Thanks. Sounds like it is worth a go.

One of the senior management phoned tried to offer various reductions to get me to stay with Virgin but when I stuck out to leave they were very understanding, did everything they could to help my move smooth. I am sure that it was done with a view that I might return in the future.
Good luck

Thanks for your reply.

I am still concerned that Tiscali will try to levy penalty charges and/or refuse to cooperate in transferring my services (I am on a combined Tiscali internet & phone package) to another provider if I cancel without their agreement.

How did Virgin react when they received your written complaint?

Hi, I had similar problems with Virgins cable service, I would advise you put your complaint in writing (register the letter to be signed for), giving them 5 days notice to fix the issue or you will consider that they have not fulfilled their contract and you will choose another provider.
I went to Sky and have had no problem, I even got paid compensation and repayment for my cable TV box from Virgin, Sky also paid to have phone line reactivated.
Good luck.

I could not possibly recommend Tiscali Talk to anyone.

I have been waiting for over 3 months now for Tiscali to get 1571 voicemail working on my line. It has not worked since I transferred my phone and line rental to Tiscali Talk last December.

I have been assured on numerous occasions that the problem will be fixed shortly but it never is. I have had to raise several complaints on the same issue as the update feature on previous complaints is removed even though the issue has not been resolved. I have received several calls from Tiscali Customer Relations full of apologies and assurances that everything is being done to resolve the issue but the problem remains unresolved to this day. Promises are made that the Provisioning Department will phone to update me with their progress. I have never received a single call from them.

In frustration and despair that the problem will not get fixed, I have ask Tiscal to release me from my 12 month contact so that I can transfer to another service provider without any penalty. Tiscali will not agree to do so saying that I will most likely be billed to term if I cancel even though they have failed to fulfil their contact to provide voicemail. It seems that I am trapped by my 12 month contract however poorly Tiscali perform.

I then contacted the Alternative Dispute Resolution scheme only to be told that they will not even look at a complaint until a minimum of 3 months has passed since a formal complaint was first lodged with the telephone company.

Beware the dangers of signing long term contracts.