BT landline vs 02 home phone

matUK

My evening and weekends landline 12 months contract with BT expires beginning of August. I have emailed customer services two months ago asking for the best deal. A reply arrived with a standard offer and upgrade to unlimited package for 5 pounds which I don't find apealing. Yesterday i called the number 0800 3457309 (sort of a cancellation department) and asked what options I am offered. Nothing new - standard package as it is, even the girl did not bother to haggle, as she mentioned 'If you cancel we will loose your business'! It is not my business, but BT's! I was shocked. Ok, called 02 (my broadband provider) who knocked my broadband bill once informed I might leave. The woman took a lot of care keeping my custom with them and offered me home phone as well. It made my think, what stay with obnoxious BT while 02 comes up with a reasonable and approachable service solution. Sadly, I don't know anyone who uses 02 home phone and as this product is relatively new, I have considered possible issues with the line and any fees related. Their standard package is 9.5 (unlimited evenings and weekends plus 0845, 0870 eve and weekends) but for 12.5 you get unlimited anytime landlines, 0870, 0845 numbers, 600 mins to 22 countries. I was thinking if anyway I need these extras. Today I called BT again on 0800 800150 where a nice lady (to my surprise) has given me 36 pounds off the bill for the whole period of 12 months once the contract renews next week. Brilliant! I have saved a lot in the recent months: broadband 02 from 15 pounds to 10 (by joining 02 simplicity 10 for 12 months) plus a one off discount for mispelling my name (yes, yes, this is 02!), then dropped to 7.5 pm. BT bill will drop from 11.54 after dd and paperless discounts to 8.54 (9.04 from October). All in all I am paying L26.03 for broadband, landline and my mobile while a year ago it was 41.54 a month!!!! Worth haggling.