Beware who gets access to your TV

Here is a cautionary tale about using Orange’s services:

Last summer we had a family staying with us for a couple of weeks.

Unbeknown to us, the teenage sons managed to subscribe us to BeIN Sports.

The first I knew of this was when I received an email, confirming my subscription.

I promptly phoned Orange and, after much toing and froing, cancelled the contract (although I had to pay for a full month’s subscription).

I did express my surprise at the ease with which it was possible to take out a subscription without the account holder’s permission.

The way to prevent this happening is to install parental controls, which we have now done.

Several months later, our monthly Orange payment went up from around €40 to over €60.

This was for a subscription to AppliTV – which I had not asked for.

The subscription had been taken out at the same time as the BeIN Sports package, yet I had received no email confirming this.

I lodged a complaint with Orange detailing all my concerns. Their response did not address directly the issues I raised but they did credit my account with €90.

My advice to your readers? Install parental controls to avoid light-fingered youngsters (or adults) taking out unwanted subscriptions, check Orange payments regularly and, if you do find that you need to contact Orange… take a deep breath.

John STOBBS, Féneyrols, Tarn-et-Garonne

Send your letters and comments by email to: news@connexionfrance.com

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France