UPC HAS CONFIRMED customers will no longer have the option to pay their bills at the post office from next week.
The broadband, TV and phone provider is currently writing to customers to inform them of the move.
The change kicks in a week from today.
A statement from the company says it will not be possible for customers “to pay their UPC bill over the counter at An Post offices”.
“This includes post point and outlets using An Post networks.”
The move is coming in for some criticism – with Carlow-Kilkenny TD John Paul Phelan warning that the decision is causing distress for rural customers.
The Fine Gael deputy reckons the 23 June deadline is too tight as people are only getting letters this week.
“I’ve had a number of constituents contact me, wondering why this payment arrangement with their local post office has been changed.
It was very handy for those collecting their pension or welfare payments to settle their UPC balance at the same time.
The company is directing customers towards other payment options (direct debit, Payzone, bank ATM etc) – but Phelan says some of these options aren’t available in isolated rural areas.
“I’m appealing to UPC to show some leeway in cases where there are customers who have problems in the transition period. They have indicated that they will show such grace,” he said.
Phelan also noted it was “another service which has been taken out of our already under-pressure rural post office network”.
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