BT's Low-User Scheme & In-Contact Plus to be replaced with 'BT Basic'

moonrakerz

I think the last few posts on this subject have just proved my point !!!

gt94sss2

bbb_uk wrote:

BT Basic

You can only be on it if you have one of the following 3 benefits:-
1) Job Seekers Allowance
2) Income Support
3) Guaranteed State Pension

Receipt of the above will have to be proved.

BT have argued against such a system for many years on the basis that:

- their special tariffs are for low users of telephony networks not people on low incomes as such

- the cost of having to verify that customers are claiming benefits etc - eligibility of which can change from week to week

If there were to be such radical changes to these tariffs, I would have expected a Ofcom consultation beforehand.

Regards
Sunil

A_Nice_Englishman

See http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consumeradvice/landline/residential/choosing/lowcost/

If you are a BT customer there are two schemes to consider: Light User Scheme and InContact.

For more details see: http://www.btplc.com/age_disability/phoneservices/services/billing/affordablephone.htm

In 2007 BT is also introducing a new low-user scheme which will target people who receive Income Support, income-based Job Seekers Allowance and Pension Credit.

I read that as the Light User and In Contact schemes continuing and a new scheme being introduced for people on benefits.

bbb_uk

gt94sss2 wrote:

BT have argued against such a system for many years on the basis that:

- their special tariffs are for low users of telephony networks not people on low incomes as such

It's my understanding that Ofcom force BT to keep the tariffs specifically for those on low incomes not low users.

- the cost of having to verify that customers are claiming benefits etc - eligibility of which can change from week to week

I agree that it would cost BT more (due to verifying, etc) but as BT have wanted to get rid of these tariffs but are forced to keep them for those on low income then maybe by only doing the tariff for those on receipt of certain benefits may mean (as far as BT are hoping) that maybe half of those on these tariffs will be forced to pay normal price and the other half will migrate to the new tariff once benefit has been proved.

If so then the increase in revenue for BT for those that aren't elligible and are thereby forced on to the normal linerental will pay for the additional manpower of checking eligibility for those that can stay on BT Basic.

If there were to be such radical changes to these tariffs, I would have expected a Ofcom consultation beforehand.

Maybe but the link above clearly indicates Ofcom is fully aware and must have given BT the green light. Ofcom obviously didn't think a consultation was required because BT are only forced to continue these tariffs for those on low incomes so the only difference is now BT will check to confirm elligibility. This must have satisfied Ofcom as those on really low incomes (ie benefits) can still stay on the tariff but others moved to Option 1.

bbb_uk

A_Nice_Englishman wrote:

I read that as the Light User and In Contact schemes continuing and a new scheme being introduced for people on benefits.

I agree that's how it looks but it doesn't make sense financially for BT to have 3 tariffs when BT have been trying to stop these tariffs for ages but have been forced to keep them for those on low incomes.

eagleeye

It's really a bad news for international students who doesn't work and are already paying premium rate fees on bank loans plus on the top of that basic scheme doesn't include such sort of facility for international student community.

DjSatansfury

I'm on benefits, but i've always been on Option 1. Mainly because i have use of broadband. Im sure you cant have a broadband connection on the light user scheme.

Fairplay to BT/OFCOM/whoever, but it seems a bit daft, then when you're sensible with your money, and dont !!!! it away on fags and booze, you end up worse off lol. C'est la Vie

As for International Students? Is that some sort of windup post?

gt94sss2

bbb_uk wrote:

It's my understanding that Ofcom force BT to keep the tariffs specifically for those on low incomes not low users.

That may have been the spirit but the intention was always for 'low users' - luckly there is (or was) a lot of overlap between these too groups.

Maybe but the link above clearly indicates Ofcom is fully aware and must have given BT the green light.

Or as it would not affect customers currently on the existing tariffs - either because the old tariffs would continue to be an option or be ringfenced.

I agree though that something called BT Basic is coming out though - if only as this link works..

I'm just suprised that BT agreed/suggested such a system after years of preferring the existing arrangements - even if they are not ideal.

Regards
Sunil

Ongobay

To be honest it seems to represent better value for money to those who need it, and it suits BT.
People who aren't on DD but pay the blue bill within a time limit on this scheme will be given a credit towards the next bill, I can't quite remember the amount, but it was either the full £3 pq or close.
The exclusions are similar, except minimal mobile use is OK.
If i remember rightly LUS and ICP are withdrawn from new supply from the 22/01/07. People who are seen as 'abusers' (Known mobile use / Broadband use / Holiday home accounts etc) of those services will be contacted and offered the BT basic or option 1 quite shortly. Others will follow over the next few months. The provision of the service is done on a different system from the usual customer services system, so there is a dedicated team who deal with this, they deal with the eliglbitlity criteria, sending contracts to be signed etc.
From my understanding of the training, the calling credit included UK landline numbers and International landlines - which seems bizaare. The credit is on a use it or lose it basis.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

hmm although I'm renting BT landline, I only pay line rental because I use Primus, 1899 and 18185 so never make calls via BT. I wonder whether I should contact them, at least about their light user scheme??