move out I could just cut off the credit card used for the payment, but I'm still interested if someone has had experience on the particular clause on moving out of HK.

[nino.scibetta]

Hi bdw,
Thanks this is much clearer. Then the operator I discussed with openly lied to me on this clause as he mentioned examples of evidence I could provide.
Cheers,
Jeremie

[bdw]

Hi bdw,
Thanks this is much clearer. Then the operator I discussed with openly lied to me on this clause as he mentioned examples of evidence I could provide.
Cheers,
Jeremie

Ask him for this in writing

[Mrs. Jones]

Usually ppl who exit HK just stop paying.

[MandM!]

Sometimes you can get a one year. It's cheap anyway. Yes you could stop paying too.