BT price changes to 1471 & 1571

Former_MSE_Archna

As well as the changes to its connection fees (see 10 Sept MoneySaving email) BT also made changes to some of its smaller charges, effective from 16 September.

• Don't use ringback on 1471 & 1571
  
  1471 allows you to find out the number of the last person that rang you and 1571 allows you to pick up your voicemails. Both of these are free to dial but both offer a ring back service. Dial 3 for 1471 or 0 for 1571 and you'll be connected to the number. This has gone up from 7.5p to 10p every time.
  
  The solution is simple, just write the number down and dial it yourself!

• Ringback's increased from 15p to 30p
  
  Use the service that automatically re dials for you when a number is engaged and it now costs 30p every time

• Reminder alarm service now costs 30p up from 20p
  
  Use BT's reminder service to set an alarm and it'll now cost you 30p.

• Three way calling now costs 60p
  
  BT's three way calling service that allows you to talk to two people at the same time now costs 60p up from 50p.

Reminder! Don't get charged for caller ID & 1571!

Caller ID and 1571 are both usually free to use. However if you pay BT for your line but are charged for your calls by another provider (eg Primus) BT might charge you £1/month for 1571 and £1.75/month for caller ID.

The simple trick to avoid getting charged is to make two chargeable calls per month by using the prefix 1280. This will route your calls back through via BT and prevent you being charged. (To sign up for BT call features sign into 'Your Account' and update your preferences or call 0800 800 150).

1280 might not work!

Changes to the way BT and other call providers work together means that 1280 won't work to reroute calls back through BT. This is definitely the case for Sky. The best thing to do is make a few test calls and then check your bill. If the calls have not been routed through BT cancel the caller ID and 1571 services so you're not charged for them. Read BTs FAQs on the 1280 changes.

For a full guide to phone cost cutting read Cheap Home Phones.

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P.S. Thanks for those discussing this already on the forums. We've started a fresh discussion link for the weekly email.

luxor4t

Thank you for the warning.
I use 14713 a lot but after 16/9/08, as the raven said, nevermore!

enjoyincubus

Are Telewest/Virgin Media customers affected by a similar increase, or is this just BT only?

billsavings

enjoyincubus wrote: »

Are Telewest/Virgin Media customers affected by a similar increase, or is this just BT only?

This thread applies to BT only. VM Cable latest residential prices from the 1/9/08 can be found here.
http://allyours.virginmedia.com/pdf/001364%20Residential%20tariffs.pdf?sep08

You can use 18185 on VM Cable via their 0808 Freephone Number to get cheaper calls.
http://www.18185.co.uk/mobilerates.php

billsavings

MSE_Archna wrote: »

Caller ID and 1571 are both usually free to use. However if you pay BT for your line but are charged for your calls by another provider (eg Primus) BT might charge you £1/month for 1571 and £1.75/month for caller ID.

The simple trick to avoid getting charged is to make two chargeable calls per month by using the prefix 1280. This will route your calls back through via BT and prevent you being charged.

To get caller id/display for free/virtually free you need to register for BT Privacy at home and make two inclusive or chargeable calls per month via BT. You can register by calling BT on 0800 121 8000 and useing their automated service.

Depending on your calls supplier you may no longer be able to use 1280 to route your calls back to BT even though you are paying BT your line rental.See:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1072413

Heinz

billsavings wrote: »

Depending on your calls supplier you may no longer be able to use 1280 to route your calls back to BT even though you are paying BT your line rental.See:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1072413

Apparently, it's called Wholesale Calls Independent.

http://www.btwholesale.com/pages/static/Products/Voice/Wholesale_Calls.html