Retirement Home

tobykim

A relative has had to move into a retirement home and wanted to transfer her BT line there, there is a phone socket in her room although BT say there is no service on the line, the proprietor tells me that there are various free lines available at the home but BT want to charge to activate a new line.
Bearing in mind that she has no idea how long she is going to remain there (she's hoping it's not long term) she is reluctant to pay for a new line as she is hoping to go into sheltered accommodation eventually so will need a new line there, is there any way round it as she doesn't fancy having to pay twice

steveE2

Use the Post Office,short minimum term and free installation 'til 20/05/12

Install or activate a new line – depending on your situation, we may have to install a new phone line or activate an old one. The standard cost for a new line is £112.34, subject to survey. However, for all orders placed from 01 April 2012 through to 20 May 2012, there will be no charge, subject to survey.

macman

BT charge the same whether to install a new line or activate an old one. There will also be a minimum 12m line rental contract if they go with BT.
Wouldn't a mobile be a better option in the short term?

tobykim

Wouldn't a mobile be a better option in the short term

Would be if she wasn't so hard of hearing, she has a special amplified phone so would need that really, don't really want to go with PO as that means when she moves again it'll be another change, I was just hoping to transfer the line she already has

macman

Even if you move the number over (you can't 'transfer a line'), there is still an activation charge and a minimum contract period with BT.
If it has to be a landline, then the PO is the best deal going at present.
With any provider it'll be another change when she moves again anyway.