New Article Idea: Home Phone/Internet for those renting/needing line activation.

silid

And for those not in a cable area the only option for fixed landline and internet may mean getting a 'BT' line activated. This can be expensive and for those renting may not be cost effective.

I'd like to see a guide/table that includes the following information:

• List of providers that will activate a landline
• For each provider the options to get a line installed
• Each option containing
  • Set up costs
  • Monthly fixed costs
  • Minimum contract length
  • Total cost over contract
  • Average monthly cost
  • Total cost at exit at 6, 12 and 18 months.
  • Can you take the service when you move without paying setup costs again?

As someone who rents for various reasons, and moves house frequently (every 6 - 18 months), I often find myself doing the same old comparisons over and over again. The prices and offers have invariably changed since the last time I looked.

Two quick examples:

BT want ~£130 to activate a line and 12 month term and not cheap

Todays favourite of mine and who I will probably sign with soon:

Plusnet ~£50 to activate a line, 12 month term (£25 early exit) good value

Fire_Fox

PlusNet activated my phone line for free in December, has that changed? All I needed was a dialling tone and the phone number which you can get by ringing a service number.

silid

Yeah. Many phone providers will, but it does depend on that all important dial tone. A new build (ie brand new phone line) or one that hasn't been used for some time and has been disconnected does have a fee for connection. If you know of a provider that doesn't i'd be glad to hear of it.