Telewest customer - cheaper calls confusion

westlass

I've been meaning to sign up for call1899 for ages. Finally went to the site today to find that for Telewest customers, they charge a 3p connection fee plus 0.5p per minute for UK landlines, which will soon add up. I'm using this line for work, so I'm going to be a pretty heavy user. I'm currently on Telewest's Talk Unlimited package (approx £15 on top of line rental). I'm also planning on making a fair amount of international/mobile calls. Can any phone gurus out there please suggest the best way I can make savings. Many thanks!

Heinz

1899 is your only real option on a cable landline.

Getting a BT landline instead would be the obvious way to expand the possibilities.

pricefighter

As you say in view of the number of calls you are likely to make you would probaly. be one of the heavy users 1899 would not suit.
Onetel offer a 24/7 inclusive package which can be used by cable customers at a cost of £10.99p a month,cheaper then the £15.50p a month you are paying now.

For your mobile(peak),intl,and NGN (peak) 0845/0870 calls https://www.18185.co.uk would probaly be your best bet.

But as Heinz points out you could make more savings if you had a BT line.

fbrj

westlass wrote:

I've been meaning to sign up for call1899 for ages. Finally went to the site today to find that for Telewest customers, they charge a 3p connection fee plus 0.5p per minute for UK landlines, which will soon add up. I'm using this line for work, so I'm going to be a pretty heavy user. I'm currently on Telewest's Talk Unlimited package (approx £15 on top of line rental). I'm also planning on making a fair amount of international/mobile calls. Can any phone gurus out there please suggest the best way I can make savings. Many thanks!

For a cable tel user such as Telewest (or NTL) 1899 is about the best. But if you are a "heavy user" you need to weigh up the costs of using 1899 compared to the saving of £15/month (by cancelling the unlimited package). For example if your average call was say 3mins - then you could make 333 calls a month before 1899 became more expensive.

If you make lots of calls to mobiles - this is where you will save most. https://www.18185.co.uk is marginally cheaper (than 1899) for Telewest users...both charge 10p/min for peak and evenings (plus connection of 3p/4p for 1899/18185 respectively) - but 18185 is 2p/min at the w/end compared to 3p/min for 1899). Peak rate for Telewest to most mobiles is 19p/min.

For international calls use this:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/callchecker/

You might want to consider an "Orchid dialler" - this will automatically (once set up!) route your calls using the cheapest routing (eg 1899 for some calls...18185 for others....other routing for countries for calls that you make regularly...0845 nos..0870 nos etc etc)

Thread here....(NB discount for MSE users!)
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=15502

Good luck!

westlass

Thanks so much for your rapid response. Will definitely look into all your suggestions.
I'm curious though. I'm on Telewest's 3 services for £30 package. We have broadband, digital TV and a telephone line with them (I also have an additional telephone line for business use for an extra £10 per month). I've kept with the package because I thought it would save us money. I'm very happy with the TV and broadband service. But do you think it would be cheaper all round to get BT back for the telephone lines? My brain is exploding with all these money saving possibilities, so I'd appreciate your clear thinking.

pricefighter

westlass wrote:

Thanks so much for your rapid response. Will definitely look into all your suggestions.
I'm curious though. I'm on Telewest's 3 services for £30 package. We have broadband, digital TV and a telephone line with them (I also have an additional telephone line for business use for an extra £10 per month). I've kept with the package because I thought it would save us money. I'm very happy with the TV and broadband service. But do you think it would be cheaper all round to get BT back for the telephone lines? My brain is exploding with all these money saving possibilities, so I'd appreciate your clear thinking.

Why not start by reducing the cost of your business calls.If you liked that then move your Residential line.You can still register your res cable line with 1899/18185.

If you cancelled the TW additional line and got a BT RESIDENTIAL line on Option 1, it would cost you £11 a month (Providing premises had already been connected to BT!) With the BT line you can get free caller display.

For Peak 01/02 calls then register with 1899 calls just 3p a call.

For E&W calls register with Primus Saver 2 for completely FREE calls to 01/02 numbers.

For Cheaper Mobile ,NGN ,and International Calls register with 18185.

(One of the advantages of these three products is that you only pay for what use.Dont pay whilst your on holiday.Like you do with TW inclusive package.)

Free DQ at 0800 0192 190.

Free outgoing Faxes from http://www.tpc.int/faxbyemail.html

Consider investing in a Orchid Dialler. So you dont have to remember codes.

Providing you are not making enormous amounts of 01/02 calls daily this should save you money.

westlass

Amazing - thank you prizefighter!

matildarosepink

Can anyone help with this one? I am in a very similar position - domestic use of home phone only, 3 for £30 package with Telewest - and I've just registered with 1899. I thought I had it sussed then made my first call with 1899 and I've had a fault with my line ever since! No dial tone... so am very cross. Telewest are sending a technician on Monday in case it's their fault, but I'm fairly certain it's a problem with 1899, and it's been impossible to get anyone there to respond to me via email!! AAaugh!! Most frustrating.. any help offered out there? Thanks.

pricefighter

Can you still use the phone to dial out 01/02 numbers?

Are you dialling the 0808 access number,or are you trying to use the 1899 code?