MSE News: Sky to block cheap calls

flyforfun

moonrakerz wrote: »

I am afraid that you may have unwittingly proved my point there !

Most of the "cheaper" providers are still actually using a BT line, if there is a problem they will have to get BT to fix it. For all their faults, BT will probably fix their own customer's faults first and "cheaper" will end up meaning worse for the rest.

Actually, I think it's "Open Reach" who service the lines now. BT has split in two, the service provider (BT) and the physical line provider (Open Reach), much like you can buy your gas from whoever, but Transco (I think) a responsible for the pipes etc.

Last time I had a fault with my line I was advised it would cost £90 odd pounds if it turned out to be a fault with my equipment. (It wasn't). A work mate with TalkTalk had a fault was was told he'd have to pay £90 as well if the fault was on his side, so this is the fee Open Reach charge all the phone service companies. I'd be surprised if they took BT calls over another other carriers as they would have service level agreements to meet, ie fix call within x number of days etc. That's pretty much the norm in telcos.

anon_ymous

Now I see why they split in two. Its a money maker for them! Surely, OFCOM could do something if lots of people complained, considering its unfair that you have to pay £90 for a faulty line that THEY installed, and upon the first installation, you also paid out!

Goodjob

I have the combined package from sky - Broadband/Phone Calls/TV but my line rental is with BT. Will I be impacted?

Ive been using 18185 for a few years and found it to provide an excellent service whereas my phone bill rose significantly when I originally switched to sky. Can anyone recomend another option if I lose the 18185 option with sky?

Thanks

Heinz

Goodjob wrote: »

I have the combined package from sky - Broadband/Phone Calls/TV but my line rental is with BT. Will I be impacted?

No, BT is the only line provider required to allow access to all indirect access providers.