BT Connection Charges (merged threads)

Heinz

zebrastripesrule wrote: »

Hi, I am currently looking to activate a bt line on the autumn tariff (simply because it waives the connection fee and it looks to be a decent deal). The phone line was installed as it is a nearly new (3yrs old) build but as yet not activated. however I live in rented property and not sure how long I will remain there, I very much doubt it will be for the 18 months of the contract.

I have been trying to find a number to contact them which they seem to keep very well hidden on the website. Does anyone know an appropriate number to call so I can ask a few questions.

Had you not metioned the 'autumn tariff' I would have said you were dreaming if you thought you could get a BT line connected to a new build property (the line was not installed, just the wiring ready for the line was) for nothing but, as you did, I went searching and, sure enough, such an offer appears to provide that.

The deal is only available online and that accounts for you having problems finding a phone number.

You might get lucky with the ordinary number 0800 800 150 or 0330 1234 150 though.

FannyHill

Sounds like a good deal, pity about the 18 month min though.

zebrastripesrule

Thanks for the number, I finally got through all the options and asked my questions. had no luck trying to do it on the phone so had to apply online. All ordered, just have to wait for the engineer to activate it - a 3 week wait.

The 18 month bit is a pain yes, but not so bad as can transfer the account if you move. Plus I looked at the cancellation fee and doesn't seem too extortionate.

Since I paid the upfront line rental (£40 saving over the year) does this mean they will start billing me now even though I cant use the line for 3 weeks? If so is there any way around it?

Thank you

nettleby

Hi,

I want to use another provider for Broadband, but, need a BT line, and don't currently have a physical connection inside the house. There is a telephone wire connecting the house, but the cable that would normally go to the BT socket is not connected (it's coiled up in the garage).

So, I can take advantage of their reduced connection offer of £29.99 if I sign up for 18 months of their £13.29 p.m. "Unlimited Weekend Calling Plan".

What was puzzling me a bit, are the t&c where it states
"Minimum call commitment also applies – you must make at least 10 chargeable or inclusive calls per month (30 calls per quarter). You'll need to pay a charge of £5.15 for every month (if you are billed monthly) or £15.45 for every quarter (if you're billed quarterly) in which you don't make these calls, as compensation for not making the minimum number of calls required. "

So, if I make the 30 calls at the weekend, I won't get charged for these, yet won't have to pay the extra £15.45 charge? It just seems a bit odd!

edit: just wondered, but can I pay a non-BT engineer to make a connection to a socket and then avoid the reconnection charge altogether and go for the line saver option. Is this feasible?

Heinz

Yes, it's odd but it's true!

Like many others, I have to make 2 chargeable or inclusive calls each month to qualify for free Caller Display. I use a CPS calls provider so merely ensure my weekend 01, 02, 03, 0845 and 0870 calls have a 1280 prefix (so they hop back onto BT instead of being carried by my CPS calls provider).

BT make no money from those calls but making them means I get free Caller Display. Daft but true.

Some people quite truthfully cannot make any genuine calls - so I advise them to make 10 quick calls at the weekend to 020 7043 1320 (a geographiocal number for the Speaking Clock).

BT's reconnection charge is for any work necessary and, apart from whatever is needed in or near your premises, also includes work on the network or back at the exchange. Only Openreach personnel are allowed to undertake that work.

nettleby

Thanks for the additional information. I can't thank you twice, or I would

Carlst

It is now possible to buy a "GSM Desk phone". With these you do not need a landline just a SIM card so you can cut out BT and others for good.

Heinz

Carlst wrote: »

It is now possible to buy a "GSM Desk phone". With these you do not need a landline just a SIM card so you can cut out BT and others for good.

True, but those are nothing more than mobiles permanently connected to their chargers.

Mobile call charges apply (sometimes favourable, sometimes not).

newuser86

On BT's 10 phone calls a month does it register as a call literally on ringing or is it on answer of either an answerphone or someone answering the phone?

Heinz

newuser86 wrote: »

On BT's 10 phone calls a month does it register as a call literally on ringing or is it on answer of either an answerphone or someone answering the phone?

Must be answered calls (which can be a person or a machine).

Doing so would take only a few minutes of your time and would cost you nothing - just make a note (a 'repeat monthly' on Google calendar - so you get an email - is the easy way) reminding yourself to make ten 10 second calls one weekend each month (so they're 'free') to one of the below geographical numbers for the Speaking Clock:

020 7043 1320 or
01798 808111 or
0131 550 0892 or
01923 287748 or
024 7629 5000

N.B. The clocks to which you get connected via these numbers frequently aren't accurate, but that doesn't matter when used for this purpose.