Landline options (BT)

Astec

Hi All,

Just after some advice for the best way to get a BT landline for my needs.

Basically looking to get o2 Broadband, don't need a TV package (happy with freeview), and don't use the phone much (not had one for 3.5 years as free landline calls on o2 mobile). Been with Virgin for broadband only, but now moved out and cancelled that.

New house has the physical line fitted, but not been connected for around a year. Been offered free connection by BT, but 18 month contract at £11.50 with unlimited weekend calls. A tad concerned at the must make 10 calls a month clause, as we will use it that little on weekends, unless we have free evenings too.

What are my options? Seen the Postoffice and o2 landline threads, but if I pay £125 connection it defeats the purpose of moneysaving! Am I best just going with BT for 18 months?

Heinz

If you'll be there for 18 months, take the free connection offer (18 month contract and make 10 calls per month).

The 10 calls can be calls which are inclusive (i.e. free) within the free Unlimited Weekend calls plan (opt for that) and, if needs be, you can just phone 020 7043 1320 (a speaking clock number) ten times in quick succession on any Saturday or Sunday each month.

ExTra_2

Could you wait till March? The O2 landline service is coming and it looks promising if you don't actually need a landline for making calls. I am and have been on the phone with BT just trying to sort out the mess they have created and unable to answer...

Astec

I liked the look of the o2 offer, but no idea on connection charges. BT for 18 months will cost around £200, so I'd look at the total cost including connection.

Astec

Ok, change of circumstances...

After advice on another thread, I plugged in a phone and have a dial tone! Obviously can't make or receive calls, but dialled 17070 and got the phone number.

Does this mean that I'm already connected? If so can I take out a monthly contract with the postoffice and then switch to 02 in March? Is the postoffice free connection bearing in mind the line is there already?

Delighted as I don't have to go with BT!!!

macman

Astec wrote: »

Ok, change of circumstances...

After advice on another thread, I plugged in a phone and have a dial tone! Obviously can't make or receive calls, but dialled 17070 and got the phone number.

Does this mean that I'm already connected? If so can I take out a monthly contract with the post office and then switch to 02 in March? Is the postoffice free connection bearing in mind the line is there already?

Delighted as I don't have to go with BT!!!

But if you can't make or receive calls then the line is still not 'reconnected', though the link is physically there. You don't even know if it's connected to BT or another supplier? If you don't get the 'options 1, 2 etc choice after the phone number on 17070 then it's been LLU'd to another provider.
There's no indication on the O2 site that they will be offering reconnection as part of their landline service, the spec is the usual one that you will require a working BT line.
Since you have a phone number, I suggest you put that into the 02 number checker and see if it says their service is available on that number.

Astec

Thanks for that Macman.

I was under the impression that the connection fee was to physically connect a line. ie connecting at exchange or from mast to house. If it's just been deactivated but still plugged in so to speak, then they cannot charge to reconnect it. I may be wrong there so please correct me if that's the case!

Can't see anywhere to enter my number on the 02 site to check, but did try on the postoffice site and it said I needed to call.

http://broadband.o2.co.uk/telesales/homephone/broadband.jsp

Ideally I'd like the o2 deal, but as the date is still not clear I don't want to wait 2 months so wanted a temp connection...

EDIT: Just tried on the o2 broadband checker and it said it's available in my area. However this doesn't mean much for connection etc.

macman

That's the theory with BT lines, but many have been told this only to be billed for reconnection. If you take the 18m offer then conection/reconnection is free anyway.
02 number checker:
https://www.o2broadband.o2.co.uk/getBroadband.do
If your number is recognised then it's a valid BT number.
The O2 landline date is currently sometime in March, no exact date is yet available. However if your line is not active or recognised then I don't think they'll be able to help you.

Astec

Well bit the bullet. Rang up the postoffice to take up the home phone package (£12 with free evening & weekend). They said there is a phone there so no connection charge.

It's the 18m with BT I'm keen to avoid.

£12/month, no minimum contract so once o2 home phone goes live I can switch over.

At what point can I register for o2 Broadband, can I do it now or do I need to wait till the line's active?

Fingers crossed nothing stuffs up!!!

macman

Astec wrote: »

Well bit the bullet. Rang up the postoffice to take up the home phone package (£12 with free evening & weekend). They said there is a phone there so no connection charge.

It's the 18m with BT I'm keen to avoid.

£12/month, no minimum contract so once o2 home phone goes live I can switch over.

At what point can I register for o2 Broadband, can I do it now or do I need to wait till the line's active?

Fingers crossed nothing stuffs up!!!

You should be able to do it once the number is recognised by 02. Did you check that it's a BT line and not an LLU, which will require a 'return to donor'?
Dont' forget to use Quidco to sign up for the broadband service.

Astec

Update:
Rang PO to set up phone. Received letter a few days later stating 5 weeks to connect line! Rang them again saying the line is 'connected' and just needs activating. They rang me next day and said it'll go live by 5pm, result!

Received bill yesterday, 3 months line rental and no connection fees etc.

Set up o2 broadband few days after phone went live which went smoothly and already validated. So e&w calls, line rental, and 20mb wireless broadband for £12/month (after quidco).