Terms and Conditions - Blake Telecom

Terms and Conditions for Blake Telecom

1. INTERPRETATION

Definitions. In these Conditions, the following definitions apply:

Business Day: a day (other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday) when banks in London are open for business.

Carrier: the relevant third party telecommunications operator or network service provider.

Charges: the applicable charges payable by the Customer for the supply of any Services and/or Equipment in accordance with clause 9.

Commencement Date: means the date on which Blake Telecom shall start to provide the Service, which shall mean in the case of:

Maintenance Services – the Installation Date or where Blake Telecom has not contracted with the client to install Equipment in connection with the Maintenance Services – the date specified as the Commencement Date for the Maintenance Services;
Fixed Network Services – the Handover Date in respect of those Fixed Network Services;
Data Services – the relevant Handover Date in respect of those Data Services; and
IT Support Services – the date specified as the Commencement Date in the Order Form.

Conditions: these terms and conditions are amended from time to time.

Connection Date: means in the case of the provision of Data Services the date when the Carrier commences the provisioning of Data Services to the Customer on behalf of Blake Telecom.

Contract: the contract between Blake Telecom and the Customer for the supply of any Services and/or goods (including where appropriate Equipment) in accordance with these Conditions, the Order and any Service Specific Conditions.

Contract Date: the date on which a contract between the Customer and Blake Telecom is formed and comes into existence as determined pursuant to the provisions of clause 2.2.

Customer: the person or firm specified as such in the Order Form who contracts to purchase Services from Blake Telecom.

Customer Default: has the meaning given to it in clause 8.

Data Services: the data services to be provided by Blake Telecom to the Customer as described in the Order, together with such other data services that Blake Telecom agrees to supply to the Customer from time to time.

Data Services Contract: where applicable, the Contract for the supply of Data Services.

Delivery: has the meaning given to in clause 4.2.

Equipment: the equipment as set out in the Order Form.

Estimated Installation Date: the date on which Blake Telecom estimates that the Equipment will be installed, as advised by Blake Telecom to the Customer.

Extended Term: in relation to:

a Contract for the supply of Fixed Network Services has the meaning given to it in clause 5.3 or if applicable, clause 5.4; and
a Contract for the supply of Data Services has the meaning given to it in clause 6.3 or if applicable, clause 6.4;
a Contract for the supply of Maintenance Services has the meaning given to it in clause 4.6 or if applicable, clause 4.7; and
a Contract for the supply of the IT Support Services has the meaning given to it in clause 7.3 or if applicable, clause 7.4.

Fixed Network Services: the VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, including but not limited to hosted and cloud services, wired or wireless services and on or off premises services to be provided by Blake Telecom to the Customer as specified in the Order Form. Leased lines are also included within this heading.

Fixed Network Services Contract: where applicable, the Contract for the supply of Fixed Network Services.

Blake Telecom: Blake Telecom Ltd is registered in England and Wales with company number 11554660. Registered office 15 Victoria Road, Darlington, United Kingdom, DL1 5SF

Blake Telecom Customer terms and conditions may vary from time to time and these terms are updated at www.blake-telecom.co.uk/terms-and-conditions. The customer agrees to keep updated with any changes at this address.

Handover Date: means

in the case of the provision of Fixed Network Services the date when the Fixed Network Services are available for use by the Customer with Blake Telecom as the supplier of the Fixed Network Services.
in the case of Data Services the date when the Data Services are available for use by the Customer with Blake Telecom as the supplier of the Data Services.

Installation Date: the date on which the Equipment is installed.

Installation Services: the services relating to the installation by Blake Telecom (or its duly authorised agents) of the Equipment (where applicable).

IT Support Services: the IT support services to be provided by Blake Telecom to the Customer as specified in the Order.

IT Support Services Contract: where applicable, the Contract for the supply of IT Support Services.

Mobile Services: the mobile telephone service including handsets and/or SIM only products and mobile handset accessories.

Mobile Phone Contract: where applicable, the Contract for the supply of mobile telephony and data services.

Maintenance Services: the maintenance services provided by Blake Telecom to the Customer as described in the Order, together with such other maintenance services that Blake Telecom agrees to supply to the Customer from time to time.

Maintenance Services Contract: where applicable, the Contract for the supply of Maintenance Services.

Minimum Term: the minimum contract term that applies to the Maintenance Services, the Fixed Network Services, the mobile services, the Data Services and/or the IT Support Services as the case may be shall – unless a different minimum term is specified for any such Service in the Service Specific Conditions section of the Order Form – shall be the period of five years commencing on the Commencement Date.

Notes Section: the section of the order form is marked “Notes Section”.

OFCOM: the Office of Communications or any equivalent successor body.

Order: the Customer’s order for Services as set out in the Order Form; such Order being subject to these Conditions.

Order Form: the document, which sets out amongst other things the Services which the Customer would like Blake Telecom to provide to it and certain details in respect thereof including when read in conjunction with these Conditions the basis on which the charges for providing the Services will be calculated. The Order Form shall be prepared by Blake Telecom and sent to the Customer for signature, which must then be returned to Blake Telecom before the order progresses. The Order Form may be prepared, sent, signed or returned either electronically or physically. The Customer Agreement previously used as an Order Form will be considered the same document as an Order Form.

Mobile Service: the supply and/or connection of mobile voice and/or data products such as mobile phones, SIM cards and associated hardware

Personal Data: has the meaning given to it in the Data Protection Act 1998.

Services: the services to be supplied by Blake Telecom to the Customer being any or all of the Installation Services, Maintenance Services, Fixed Network Services, Mobile Network Services, Data Services and/or IT Support Services, as the case may be, and Service shall be construed accordingly but shall exclude the provision of DNS servers and on-premise mail servers.

Service Specific Conditions: any policies, terms or procedures that apply to and shall be incorporated into the Contract, as specified in the notes section of the Order Form.

Site: the Customer’s place of business as specified in the Order Form where any Services are to be provided or carried out and/or (where applicable) Equipment is to be delivered and any Installation is to take place, as specified in the Order Form.

Small Business Customer: a Customer identified on the Order Form as not being a communications provider and who has 10 or fewer individuals working for that Customer (whether as employees, volunteers or otherwise).

Specification: the description or specification of the relevant Services and/or Equipment provided in writing by Blake Telecom to the Customer as set out in the Order Form.

Tariff: The tariff as set out on the order form and as varied in the

Notes Section of the Order Form for Fixed Network Services, Data Services, mobile services and the IT Support Services as attached to the Order Form and as amended or notified to the Customer from time to time. Blake Telecom reserve the right to change the tariff at any time.

VOIP: Voice Over Internet Protocol is the use of the internet as the transmission medium for telephone calls by digital means (rather than the traditional telephone system based on copper wires carrying analogue data).

Construction. In these Conditions, the following rules apply:

a person includes a natural person, corporate or unincorporated body (whether or not having a separate legal personality);
a reference to a party includes its representatives, successors or permitted assigns;
a reference to a statute or statutory provision is a reference to such statute or statutory provision as amended or re-enacted. A reference to a statute or statutory provision includes any subordinate legislation made under that statute or statutory provision, as amended or re-enacted;
any phrase introduced by the terms including, include, in particular, or any similar expression, shall be construed as illustrative and shall not limit the sense of the words preceding those terms; and
a reference to writing or written includes e-mails but excludes faxes.

2. BASIS OF CONTRACT

2.1. The sending of the Order Form by Blake Telecom to the customer constitutes an offer by Blake Telecom to the Customer to provide services and/or Equipment in accordance with these conditions, the Order and any service-specific conditions (“the Offer”). The Offer may be withdrawn at any point by Blake Telecom prior to it being accepted by the Customer.

2.2. The offer shall be accepted and the Contract shall be formed and come into existence at the point when Blake Telecom receives the Order Form, either electronically or physically, duly signed (either electronically or physically) by or on behalf of the Customer at which point and on which date the Contract shall come into existence. If Blake Telecom has not received the Order Form duly signed on behalf of the Customer within 3 months from the date on which it is sent by Blake Telecom to the Customer the offer to contract with the Customer shall be deemed to have been withdrawn unless otherwise agreed between Blake Telecom and the Customer. The contract term will start from the date the services are live and working even if this is different from the date on the order form.

2.3. The Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. The Customer acknowledges that it has not relied on any statement, promise, representation, assurance or warranty made or given by or on behalf of Blake Telecom which is not set out in the Order Form, the Service Specific Conditions or the terms (or incorporated by reference in any of them).

2.4. Any samples, drawings, descriptive matter or advertising issued by Blake Telecom, and any descriptions or illustrations contained in Blake Telecom’s catalogues or brochures, are issued or published for the sole purpose of giving an approximate idea of the services described in them. They shall not form part of the Contract nor have any contractual force.

2.5. These Conditions apply to the Contract to the exclusion of any other terms that the Customer seeks to impose or incorporate, or which are implied by trade, custom, practice or course of dealing. In the event of any conflict between these Conditions and any Service Specific Conditions, the Service Specific Conditions shall prevail. In the event of any conflict between these Conditions, any Service Specific Conditions and the Order Form, the Order Form will prevail in relation to that Service.

2.6. Any quotation given by Blake Telecom shall not constitute an offer, and is only valid for a period of 20 Business Days from its date of issue.

2.7. The Customer warrants to Blake Telecom that it is entering into the Contract for the purpose of its business, trade or profession and not as a consumer.

2.8. Except for Installation Services that shall form part of a Contract for the supply of Equipment, each order for Maintenance Services, Data Services, Mobile Services or Fixed Network Services shall be deemed to be a separate Contract (irrespective of whether more than one or all of them are included on the same Order Form).

2.9. To the extent that there is any failure or delay by Blake Telecom to supply one of the Services, that shall not entitle the Customer to terminate the Contract for the supply of any other Service or Services as the case may be (if any).

3. SUPPLY OF SERVICES

3.1. Blake Telecom shall supply the Services to the Customer in accordance with the Contract in all material respects. In the event that the Order Form specifies:

the supply by Blake Telecom to the Customer of Equipment and Installation Services and/or Maintenance Services, clause 4 of these Conditions shall also apply to the Contract
the supply by Blake Telecom to the Customer of Fixed Network Services, clause 5 of these Conditions shall also apply to the Contract;
the supply by Blake Telecom to the Customer of Data Services, clause 6 of these Conditions shall also apply to the Contract; and
the supply by Blake Telecom to the Customer of IT Support Services, clause 7 of these Conditions shall also apply to the Contract.
the supply by Blake Telecom to the customer of Mobile Services, clause 8 of these conditions shall also apply to the Contract.

3.2. Blake Telecom shall use all reasonable endeavours to deliver any Services on or by any date or dates specified in the Order Form, but any such dates shall be estimates or for guidance only and time shall not be of the essence for the performance of the Services.

3.3. Blake Telecom shall have the right to make any changes to any services which are necessary to comply with any applicable law or safety requirement, or which do not materially affect the nature or quality of the relevant Services. Blake Telecom shall notify the Customer of any such change.

3.4. Blake Telecom warrants to the Customer that the relevant Services will be provided using reasonable care and skill, subject to clauses 4, 5, 6, and 7 of these Conditions.

4. TERMS APPLICABLE TO EQUIPMENT, INSTALLATION SERVICES AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES

4.1. Any Order for Equipment is conditional on the availability of such Equipment prior to the Estimated Installation Date. Blake Telecom shall use reasonable endeavours to deliver the Equipment and supply the Installation Services with reasonable care and skill in accordance with the estimated period for delivery and installation. Installation within such a period is not guaranteed and time shall not be of the essence.

4.2. Delivery of Equipment shall be deemed to take place when the relevant Equipment arrives at the Customer’s Site (prior to unloading or unpacking) as specified in the Order (Delivery) (and Delivered shall be construed accordingly). In relation to Delivery of any Equipment:

The Customer shall be responsible for checking that all details specified in the Order are correct;
If the Customer fails to take delivery of any Equipment within 10 Business Days of Blake Telecom notifying the Customer that the Equipment is capable of being delivered, the Equipment shall be deemed to have been delivered in accordance with the Contract and the Equipment shall be at the risk of the Customer and thereafter clause 4.3 shall apply to the Equipment;
If any Equipment is to be delivered in instalments, any delay in the delivery of one instalment shall not entitle the Customer to reject the other instalments or to terminate the Contract; and
The risk in any Equipment shall pass to the Customer on Delivery (or deemed delivered in accordance with clause 4.2.2) and the Customer shall be responsible for insuring the Equipment from that time.

4.3. Ownership of any Equipment contracted to be purchased by the Customer shall not pass to the Customer until the Customer has paid Blake Telecom all sums due for the Equipment and the Installation Services. Unless and until ownership of the Equipment passes to the Customer (if at all), the Customer shall:

not remove, deface or obscure any identifying mark on or relating to the Equipment;
maintain (except where Blake Telecom is also at the time supplying Maintenance Services) the Equipment in satisfactory condition and insured it against all risks for its full price from the date of Delivery or deemed Delivery;
not lease, charge or otherwise encumber the Equipment;
not remove the Equipment from the Site without Blake Telecom’s prior written consent;

4.4. If the Equipment is leased or rented the Customer shall:-

Return the Equipment at the Customer’s cost to Blake Telecom immediately on request at the end of the lease or agreement; and
Permit Blake Telecom or its agents to enter any premises of the Customer or of any third party where the Equipment is located in order to recover it.

4.5. If the Customer is in breach of the Contract the Customer shall return the Equipment at the Customer’s cost to Blake Telecom immediately on request and permit Blake Telecom or its agents to enter any premises of the Customer or of any third party where the Equipment is located in order to recover it.

4.6. Supply of the Maintenance Services shall commence on the Commencement Date and shall continue for the Minimum Term and thereafter. The Maintenance Services Contract shall automatically extend for three years (Extended Term) at the end of the Minimum Term and at the end of each Extended Term. A party may give notice in writing by registered post to the other party no later than 90 days before the end of the Minimum Term or the relevant Extended Term, to terminate the Maintenance Services Contract at the end of the Minimum Term or the relevant Extended Term, as the case may be.

4.7. The Maintenance Services shall only be supplied by Blake Telecom in relation to the Equipment and to any other equipment agreed by Blake Telecom in writing from time to time. Unless agreed otherwise in writing by Blake Telecom, Blake Telecom shall supply the Maintenance Services in accordance with the Maintenance Service Levels (a copy of which is available from Blake Telecom as amended from time to time.

4.8. The Maintenance Services shall not include or be deemed to include repair or maintenance to:

equipment that is faulty or has failed due (in whole or part) to or caused by:
fair wear and tear;
the Customer’s (including its agents or workers) acts, operating errors, omissions or default;
failure in air-conditioning or fluctuations in electrical power;
any failure of equipment or software attached to or integrated to the Equipment where such equipment or software was not supplied by Blake Telecom;
vandalism, fire, theft, water or lightning;
any defect or error in software loaded onto the Equipment;
any defect or fault in connection with services supplied to Blake Telecom by any Carrier;
failure by the Customer (including its agents or workers) to adequately maintain any Equipment or operate it in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, guidelines or recommendations; or
any attempt by the Customer or any third party other than Blake Telecom or its duly authorised agents to repair, reconfigure, re-program or otherwise alter the Equipment or any equipment or cabling attached to it.
ancillary items, including but not limited to, answer-phones, analogue and digital phones or devices, call loggers, payphones, computers, servers, uninterruptible power supplies, batteries, fax machines, public address systems, printers, cabinets, external music on hold sources, any cabling and/or consumables unless otherwise agreed in writing;
the maintenance or repair of any extension wiring, any Equipment not at the Site, or of anything other than the Equipment; or
the reprogramming of the Equipment to provide improved or modified services or facilities for more than 10 minutes of engineering time.

4.9. In the event that Blake Telecom carries out Maintenance Services to any Equipment which has, in its reasonable opinion failed or become faulty due (wholly or partially) to any of the circumstances described in clause 4.8, Blake Telecom shall be entitled to charge additional fees for such services calculated within these terms and conditions.

4.10. In carrying out the Maintenance Services Blake Telecom shall not be liable in any way for the loss of any data or information stored on the Equipment or any other equipment that may be affected by the carrying out of the Maintenance Services and the Customer shall ensure that appropriate backups of all data and information are maintained.

4.11. In rectifying any fault to Equipment it may be necessary for Blake Telecom to reset the Equipment’s software. In such cases, Blake Telecom shall not be responsible for resetting or reloading equipment programming and user profiles unless agreed prior to works taking place.

4.12. The Maintenance Services are limited to the provision and repair of the Equipment by Blake Telecom on a like for like basis, which may include Blake Telecom supplying reconditioned parts for Equipment and reconditioned Equipment. Any Equipment that is removed or replaced, and any parts that are removed or installed in Equipment in the carrying out of the Maintenance Services shall become or shall remain (as the case may be) the property of Blake Telecom.

4.13. Blake Telecom shall not be liable for any delay in the performance of the Maintenance Services where such delay is attributable to no or poor or delayed availability of spare parts for any item of Equipment.

4.14. If the Customer terminates a Contract (in whole or in part) for Maintenance Services before the end of any applicable Minimum Term or Extended Term, the Customer shall pay to Blake Telecom all charges that would have accrued during the period from the expiry of the Customer’s notice to terminate (or where no notice is given the date of indication by the Customer of an intention to no longer be bound by the Contract (in whole or in part)) to the end of the Minimum Term or Extended Term (as the case may be).

5. TERMS APPLICABLE TO FIXED NETWORK AND MOBILE SERVICES

5.1. The supply of the Fixed Network Services and Mobile Services shall commence on the Commencement Date and shall continue for the Minimum Term stated on the Order Form or agreed in writing.

5.2. If the Commencement Date for the provision of Fixed Network Services and Mobile Services has not occurred prior to the first anniversary of the Contract Date for the Fixed Network Services then the Contract in respect thereof shall be deemed to have terminated unless otherwise agreed between Blake Telecom and the Customer. The rights of the parties that have accrued prior to such termination shall not be affected by such termination.

5.3. The Fixed Network Services or Mobile Services Contract shall automatically extend for three years (Extended Term) at the end of the Minimum Term and at the end of each Extended Term. A party may give notice in writing by registered post to the other party no later than 90 days before the end of the Minimum Term or the relevant Extended Term to terminate the relevant Contract at the end of the Minimum Term or the relevant Extended Term, as the case may be.

5.4. In the event that clause 5.3 is deemed to be unreasonable and unenforceable by way of a final court judgment then this clause 5.4 shall apply. Subject to clause 5.5, the Fixed Network Services and Mobile Services Contract shall automatically extend for 12 calendar months (Extended Term) at the end of the Minimum Term and at the end of each Extended Term. A party may give notice in writing by registered post to the other party no later than 90 days before the end of the Minimum Term or the relevant Extended Term to terminate the Fixed Network Services and/or Mobile Services Contract at the end of the Minimum Term or the relevant Extended Term, as the case may be.

5.5. Where the Customer is a Small Business Customer, the Customer may terminate the Fixed Network Services and/or Mobile Services Contract by giving not less than 90 days notice in writing by receipted email or registered post to Blake Telecom, such notice to expire no earlier than the end of the Minimum Term.

5.6. The provision of any Fixed Network Services and/or Mobile Services by Blake Telecom Contracted under the condition that:

Blake Telecom carry out such surveys as it deems necessary to satisfy itself that it can supply the Fixed Network Services;
the installation of the lines over which the Fixed Network Services and/or Mobile Services are to be provided and such lines being fully operational; and
the Customer provides Blake Telecom to its satisfaction with accurate information and data to enable Blake Telecom to calculate the Charges and carry out a site survey.

5.7. Blake Telecom warrants to the Customer that Fixed Network Services and/or Mobile Services will be provided using reasonable care and skill. The Customer agrees that Blake Telecom cannot guarantee that the Fixed Network Services and/or Mobile Services will work without interruption and acknowledges that Blake Telecom will be fault or error-free. Any interruption, fault or error with the Fixed Network Services must be notified to Blake Telecom in accordance with clause 5.8.

5.8. The Customer shall notify Blake Telecom of any interruption, fault or error with the Fixed Network Services and/or Mobile Services in accordance with Blake Telecom’s Fault Handling Policy (available from Blake Telecom) as amended from time to time. Blake Telecom shall use reasonable endeavours to correct or cure any interruption, fault or error with the Fixed Network Services and/or Mobile Services in accordance with Blake Telecom’s Fault Handling Policy, save that time shall not be of the essence.

5.9. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Conditions, Blake Telecom shall not be liable to the Customer in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise for any acts or omissions of Carriers that may (wholly or partially) cause, impact or result in any interruption, fault error with or withdrawal of (temporarily or permanently) the Fixed Network Services and/or Mobile Services.

5.10. All and any telephone numbers allocated to the Customer in connection with the Fixed Network Services and/or Mobile Services may be withdrawn by OFCOM and accordingly Blake Telecom does not warrant or represent that such telephone numbers can be provided to the Customer. The Customer acknowledges and agrees that any telephone numbers allocated to it are allocated based on a licence and the Customer agrees not to sell or transfer any telephone number provided to it (except where the Customer has a right to port that telephone number).

5.11. In relation to the use of the Fixed Network Services and/or Mobile Services the Customer agrees:

to ensure that the Fixed Network Services and Mobile Services are not used to make offensive, indecent, menacing, nuisance or hoax calls;
not to use the Fixed Network Services and Mobile Services in any way that may, in Blake Telecom’s reasonable opinion, damage its reputation;
not to contravene any laws, regulations or codes of conduct that may, from time to time, be applicable to the use or supply of the Fixed Network Services and Mobile Services;
to implement and maintain appropriate security and control over its networks, equipment and business to prevent fraud and to prevent calls being generated by third parties;
to maintain adequately all equipment utilised in connection with the Fixed Network Services and Mobile Services and ensure its compatibility in terms of technical specification;
not to use nor permit the Fixed Network Services or Mobile Services to be used in any way that would constitute or contribute to the commission of any crime, tort, fraud or other unlawful activity;
not to allow any unauthorised use of the Fixed Network Services and Mobile Services and to take all reasonable security measures to prevent such use;
not to sell or resell the Fixed Network Services or Mobile Services in whole or in part;
not to misuse the Fixed Network Services in any way, including without limitation causing the volume of calls made to the telephone numbers allocated to the
Customer to significantly exceed that which can be answered by the Customer where this would cause congestion to a network;
that Blake Telecom may publish details of the Customer’s name, address and telephone number(s) in the Directory Enquiries Service unless the Customer expressly
confirms to Blake Telecom in writing that it would like a special entry to be made, for which Blake Telecom may make an additional charge;
that to the extent the Fixed Network Services and Mobile Services contain VOIP services, clause 6.12 shall also apply that references in that clause to Data Services shall be deemed to be references to Fixed Network Services;
and to order to protect the Customer against the unauthorised transfer of Fixed Network Services, in the event that the Customer fails to contact Blake Telecom not less than 48 hours prior to any transfer date in accordance with Blake Telecom’s Customer Transfer Preference Policy, Blake Telecom may cancel any order made with a third party supplier.

5.12. Any equipment or software installed or supplied by Blake Telecom to the Customer in connection with the Fixed Network Services or Mobile Services (including but not limited to handsets and any other hardware or software) shall, except for equipment purchased by the Customer at all times remain the property of Blake Telecom. Clause 4.3 shall apply to such equipment as if it were deemed to be Equipment. The Customer shall return such equipment to Blake Telecom immediately on request and shall be liable for costs, losses, damages and expenses incurred by Blake Telecom for the repair, recovery and replacement of such equipment.

5.13. Upon termination of the Fixed Network Services Contract (for whatever reason), the Customer shall return any handsets installed or supplied by Blake Telecom to the Customer in connection with the Fixed Network Services at the Customer’s cost. If such hardware or software is not returned within seven days following the termination of the Fixed Network Services Contract, Blake Telecom reserves the right to charge the Customer a fee in respect of each item, as specified in the Tariff.

5.14. Blake Telecom shall be entitled to make additional charges if the Customer supplies inaccurate or misleading information to Blake Telecom or if the results of any survey reveal additional construction work is required for Blake Telecom to supply the relevant Fixed Network Services and/or Mobile Services.

5.15. Where the transfer of lines and services of another supplier occurs, then the provision of any and all relevant existing services supplied to the Customer by such supplier will automatically transfer to Blake Telecom and will be charged for by Blake Telecom in accordance with the Tariff.

5.16. The Customer acknowledges and accepts that they are liable for any and all charges – including without limitation for any and all charges – made by a third party supplier for any transfer of lines and services or otherwise unless it is clearly stated on the Order Form that Blake Telecom will pay for such charges in which case Blake Telecom will pay for such charges but limited to those specifically as set out on the Order Form.

5.17. The Customer accepts and acknowledges that Blake Telecom will prior to the Handover Date have spent a significant amount of time and incurred expenses in preparation for the provision of the Fixed Network Services to the Customer. If the Customer terminates the Contract for Fixed Network Services prior to the Handover Date, the Customer agrees to pay Blake Telecom £500 plus VAT. This clause 5.17 shall not apply where the Customer is a Small Business Customer except under clauses 5.17.a. and 5.17.b. for leased lines. Where the Customer is a Small Business Customer, the Customer may terminate a Contract for Fixed Network Services at any time prior to commencement of the supply of such Services. Leased lines are an exception to this clause and include;

In relation to any leased line services or fully managed services, the client agrees to indemnify Blake Telecom in full against any delays or service quality issues that may arise from a 3rd party supplier’s actions and the client agrees to fully pay any and all outstanding amounts owed to Blake Telecom.
In relation to leased line services or managed services, if the client cancels the agreement prior to installation, the client agrees to pay any charges that may or may not arise or be charged by the 3rd party for any administration charges, engineering or survey charges

5.18. The following provisions of this clause 5.18 shall apply in the event that after the Handover Date the Customer terminates the Contract for Fixed Network Services in breach of contract prior to the expiry of the Minimum Term or the Extended Terms as the case may be. In this clause 5.18 Remainder of the Term means (where the Customer terminates or is deemed to have terminated the Contract in breach of contract) the period that the Contract would have had left to run if the Customer had instead terminated it at the earliest following opportunity without being in breach of contract.

5.19. Where the Customer has contracted for the supply of line rental only, a Customer agrees that it shall not – on lines contracted to be billed by Blake Telecom – use those lines for calls charged for by another supplier. If in breach of this clause the Customer does use lines supplied by Blake Telecom for the carriage of calls charged for by another supplier the Customer shall be deemed to be in breach of the Contract for the supply of Fixed Network Services and at Blake Telecom’s option the Customer shall be deemed to have terminated the Contract for Fixed Network Services in breach of contract and the provisions of this clause 5.18 shall apply.

5.20. If in breach of contract the Customer terminates a Contract for Fixed Network Services and/or Mobile Services before the end of the Minimum Term or where applicable the end of an Extended Term (as the case may be), the Customer shall be liable to pay to Blake Telecom an amount calculated in the following manner:-

(by reference to line rental) the sum that it would have paid to Blake Telecom for the rental of the lines for the Remainder of the Term calculated at the rate then applying at the time of termination; plus
(by reference to call charges) either the sum of £500 or if greater the average of the monthly charges for calls incurred by the Customer for the six whole months prior to the termination of the contract multiplied by the period of the Remainder of the Term (expressed in months)

5.21. The Customer agrees not to use in connection with the Fixed Network Service provided by Blake Telecom any telephone number that the Customer does not have the legitimate right to use. In this regard, the Customer shall not “present out” any telephone number that it does not have the right to use; such as a telephone number of a competitor.

6. TERMS APPLICABLE TO DATA SERVICES

6.1. The supply of the Data Services shall commence on the Commencement Date and shall continue for the Minimum Term.

6.2. Subject to the remaining provisions of this clause if the Commencement Date for the provision of Data Services has not occurred prior to the first anniversary of the Contract Date for the Data Services then the Contract in respect thereof shall be deemed to have terminated. Blake Telecom may by giving written notice to the Customer extend the period referred to in this clause by six months if the reason why the Commencement Date has not occurred is outside of the control of Blake Telecom. Further, the period may be extended in by such period as Blake Telecom and the Customer agree. The rights of the parties that have accrued prior to such termination shall not be affected by such termination.

6.3. Subject to clause 6.5 the Data Services Contract shall automatically extend for three years (Extended Term) at the end of the Minimum Term and at the end of each Extended Term. Either party may give notice in writing to the other party no later than 90 days by registered post before the end of the Minimum Term or of the end of the relevant Extended Term, to terminate the Data Services Contract at the end of the Minimum Term or the relevant Extended Term, as the case may be.

6.4. If for any reason clause 6.3 is deemed to be unreasonable and unenforceable by way of a final court judgment then this clause 6.4 shall apply. Subject to clause 6.5 the Data Services Contract shall automatically extend for 12 calendar months (Extended Term) at the end of the Minimum Term and at the end of each Extended Term. Either party may give notice in writing to the other party no later than 90 days by registered post before the end of the Minimum Term or of the end of the relevant Extended Term, to terminate the Data Services Contract at the end of the Minimum Term or the relevant Extended Term, as the case may be.

6.5. Where the Customer is a Small Business Customer, the Customer may terminate the Data Services Contract by giving not less than 90 days notice in writing by receipted email or registered post to Blake Telecom, such notice is to expire no earlier than the end of the Minimum Term.

6.6. The provision of any Data Services by Blake Telecom under a Data Services Contract is conditional on:

That Blake Telecom carries out such surveys as it considers necessary to satisfy itself that it is feasible for it to supply the Data Services and Blake Telecom being satisfied with the results of such surveys;
Blake Telecom is not being prevented by circumstances and factors outside of its control from being able to supply the Data Services. Examples of such circumstances and factors include (without limitation) the infrastructure not being able to support the Data Services, the Customer not obtaining the necessary permission from third parties such as a landlord to install the necessary infrastructure, or a public body such as a local authority or highways authority withholding consent to the installation of the infrastructure where such consent is required;
the installation of the lines over which the Data Services are to be provided and such lines being fully operational; and
the Customer providing to Blake Telecom with its satisfaction accurate information and data to enable Blake Telecom to calculate the Charges and to carry out or commission a site survey.

6.7. Blake Telecom warrants to the Customer that Data Services will be provided using reasonable care and skill. The Customer agrees that Blake Telecom cannot guarantee that the Data Services will work without interruption and will be fault or error-free. Any interruption, fault or error with the Data Services must be notified to Blake Telecom in accordance with clause 6.8.

6.8. The Customer shall notify Blake Telecom of any interruption, fault or error with the Data Services in accordance with Blake Telecom’s Fault Handling Policy (available from Blake Telecom) as amended from time to time. Blake Telecom shall use reasonable endeavours to correct or cure any interruption, fault or error with the Data Services in accordance with Blake Telecom’s Fault Handling Policy, save that time shall not be of the essence.

6.9. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Conditions, Blake Telecom shall not be liable to the Customer in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise for any acts or omissions of suppliers that may (wholly or partially) cause, impact or result in any interruption, fault or error with, or withdrawal of (temporarily or permanently), the Data Services.

6.10. In relation to the use of the Data Services the Customer agrees and where appropriate accepts:

to comply with the obligations in clauses 5.11(a) to 5.11(i) (inclusive) as if references in those clauses to Fixed Network Services were references to Data Services;
not to misuse the Data Services in any way, including sending or receiving data in such a manner or volume to exceed agreed usage limits or to adversely affect the network, Blake Telecom or its other customers;
that the speed of any Data Services or connection depends on several factors beyond Blake Telecom’s control (including external factors and physical factors) (such as local availability, the distance from the exchange and peak traffic volume) and that Blake Telecom does not warrant or represent that the Customer’s connection(s) will produce the maximum advertised speed;
that except where stated otherwise in the Order Form, the Data Services do not include the supply by Blake Telecom of lines, modems and other equipment that might be required by the Customer to utilise the Services nor advice on these unless Blake Telecom is specifically engaged to do so under a separate contract which shall be in addition to the provision of Data Services under the Data Services Contract;
to comply with Blake Telecom’s Fair Use Policy (details available on request) as amended from time to time;
provide suitable space and environment at the Site for the equipment used in the provision of the Data Services (such as sufficient cooled space on a rack) and to do so promptly. Compliance by the Customer with this clause shall be entirely at the Customer’s cost.

6.11. In respect of any router supplied by or on behalf of Blake Telecom for a managed internet Ethernet circuit unless otherwise specifically agreed with Blake Telecom:-

the router will be provided in a routed IP configuration and its sole purpose is to create an interface for the Customer to plug equipment into and it is not to be used for any other purpose;
the router is the demarcation point at which the responsibility for the provision of Data Services by Blake Telecom ends;
access to the command interface of the router (which would be required to configure the router) will not be provided to the Customer, nor will other functions that the router may be capable of being enabled such as wireless connectivity and firewall functionality (unless specifically agreed by Blake Telecom in writing);
Blake Telecom is not responsible for the configuration of the router other than for an IP configuration; and
Blake Telecom shall not be responsible for installing firewalls or plugging in the router and if the Customer requires firewalls the Customer shall be responsible for processing their installation (unless a separate order is in place and agreements are specifically detailed).

6.12. In respect of a router supplied by or on behalf of Blake Telecom for an internet broadband service it will be provided in a NAT (Network Address Translation) configuration with DHCP Scope enabled unless otherwise agreed.

6.13. Blake Telecom is under a duty to all of its customers to preserve network integrity and capacity and avoid degradation wherever possible. The Customer agrees that:

if in Blake Telecom’s reasonable opinion the Customer’s use of Data Services is adversely affecting, or may adversely affect, integrity and capacity of networks, Blake Telecom may take such steps as it deems appropriate to manage the Customer’s Data Services;
Blake Telecom and/or the Carrier may take such steps as it deems necessary to stop emails that appear to be bulk emails or which appear to be unsolicited from entering networks and this may include blocking access to or delivery of any such emails; and
Blake Telecom and/or the Carrier may operate virus screen technology, which may result in the deletion or alteration of emails or their attachments however, this is solely the responsibility of the customer to source their own network security.

6.13.1. Where the Data Services involve the supply of VOIP services, then it is agreed that the following shall apply and the Customer accepts that:

the Customer’s ability to make emergency calls and their priority treatment cannot be guaranteed and any suspension or interruption of the VOIP service may result in the Customer being unable to make emergency calls;
the VOIP services are generally not considered to be as reliable as calls made over conventional telephone lines and Customers are advised to maintain the ability to make telephone calls other than through a VOIP system, such as by maintaining a conventional telephone line;
the Customer acknowledges that the VOIP service may sometimes be limited, unavailable or interrupted due to events beyond Blake Telecom’s control, such as those specified in clause 15.1 (force majeure); and
the VOIP services may not offer all of the features or resilience that the Customer may expect from a conventional telephone line.

6.14. Other than Equipment purchased by the Customer, any equipment installed or supplied by Blake Telecom to the Customer in connection with the Data Services (including but not limited to routers) shall at all times remain the property of Blake Telecom. The provisions of clauses 4.3 (a) to (d) shall apply to all such equipment. The Customer shall return such equipment to Blake Telecom immediately on request or cessation of the provision of Data Services and the Customer shall be liable for all costs, losses, damages and expenses incurred by Blake Telecom for the repair, recovery and replacement of such equipment.

6.15. Upon termination of the Data Services Contract (for whatever reason), the Customer shall return any routers installed or supplied by Blake Telecom to the Customer in connection with the Data Services at the Customer’s cost. If such routers are not returned within seven days following the termination of the Data Services Contract, Blake Telecom reserves the right to charge the Customer a fee in respect of each router, as specified in the Tariff.

6.16. Where the Customer wishes to transfer the provision of any lines or services from another supplier to Blake Telecom, the Customer shall:

provide to Blake Telecom such accurate information as is required by Blake Telecom to enable the migration from the current supplier; and
be responsible for all costs, charges and penalties that may arise as a result of or in connection with such transfer.

6.17. The Customer acknowledges and accepts that they are fully liable for all cancellation or termination payments and charges (including without limitation any early termination charges) levied by a previous supplier for the transfer of the provision of services and lines to Blake Telecom unless it is stated on the Order Form that Blake Telecom will be responsible for the payment of such Charges.

6.18. The Customer accepts and acknowledges that Blake Telecom will prior to the Connection Date have spent a significant amount of time and incurred expenses in preparation for the provision of the Data Services to the Customer. In the event that the Customer terminates the Contract prior to the Connection Date it shall pay to Blake Telecom:

£500 plus VAT in respect of the time spent by Blake Telecom in preparation for the provision of the Data Services to the Customer and;
an amount equal to the direct expenses (plus VAT) incurred by Blake Telecom to its supplier(s) in the preparation of Data Services to the Customer limited to £2,000. This clause 6.19 shall not apply where the Customer is a Small Business Customer.

6.19. Where the Customer is a Small Business Customer, the Customer may terminate a Contract for Data Services at any time prior to commencement of the supply of such Data Services. The following shall apply in the event that after the Connection Date the Customer terminates the Contract for Data Services in breach of contract prior to the expiry of the Minimum Term or the Extended Terms as the case may be.

6.20. Remainder of the Term means (where the Customer terminates or is deemed to have terminated the Contract in breach of contract) the period that the Contract would have had left to run if the Customer had instead terminated it at the earliest following opportunity without being in breach of contract. Where the Customer terminates the Contract for Data Services in breach of contract after the Connection Date but before the Handover Date then the Remainder of the Term shall be deemed to have commenced on the Connection Date.

6.21. The Customer acknowledges and accepts that to enable Blake Telecom to provide the Data Services to the Customer, Blake Telecom will enter into a contract for a fixed term with its supplier at the Connection Date. As is common with such contracts Blake Telecom may remain liable to its supplier whether or not the Contract for Data Services with the Customer terminates prior to the end of the Minimum Term or the Extended Term as the case may be.

6.22. In the event that the Customer is in breach of contract by terminating the Contract for Data Services otherwise than in accordance with clause 6.3 or 6.4 if applicable (and/or 6.5 where the Customer is a Small Business Customer) before the end of the Minimum Term or where applicable the end of an Extended Term (as the case may be) the Customer shall pay to Blake Telecom as liquidated damages an amount equal to the sum that the Customer would have been liable to pay to Blake Telecom for the Remainder of the Term for the Data Services (calculated at the rate which applied at the time of termination) less any reduction that may apply under the provisions of services. Where such termination occurs after the Connection Date but before the Commencement Date then the rate shall be the rate that would have applied at the Commencement Date had the Contract not been terminated.

6.23. If the provisions of clause 6.19(c) apply and in the event that a supplier used by Blake Telecom to provide the Data Services to the Customer reduces the amount that it charges to Blake Telecom from that which it is contractually entitled to charge in respect of the Remainder of the Term Blake Telecom shall advise the Customer of the amount of the reduction and that reduction shall be deducted from the amount payable under clause 6.19.

7. TERMS APPLICABLE TO IT SUPPORT SERVICES
7.1. For the purpose of the IT Support Services, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

7.1.1. Service Level Agreement: the service levels for the provision of IT Support Services are available from Blake Telecom on request and may be amended from time to time.

7.1.2. System: the hardware, operating systems and software listed in the Order Form.

7.1.3. Support Hours: the hours listed on the Order Form.

7.1.4. Out of Hours: such hours and times that are not within the Support Hours.

7.1.5. Support Request: includes the following:

a request submitted by the Customer via telephone or email for support by Blake Telecom under the IT Support Services;
and automated messages for support generated by the System and sent directly to Blake Telecom for attention.

7.2. Subject to clause 2.2, the supply of the IT Support Services shall commence on the Commencement Date and continue for the Minimum Term.

7.3. The IT Support Services Contract shall automatically extend for three years (Extended Term) at the end of the Minimum Term and the end of each Extended Term. Either party may give notice in writing by registered post to the other party no later than 90 days before the end of the Minimum Term or the relevant Extended Term, to terminate the IT Support Services Contract at the end of the Initial Period or the relevant Extended Term, as the case may be.

7.4. If for any reason clause 7.3 is deemed to be unreasonable and unenforceable by way of a final court judgment then this clause 7.4 shall apply. The IT Support Services Contract shall automatically extend for 12 calendar months (Extended Term) at the end of the Minimum Term and at the end of each Extended Term. Either party may give notice in writing by registered post to the other party no later than 90 days before the end of the Minimum Term or of the end of the relevant Extended Term, to terminate the IT Support Services Contract at the end of the Minimum Term or the relevant Extended Term, as the case may be.

7.5. The provision of any IT Support Services by Blake Telecom under an IT Support Services Contract is conditional on:

7.6. Blake Telecom carrying out such surveys as it deems necessary to satisfy itself that it can supply the IT Support Services; and

7.7. the Customer provides Blake Telecom with its satisfaction with accurate information and data to enable Blake Telecom to provide IT Support Services.

7.8. Subject to the Customer’s payment of the Charges, Blake Telecom will provide the IT Support Services to the Customer:

during Support Hours, unless support during Out of Hours is requested by the Customer and this is agreed to be provided by Blake Telecom;
meeting or exceeding the service levels referred to in the Service Level Agreement;
remotely, unless otherwise agreed between Blake Telecom and the Customer.

7.9. In relation to the use of the IT Support Services the Customer agrees:

that the IT Support Services shall be provided by Blake Telecom remotely unless otherwise agreed;
to permit Blake Telecom remote access to its System and inform Blake Telecom of any changes to passwords or other security devices to enable Blake Telecom to access the System;
to keep backup copies of its operating systems and software;
to keep backup copies of its data in line with recommendations made by the relevant software providers or Blake Telecom from time to time;
to make available such personnel of the Customer with appropriate skills, knowledge and authority to assist Blake Telecom in the diagnosis of faults and the
implementation of reasonable instructions intended to rectify or prevent the recurrence of faults;
to promptly check that files have been restored from back-up when restoration from back-up has been tested.

7.10. Blake Telecom shall prioritise all Support Requests based on its reasonable assessment of the severity level of the problem reported and use its reasonable endeavours to respond to all Support Requests with a break-fix in accordance with the response times set out in the Service Level Agreement.

7.11. Blake Telecom will seek to acknowledge all Support Requests within two working office hours of being logged.

7.12. The Customer acknowledges and agrees that:

that a fault in the System is caused by an error or defect in the operating system or software, the sole responsibility of Blake Telecom will be to notify the Customer of
the issue and to devise (where possible) a workaround for the Customer;
the sole responsibility of Blake Telecom in respect of any hardware issues shall be to diagnose faults in the hardware. The correction of any faults in the hardware shall be undertaken in accordance with the manufacturer’s warranty;
Blake Telecom will not be liable for any loss of data, loss of productivity or financial losses incurred due to incomplete or corrupt backup of data or backup procedures.
If the Customer requests and Blake Telecom provides IT, Support Services over the Customer’s allocated allowance, Blake Telecom shall be entitled to charge additional fees for such services in accordance with clause 9.8.

7.13. Blake Telecom shall, at the request and cost of the Customer, provide the Customer with a report summarising the Support Requests received, the time of receipt, the time of response and the time the Support Request is cleared. Any such request must be made in writing to Blake Telecom and the Customer acknowledges and agrees that reports can only be provided by Blake Telecom in respect of the month or months following the receipt of the request.

7.14. Blake Telecom warrants to the Customer that the IT Support Services will be rendered by personnel with appropriate skills and experience to provide the IT Support Services. The Customer agrees that Blake Telecom cannot guarantee that the provision of the IT Support Services will cause the System to work without interruption or error. The warranties provided by Blake Telecom in clause 3.4 and this clause 7.13 shall be in lieu of and shall operate to exclude any other condition or warranty whether express or implied by law as to the provision of the IT Support Services.

7.15. The Customer warrants to Blake Telecom that it owns or has the benefit of a valid and subsisting licence to use every element of the System and it has full authority to permit Blake Telecom to perform the IT Support Services hereunder.

7.16. The Customer will fully indemnify and hold Blake Telecom harmless against all costs, expenses, liabilities, losses, damages and judgments that Blake Telecom may incur or be subject to as a result of a breach of clause 7.14.

8. CUSTOMER’S GENERAL OBLIGATIONS AND TERMS APPLICABLE TO ALL SERVICES
8.1. In relation to the Services, the Customer:

shall ensure that the terms of the Order and any information it provides in the Specification are complete and accurate;
shall co-operate with Blake Telecom in all matters relating to the relevant Services;
shall provide Blake Telecom, its employees, agents, consultants and subcontractors, with access to the Customer’s premises, office accommodation and other facilities as reasonably required by Blake Telecom;
shall provide Blake Telecom with such information and materials as Blake Telecom may reasonably require to supply the relevant Services and/or Equipment, and ensure that such information is accurate in all material respects;
shall prepare its premises for the supply of the relevant Services (where applicable);
shall obtain and maintain all necessary licences, permissions and consents which may be required before the date on which the Services are to start (where applicable);
agrees that Blake Telecom may from time to time monitor or record calls made to Blake Telecom or by Blake Telecom to improve customer service, for training or marketing purposes;
agrees that Blake Telecom shall not be liable or responsible for any failure or delay in the Services due to or in connection with any third-party infrastructure applicable to the supply of any Services;
agrees to co-operate with any criminal investigations or any investigation of any regulatory body that applies to the supply of any of the Services;
be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all specifications, drawings, sketches, plans, descriptions and instructions provided to Blake Telecom in connection with the supply of any Services and/or Equipment; and
shall comply with all Service Specific Conditions.

8.2. The Customer shall be liable to Blake Telecom for the use of the Services (including for any Charges incurred) by the actions of any of its employees and any other person who has been given access to use the Services by the Customer and any person who gains access to use the Services for fraudulent purposes including in each case where such use was not authorised by the Customer. The Customer is strongly advised to install robust and effective security provisions to prevent unauthorised and/or fraudulent use.

8.3. If Blake Telecom’s performance of any of its obligations under the Contract is prevented or delayed by any act or omission of the Customer or failure by the Customer to perform any relevant obligation or comply with any obligation or policy under the Conditions (Customer Default):

Blake Telecom shall without limiting its other rights or remedies have the right to suspend the performance of any Service until the Customer remedies the Customer
Default, and to rely on the Customer Default to relieve it from the performance of any of its obligations to the extent that the Customer Default prevents or delays Blake Telecom’s performance of any of its obligations;
Blake Telecom shall not be liable for any costs or losses sustained or incurred by the Customer arising directly or indirectly from Blake Telecom’s failure or delay to perform any of its obligations as set out in this clause 8.3; and
the Customer shall reimburse Blake Telecom on written demand for any costs or losses sustained or incurred by Blake Telecom arising directly or indirectly from the Customer Default.

8.4. Without prejudice to clause 8.3 or any other remedy available to Blake Telecom, Blake Telecom shall be entitled to suspend the performance of any Service or terminate the Contract relating to the relevant Service without further liability to the Customer if Blake Telecom:

is obliged to comply with any order, instruction or request of any competent governmental body;
terminates the provision of telecommunications services;
in its reasonable opinion, Blake Telecom or the Carrier believes the Service is being used fraudulently or unlawfully; or
in its reasonable opinion, Blake Telecom or the Carrier needs to carry out improvements or repairs to any networks or equipment relating to the applicable Services.

8.5. Blake Telecom shall not be liable for any charges resulting from or in connection with fraudulent or unauthorised use of a Service and/or Equipment and the Customer shall be responsible for and pay all charges, costs, fees and expenses resulting from or in connection with any fraudulent or unauthorised use of any Service and/or Equipment.

9. CHARGES AND PAYMENT FOR SERVICES
9.1. The Charges for the Services and/or the Equipment shall be charged to and payable by the Customer in accordance with this clause 9 and the case of Data Services and Fixed Network Services in accordance with this clause 9 and clause 10.

9.2. The Charges for the Equipment and Installation Services shall be as specified in the Order Form or Customer Agreement and calculated in accordance with these Conditions. Except as otherwise specified in the Order Form, Charges for Equipment and Installation Services shall be payable on Delivery.

9.3. The Customer shall pay any deposit specified in the Order Form within seven days of submitting the Order Form to Blake Telecom.

9.4. The Charges for the Maintenance Services shall be as specified in the Order Form and calculated in accordance with these Conditions. Except as otherwise specified in the Order Form, Charges for Maintenance Services shall be payable annually in advance with the first payment due on the Commencement Date and continuing to be payable thereafter on each anniversary of the Commencement Date.

9.5. Where clause 4.8 applies in relation to Maintenance Services, Blake Telecom shall be entitled to make such additional charges as are calculated in accordance with the Tariff.

9.6. Blake Telecom may charge the Customer a call out fee where such a call-out occurs based on incorrect information being provided to Blake Telecom or where a call-out occurs but the operative is unable to gain access to the premises within the times notified to the Customer for the call out.

9.7. The Charges for the Maintenance Services may increase on each anniversary of the Commencement Date by 8%.

9.8. The Charges for the IT Support Services shall be as specified in the Order Form and calculated in accordance with these Conditions. Except as otherwise specified in the Order Form or these Conditions, Charges for IT Support Services shall be payable monthly in advance with the first payment due on the Commencement Date and continuing to be paid each month thereafter on the anniversary of the Commencement Date.

9.9. Where IT Support Services are provided during Out of Hours or at the Customer’s premises (or such location as is required by the Customer), the Charges shall be calculated by reference to the applicable hourly rates specified in the Order Form, or, if not stated in the Order Form, such hourly rates as specified in the Tariff. Blake Telecom may invoice the Customer in respect of such services rendered, immediately after their provision.

9.10. Where clause 7.11 applies in relation to the IT Support Services, Blake Telecom shall be entitled to make such additional charges as are calculated in accordance with or stipulated in the Tariff.

9.11. Blake Telecom shall not increase the monthly charge or its hourly rates in respect of the IT Support Services unless the Customer’s network or user count has increased and at which point, any increase would need to be agreed upon by both parties before any increase being applied. The Customer’s network and user count will be reviewed by Blake Telecom every six months from the Commencement Date.

9.12. The provisions of this clause apply to any proposed increase in the Charges other than those referred to in clause 9.14 below (which reflect an increase caused by regulatory changes in respect of which the provisions of clause 9.14 apply). Blake Telecom reserves the right to increase its Charges for any Service (including without limitation by revising any Tariff). Blake Telecom will give the Customer written notice of any such increase not less than 30 days before the proposed date of the increase. If such increase is not acceptable to the Customer, it shall notify Blake Telecom in writing within 14 days of the date of Blake Telecom’s notice that the Client wishes to terminate the Contract, failing which the Customer shall be deemed to have accepted the changes.

9.13. Subject to applicable regulations, Blake Telecom reserves the right to increase its Charges for any Service (including without limitation by revising any Tariff) as a result of any increase in charges made to Blake Telecom by third party providers to it by a sum equal to any such increase. In such circumstances, the Customer shall not have the right to cancel the Contract.

9.14. Where Blake Telecom proposes to increase its Charges for any Service (including by revising without limitation any Tariff) as a consequence of a regulatory change and that the increase is no greater than the additional cost to Blake Telecom caused by the regulatory change, it will give the Customer written notice of any such increase not less than 30 days before the proposed date of the increase. In such circumstances, the Customer shall not have the right to cancel the Contract.

9.15. Except where otherwise specified in these Conditions or the relevant Order for any Service, the Customer shall pay each invoice submitted by Blake Telecom:

within 14 days of the date of the invoice; and
in full and in cleared funds to a bank account nominated in writing by Blake Telecom.
Time for payment of all Charges shall be of the essence of the Contract.
All amounts payable by the Customer under the Contract are exclusive of amounts in respect of value-added tax chargeable for the time being (VAT). The Customer shall pay to Blake Telecom such additional amounts in respect of VAT as are chargeable on the supply of the Services at the same time as payment is due for the supply of the Services.

9.16. Invoices shall be deemed to have been accepted if the Customer does not present a written objection, identifying the disputed invoice and the reasons why it is challenged, to Blake Telecom within 30 days of the date of the invoice.

9.17. Where the customer does not enter any Limited company details in the fields on the order form and instead enters their personal details such as their name and address, and their home details have been included within the contract, the customer accepts full liability of all and any charges outstanding on the account whether during or after the contract end date.

9.18. If the Customer fails to make any payment due to Blake Telecom under the Contract by the due date for payment, then the Customer shall pay interest on the overdue amount at the rate of 8% per cent per annum above Lloyds Bank plc’s base rate from time to time. Such interest shall accrue daily from the due date until the actual payment of the overdue amount, whether before or after judgment. The Customer shall pay the interest together with the overdue amount.

9.19. The Customer shall pay all amounts due under the Contract in full without any set-off, counterclaim, deduction or withholding (except for any deduction or withholding required by law). Blake Telecom may at any time, without limiting its other rights or remedies, set off any amount owing to it by the Customer against any amount payable by Blake Telecom to the Customer.

9.20. Blake Telecom may exercise a lien over any equipment or goods in Blake Telecom’s possession belonging to the Customer, for all monies payable by the Customer to Blake Telecom.

9.21. Any delay in Blake Telecom raising an invoice for any Charges shall not prohibit Blake Telecom from raising an invoice for the applicable Charges at a later date and the Customer shall pay such Charges no later than 14 days of the date on the issued invoice.

9.22. Blake Telecom reserves the right to make additional charges for paper billing, late payment, reconnection, non-direct debit payment methods and incorrect fault reporting by the Customer. Such charges are published by Blake Telecom from time to time and are published at http://www.Blake Telecom.com/information/terms-and-conditions/.

10. ADDITIONAL TERMS RELATING TO CHARGES FOR DATA SERVICES AND FIXED NETWORK SERVICES
10.1.The Charges for the Fixed Network Services and the Data Services shall be as detailed in the Order Form (subject always to clause 9.7) and as otherwise determined in accordance with the Contract.

10.2.Charges for line rental are payable from the Handover Date monthly in advance by direct debit or such other method as is specified in the Order.

10.3.The Customer shall pay for all Charges for calls whether made by the Customer or any third party. Subject to clause 10.4, Blake Telecom shall invoice the Customer monthly in arrears for all call Charges and the Customer shall pay such invoice within 14 days of the date of the relevant invoice by direct debit.

10.4.Notwithstanding clause 10.2 and clause 10.3, Blake Telecom reserves the right to invoice the customer for Charges at any time.

10.5.If Blake Telecom supplies the Customer with any temporary Data Services and/or Fixed Network Services, it may charge the Customer in advance for the whole period during which the temporary services are to be provided.

10.6.Blake Telecom shall have the right to charge a minimum fee for calls of not less than £4.50 per month if the Customer’s call charges do not exceed this sum in any month.

11. CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION

11.1. A party (receiving party) shall keep in strict confidence all technical or commercial know-how, specifications, or initiatives that are confidential and have been disclosed to the receiving party by the other party (disclosing party), its employees, agents or subcontractors, and any other confidential information concerning the disclosing party’s business, its products and services which the receiving party may obtain. The receiving party may disclose such of the disclosing party’s confidential information as is required to be disclosed by law, any governmental or regulatory authority or by a court of competent jurisdiction. This clause 11 shall survive termination of the Contract.

11.2. The Customer agrees that Blake Telecom may use the Personal Data provided to Blake Telecom to:

provide any Services;
process payment for such Services; and
inform the Customer about similar products or services that Blake Telecom or other members of its group provide.

11.3. The Customer agrees that Blake Telecom may pass its Personal Data and other information about the Customer to credit reference agencies and that Blake Telecom may keep a record of any search obtained in respect of a Customer from a credit reference agency.

12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

12.1. Nothing in the Contract shall limit or exclude Blake Telecom’s liability for:

death or personal injury caused by its negligence, or the negligence of its employees, agents or subcontractors;
fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation by Blake Telecom; or
breach of the terms implied by section 2 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 (title and quiet possession).

12.2.Subject to clause 12.1, Blake Telecom shall not be liable to the Customer, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), for breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, arising under or in connection with the Contract in any way for:

loss of profits;
loss of sales or business;
loss of agreements or contracts;
loss of anticipated savings;
loss of or damage to goodwill;
loss of use or corruption of software, data or information;
any indirect or consequential loss.

12.3. Subject to clause 12.1 and clause 12.2, Blake Telecom’s total liability to the Customer, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), for breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, arising under or in connection with this agreement shall, in respect of all claims (connected or unconnected) in any consecutive 12 (twelve) month period, be limited to the equivalent of the total Charges paid by the Customer in that period for the Equipment and/or the relevant Service in respect of which the claim arose.

12.4. The terms implied by sections 3 to 5 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 are, to the fullest extent permitted by law, excluded from this agreement.

12.5. If the Customer is a consumer, nothing in these Conditions shall prejudice its statutory rights.

12.6. This clause 12 shall survive termination of the Contract.

13. TERMINATION

13.1. Without limiting its other rights or remedies, Blake Telecom may terminate the Contract (in whole or in part) without further liability to the Customer by giving the Customer no less than 30 days written notice.

13.2. Without limiting its other rights or remedies, Blake Telecom may terminate the Contract (in whole or in part) with immediate effect by giving written notice to the Customer if:

the Customer commits a material breach of any term of the Contract and (if such a breach is remediable) fails to remedy that breach within 10 Business Days of the Customer being notified in writing to do so;
the Customer suspends, or threatens to suspend, payment of its debts or is unable to pay its debts as they fall due or admits inability to pay its debts or (being a company or limited liability partnership) is deemed unable to pay its debts within the meaning of section 123 of the Insolvency Act 1986 or (being an individual) is deemed either unable to pay its debts or as having no reasonable prospect of so doing, in either case, within the meaning of section 268 of the Insolvency Act 1986 or (being a partnership) has any partner to whom any of the foregoing apply;
the Customer commences negotiations with all or any class of its creditors to reschedule any of its debts or makes a proposal for or enters into any compromise or arrangement with its creditors other than (where a company) for the sole purpose of a scheme for a solvent amalgamation of the Customer with one or more other companies or the solvent reconstruction of the Customer;
a petition is filed, a notice is given, a resolution is passed, or an order is made, for or in connection with the winding up of the Customer (being a company) other than for the sole purpose of a scheme for a solvent amalgamation of the Customer with one or more other companies or the solvent reconstruction of the Customer;
the Customer (being an individual) is the subject of a bankruptcy petition or order;
a creditor or encumbrancer of the Customer attaches or takes possession of, or a distress, execution, sequestration or other such process is levied or enforced on or sued against, the whole or any part of its assets and such attachment or process is not discharged within 10 Business Days;
an application is made to court, or an order is made, for the appointment of an administrator or if a notice of intention to appoint an administrator is given or if an
administrator is appointed over the Customer (being a company);
the holder of a qualifying floating charge over the assets of the Customer (being a company) has become entitled to appoint or has appointed an administrative receiver;
a person becomes entitled to appoint a receiver over the assets of the Customer or a receiver is appointed over the assets of the Customer;
any event occurs or proceedings are taken with respect to the Customer in any jurisdiction to which it is subject that has an effect equivalent or similar to any of the events mentioned in clause 13.2(b) to clause 13.2(i) (inclusive);
the Customer suspends or ceases, or threatens to suspend or cease, to carry on all or a substantial part of its business;
the Customer’s financial position deteriorates to such an extent that in Blake Telecom’s opinion the Customer’s capability to adequately fulfil its obligations under the
Contract has been placed in jeopardy; or
the Customer (being an individual) dies or, because of illness or incapacity (whether mental or physical), is incapable of managing his affairs or becomes a patient under any mental health legislation.

13.3. Without limiting its other rights or remedies, Blake Telecom may terminate the Contract (in whole or in part) with immediate effect by giving written notice to the Customer if the Customer fails to pay any amount due under the Contract on the due date for payment and fails to pay all outstanding amounts within 30 Business Days after being notified in writing to do so.

13.4. Without limiting its other rights or remedies, Blake Telecom may suspend the provision of the Services under the Contract or any other contract between the Customer and Blake Telecom if the Customer becomes subject to any of the events listed in clause 13.2(b) to clause 13.2(m), or Blake Telecom reasonably believes that the Customer is about to become subject to any of them, or if the Customer fails to pay any amount due under this Contract on the due date for payment.

14. CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION

14.1. On termination of the Contract for any reason:

the Customer shall immediately pay to Blake Telecom all of Blake Telecom’s outstanding unpaid invoices and interest and, in respect of Services supplied but for which no invoice has been submitted, Blake Telecom shall submit an invoice, which shall be payable by the Customer immediately on receipt;
the Customer shall return any Equipment which has not been fully paid for. If the Customer fails to do so, then Blake Telecom may enter the Customer’s premises and take possession of the Equipment. Until it has been returned, the Customer shall be solely responsible for the safekeeping of such Equipment and will not use it for any purpose not connected with the Contract;
the accrued rights, remedies, obligations and liabilities of the parties as at expiry or termination of the Contract shall be unaffected, including the right to claim damages in respect of any breach of the Contract which existed at or before the date of termination or expiry; and
clauses which expressly or by implication survive termination shall continue in full force and effect.

14.2. Where the Customer is a Small Business Customer, the Customer may terminate a Contract for Fixed Network Services or Data Services at any time prior to commencement of the supply of such Services.

15. FORCE MAJEURE

15.1. For this Contract, Force Majeure Event means an event beyond the reasonable control of Blake Telecom including but not limited to strikes, lock-outs or other industrial disputes (whether involving the workforce of Blake Telecom or otherwise), failure of a utility service (including without limitation street cabling, network or infrastructure failure or fault), failure of a transport network, the act of God, war, riot, civil commotion, malicious damage, compliance with any law or governmental order, rule, regulation or direction, accident, breakdown of plant or machinery, fire, flood, storm or default of suppliers, subcontractors or utility suppliers.

15.2. Blake Telecom shall not be liable to the Customer as a result of any delay or failure to perform its obligations under this Contract as a result of a Force Majeure Event.

15.3. If the Force Majeure Event prevents Blake Telecom from providing any of the Services for more than 10 Business Days, Blake Telecom shall, without limiting its other rights or remedies, have the right to terminate this Contract immediately by giving written notice to the Customer.

16. GENERAL

Assignment and other dealings:

16.1. Blake Telecom may at any time assign, transfer, mortgage, charge, subcontract or deal in any other manner with all or any of its rights under the Contract (in whole or in part) and may subcontract or delegate in any manner any or all of its obligations under the Contract to any third party or agent.

16.2. The Customer shall not, without the prior written consent of Blake Telecom, assign, transfer, mortgage, charge, subcontract, declare a trust over or deal in any other manner with any or all of its rights or obligations under the Contract.

17. Notices:

17.1. Any notice or other communication was given to a party under or in connection with the Contract shall be in writing, addressed to that party at its registered office (if it is a company) or its principal place of business (in any other case) or such other address as that party may have specified to the other party in writing in accordance with this clause, and shall be delivered personally, sent by pre-paid registered first class post or other recorded next working day delivery service or commercial courier.

17.2. A notice or other communication shall be deemed to have been received:

if delivered personally, when left at the address referred to in clause 16.2(a);
if sent by pre-paid registered first class post or other recorded next working day delivery service, at 9.00 am on the second Business Day after posting;
if delivered by commercial courier, on the date and at the time that the courier’s delivery receipt is signed

18. The provisions of this clause shall not apply to the service of any proceedings or other documents in any legal action.

19. Severance:

19.1. If any provision or part-provision of the Contract is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable, it shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, legal and enforceable. If such modification is not possible, the relevant provision or part-provision shall be deemed deleted. Any modification to or deletion of a provision or part-provision under this clause shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the rest of the Contract.

19.2. If any provision or part-provision of this Contract is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to amend such provision so that, as amended, it is legal, valid and enforceable, and, to the greatest extent possible, achieves the intended commercial result of the original provision.

20. Waiver: A waiver of any right under the Contract or law is only effective if it is in writing and shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent breach or default. No failure or delay by a party in exercising any right or remedy provided under the Contract or by law shall constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy, nor shall it prevent or restrict its further exercise of that or any other right or remedy. No single or partial exercise of such right or remedy shall prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy.

21. No partnership or agency: Nothing in the Contract is intended to, or shall be deemed to, establish any partnership or joint venture between the parties, nor constitute either party the agent of the other for any purpose. Neither party shall have authority to act as an agent for, or to bind, the other party in any way.

22. Third parties: A person who is not a party to the Contract shall not have any rights to enforce its terms.

23. Variation: Except as set out in these Conditions, no variation of the Contract, including the introduction of any additional terms and conditions, shall be effective unless it is agreed in writing and signed by Blake Telecom. Blake Telecom reserves the right to make changes to these Conditions from time to time.

24. Information about Blake Telecom: Blake Telecom operates the website www.blake-telecom.co.uk. Blake Telecom is Blake Telecom Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales under company number 11554660 with its registered office at 15 Victoria Road, Darlington, United Kingdom, DL1 5SF. Please refer to Blake Telecom’s website at www.blake-telecom.co.uk for information about how to contact us.

25. Dispute resolution: The Customer must notify any complaints or disputes to Blake Telecom contactable at www.blake-telecom.co.uk/contact_us. Blake Telecom shall use reasonable endeavours to resolve any complaint or dispute. Further information concerning the Customer’s rights about any dispute or complaint is specified in the Complaints and Dispute Resolution Procedure.

26. Governing law: The Contract, and any dispute or claim arising out of or non-connection with it or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims), shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales.

27. Jurisdiction: Each party irrevocably agrees that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with the Contract or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims).

Blake Telecom Ltd Terms & Conditions V3.0 24/04/2022