Last Friday, in the course of five hours, I received three phone calls from OTE, each from individuals with less English than I have Greek. (I can get by in shops and basic conversation but don't have much vocabulary for things outside my experience or that only arise every now and again). During call 3 I eventually understood that our landline contract was due for renewal no later than 27May (today). "What contract renewal? We have had the same number for 17 years and have never been asked to renew our landline contract."
"This is done every two years. You must go to an OTE shop or Germanos shop by Monday to sign a new contract or your phone will be stopped."
Had planned a trip to Xania today anyway, so went to OTE on Tzanakaki St where a very helpful young lady confirmed the above, tapped away at her computer terminal for 2-3 minutes and had me sign on a digital pad like those used now in many banks. "Please wait for the papers." I ended up with eight A4 printed pages which doesn't do much to help preserve the earth's resources. OTE had my electronic signature and could have e-mailed this stuff to me.
While waiting I was offered a variety of upgraded contracts that would give me xxx minutes of free calls, for landline of mobile within Greece + yyy mins worldwide .......... for only 30% more than our current landline/Internet service. It would take us 10 years to use up the amounts offered for a single year.
The only OTE papers I've ever signed are a request to transfer the number when we moved 11 years ago and receipts for new or replacement routers. The original installation was arranged by our lawyer early in 2002. Has anyone else been asked to renew their landline contract?