Tribune has to apologise to its readers, but not as much as BT, which cut off our phone lines, depriving us of email and Internet connections for the last four weeks. BT has admitted that our lines have been “ceased in error” , that compensation is necessary and that they should restore the service. Tribune’s lines were cut on June 29. We have spent many hours over the past three weeks in expensive mobile calls attempting to have these vital lines restored. Producing Tribune has taxed the mental, professional and personal faculties of the staff. It has proven a labyrinthine nightmare to get answers from BT. They have included: “I have checked your accounts and they are fine”, “Your lines will be back in 24 hours”. “Your lines will be back in between two to ten days”, “I have no idea”, “We are talking at the very least compensation for financial loss.” Tribune’s finance director Paul Spencer-Thompson and its editor have spent inordinate time attempting to have these services restored. We asked for a statement from BT. It was not forthcoming. If you have a view, then please address them to ian.livingston@bt.com – the chief executive of BT who is due a £373,000 bonus asa reward for his efforts to improve customer service.
