Phone Line from the Post Office, install charge

arc

Howdy

Am looking to get a phone line put into my flat. I don't want to be tied into a contract, and only really want the line for ADSL.

The building I am in was built around 3 years ago, and does have BT OpenReach phone socket but there is no dial tone when plugging a phone in.

I've just called the Post Office to ask about the installation charge, they told me there'd be a £107 activation fee regardless of what socket / line is already installed.

I had been told previously that it was a sliding scale affair. It could potentially cost £107, but that that would decrease depending on what parts of the line was already installed. Is that correct? Should I just ring them back and speak to someone else?

Mark

Heinz

I wouldn't bother, their website makes it quite clear:

Got a cable line or no phone line at all?

1. Check your line - you need to make sure you’ve definitely not got a BT line. Check your phone line now (opens in a new window)
2. Install or activate a new line – depending on your situation, we may have to install a new phone line or activate an old one. The standard cost for a new line is £107.66, subject to survey. But don’t worry – if there’s an old line that’s still active, you might not have to pay
3. Keep your number – we can usually do this if you’re moving from a non-BT or cable line, although it’s not always possible
4. Add any call features – like call waiting and caller ID
5. Easy to apply – just call 0800 092 0514*
6. Fast switching – your new phone service could be ready in just five days

arc

that's not clear at all, that says it is subject to survey..

Heinz

In 21st Century Britain, that's code for, "..... but it could be more".

iniltous

If there is no dialtone at the socket you will almost certainly be charged for the install,openreach will bill the Post Office £88, who add on their bit and charge you £107.
Even though the property has a openreach socket it may never have had working service in the past, bt/openreach pay the builder to install the socket and on site cables etc then recover part of the cost when the first applicant applys for service.
Dunno if you are set on the PO as your supplier but BT (retail) were offering free install in return for a 18 month contract will some call conditions.