Get out of your 3 contract early now

I took the contract out last October 2008. They stood firm and said point blank that they will not release me from my contract without charging me almost £300 per handset. I argued with the woman for 20 mins before demanding that I be put through to someone else.

She refused to put me through to someone else as 'they would say the same thing'.

That's how they ended it, I couldn't take my PAC code unless I authorised their termination fee
I went through the whole 'I'm reporting you to ofcom and consumer direct and they're breaking the law' but she refused point blank.

Not sure what to do.
Am currently writing a letter to Consumer Direct.

I am wondering if quite a few people have now done this and they are getting worried. As the law is on your side, you could put it in writing to them and just stop the direct debits (as they couldn't take you to court as they are the ones in the wrong) but you wont get your codes to keep the number.

Do you actually know if its a legal right mate or if it's just if they allow it?

It's in your contract so it is in fact a legal right

Put it this way, the T&C's have had a major change since you signed the contract which makes the contract null and void.

You have the legal right to cancel, maybe phone them again and try the same thing with a different person tell them that if they don't let you go and give you the code you will take them to a small claims court (only costs £30 and you will win) and will cancel the direct debit.
Let us know what they say.

I've just spent the best part of 2 hours on the phone to 3. I had a similar ordeal to redmozzy, the customer advisor refused to acknowledge I qualified for the release clause. I felt like I was going round in circles, it was really frustrating. Eventually when she asked me where I was traveling I answered, I told her I was going on a European tour, starting in France, then into Italy, then onto any number of countries. I'd recommend that if anyone is thinking about calling themselves. That seemed to move forward discussions, so eventually after 2 hours of going round in circles I finally got my PAC code :D

Just a little bit of information, if I use the PAC code within 30 days my contract will be officially terminated and I will not be billed again. Correct?

Well done for getting out of it, I said it was hard work ;-)

Anyway, your contract ends in 30 days time regardless because you have given 30 days notice. Just make sure you cancel your direct debits.

Yeah, thanks for all your help. I never thought such a big company could have so bad customer service. Out-right lies for the large duration of the call!