Question about new Virgin Media packages

[befuzzled]

I am a new customer, just moved into an area with Virgin cable. Really want to get one of their phone/broadband/tv packaes as am a) bored with freeview b) have bought an HD TV and want to see what HD looks like c) reluctant to ever get Sky again d) like the sound of 50 Mb broadband.

However, I don't really want to spend more that £50 odd month. At the moment they have a free for 3 months deal which would mean I would pay £16.90 a month for 3 months (lovely) and then either £61.49 a month (30 MB broadband) or £68.65 (50 MB broadband) - these are 18 month contracts I believe.

My question is, how easy is it to sign up for one of these packages, take the 3 months at £16.90 and then downgrade it after the 3 months is up to something more reasonable. Obviously I know I can't leave completely but would feel better if I knew I could reduce the monthly package a bit if necessary. Anyone tried this?

I almost got virgin last year as it looked like a good deal. But line rental wasn't included for the phone. An extra £13 a month. So never bothered. Check the small print

yes I know, these prices include the line rental (which I don't want or need but you have to take an M phone)

can you do any haggling as a new customer? - as you can with retentions for Sky and VM when you threaten to leave etc

bump