Unpaid bill? Where do I stand?

[PhoneIssues]

Whilst sorting out my Direct Debits with the bank, it came to light that my mobile phone company has not been collecting the DD's for my phone or DH's phone since October 09.

I have spoken to customer services at the phone company a lot recently and have just renegotiated a fantastic new contract. Nothing has ever been said about the bill being unpaid. Sothe phone company must assume it's being paid.

I can't think why these DD's have not been going out. The bank say it is nothing to do with them.
I am wary of informing the phone company immediately because I don't want to receive a £400+ bill!
We've used the phones, and don't begrudge paying for what we have used, but really don't want to pay a huge bill all at once.

So who is a fault and where do I stand?

Hope someone can help!!

Have you got a copy of your mobile phone bill. What does it say?

I get a monthly text message saying "Your bill for June will be £xx, to be taken on or after 28th June".
Have had paperless billing for ages.

Bump

With DDs, it is the service provider's responsibility to claim the money from your bank and the bank won't pay it unless the phone company asks for it. The longer you leave it, the more you will owe them, so you should really get in contact with them.

However, it would be worth suggesting to them that as it is their fault and as a guesture of goodwill, they write off the last bills or if they insist on payment, at least allow them to be spread over the next 6 months say.