How to save on non-BT phone lines (Virgin Media customer)

libertine08

Hi

I've called Virgin to find out how I can save some money (currently pay £11/mth line rental) and all that was suggested was automated voicemail and e-billing! If I want to receive free evening/weekend calls I have to pay an extra £3.50 a month. I had told them about another package I had seen online which cost £10 a month with free evening and weekend calls, and national daytime rates of only 1.3p a minute - but when I tried to sign up, I was told as a non-BT customer, I could not. Does anyone know of a good home phone package that can be used for cable customers too, or do I have to sign up with dreaded BT?

BexTech

The savings to be made on cable lines are a lot less than what you could save if you moved to a BT line.

With cable you could use Call 18185, however you'd have to use the 0808 access number and calls are dearer than the 18185 access number you can use from a BT line.

There's First Telecom which you could use from a cable line, again not so great a saving, some calls fractionally cheaper than 18185, however 18185 are cheaper for most calls. Still both cheaper than VM for most calls.

The other option (which is what I use) is VoIP, if you have broadband, then with equipment from about £20 you can set yourself up with a VoIP provider or two, for example Vyke charge 2p per call, others, 1p/min, some inclusive calls, some 'free' calls.

billsavings

Number of options here: http://wakeup.to/cheapercablecalls

Be_Happy

I'm on Virgin with free evening/weekend call package, but use 18185 for all day calls. Don't be put off with having to dial a long access number for 18185, set it as a memory number on your phone so you can dial by one number or key.

zolablue25

Has anyone used First Telecom's Cable Saver? I have a few queries about it. Mainly, can you disconnect and reconnect the dialer box easily? As we get free calls at weekends it would be pointless using the box at weekends. Secondly, do you need to pay the Virgin call connection fee on top of First Telecom's charges?

Thanks

jhp

zolablue25 wrote: »

Has anyone used First Telecom's Cable Saver? I have a few queries about it. Mainly, can you disconnect and reconnect the dialer box easily? As we get free calls at weekends it would be pointless using the box at weekends. Secondly, do you need to pay the Virgin call connection fee on top of First Telecom's charges?

Thanks

Yes you can unplug it.

No you dont pay a connection charge to VM to call the First Telecom Access Number.

Your probaly find http://www.18185.co.uk/mobilerates.php via their 0808 freephone number is a better bet.

zolablue25

OK, I signed up to 18185 yesterday evening and it all seems to work as I used it to call my Mum, but, I haven't received a confirmation email with an account number in so can't log in to check my account.

Is this normal? Is there usually a delay in receiving the email? If its a problem how do I contact them to query things?

Ta

utilitybroker

zolablue25 wrote: »

OK, I signed up to 18185 yesterday evening and it all seems to work as I used it to call my Mum, but, I haven't received a confirmation email with an account number in so can't log in to check my account.

Is this normal? Is there usually a delay in receiving the email? If its a problem how do I contact them to query things?

Ta

Covered in their FAQ.


"I have registered, but haven't received an email confirmation with my customer number.
Should you not receive our subscription email due to spam filters for example your registration may still have been successful. Please try an hour after registration if you can make calls using 18185.

Once you are able to make calls you can find out your customer number by calling 0808 170 18 18. "