Buying a phone line without needing to use it.

JAPS1471

Hi all.

Long time MSE website reader, but rarely appear on the forums. I had moved into a new house and was stuck in a BT deal because they connected my house line. The contract no longer forces me to stay.

I don't have a phone, I only use my phone line so that I can get broadband (non-cabled area), a) What is the cheapest phone line for line rental (except Primus) b) Alot of company's T&C's talk about "fair usage" I know this usually means over-use. But what about under use if I am ONLY using it for my internet and no calls atall.

Thanks

Stuart_W

I'm not aware of any "minimum use" restrictions on just having line rental - there are various requirements to make a certain number of calls to get certain features (1571, caller id etc) but not just on basic line rental as far as I know so you'll be fine without a phone plugged in as you won't want any calling features. Some suppliers are reselling line rental at a loss, so it is worth checking small print.

My supplier certainly allow it, but do not claim to be the cheapest.

Heinz

On a BT Bline, you will need to make 2 chargeable or inclusive calls per month to avoid a £1.50/month 'low use' penalty.

Stuart_W

Many thanks, Heinz. I'd missed this change. £18 a year under-use penalty is significant.

As everyone likes to follow BT's price rises, I guess they'll start to be introduced everywhere.

Heinz

Stuart_W wrote: »

Many thanks, Heinz. I'd missed this change. £18 a year under-use penalty is significant.

As everyone likes to follow BT's price rises, I guess they'll start to be introduced everywhere.

Yes, but easily overcome.

As has been said many times before, it'd take less than a minute 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 two 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.

macman

Whether you make calls or not, your phone line still has to be maintained and serviced in order to carry your broadband. That is what you are are paying line rental for.