Thinking of changing phone company -BEWARE!?

Colin_London

It's a good retention mechanism for Sky - it makes the decision to leave that much more difficult.

I have moved landline between BT, O2, and back to BT recently and was able to keep my number as O2 are only SMPF and their phone service is bought from BT, so it's only really a billing change and the line is never disconnected from the BT switch port. But with Sky it is physically disconnected and moved to Sky equipment. Thus more paperwork is involved to retain the number via porting. Sounds like it's too much effort for some MPF operators.

Regular consumers cannot be expected to understand these niceties - and if Sky are using this to restrict the market in moving between suppliers then I think it's something Ofcom need to look at again.

ktothema

Tell me about it! I wouldn't mind so much if it was just a decision to switch. But they were providing us with a faulty broadband service. By the end I was convinced it was either a sky setting issue or just something at the exchange that needed dealing with. When plusnet put out line on - viola! - no replication of broadband issues, just not ability to dial in thanks to this porting problem!!!

Clwyd

@ Mancunian

It is possible to keep your number, not easy I know - because I've done it!

I was with TalkTalk who, like Sky, tag your line and move it onto their LLU equipment. I went to the Post Office and told them I wanted to move over to them - but keep my number. They took my details and said they would issue a holding request for my number when it was released by TalkTalk at the termination of my contract with them (the PO did say it was not 100% but in nearly all cases it was successful). You have to arrange the termination to proceed before the new installation takes place, otherwise the new line won't be able to be allocated your number. I took a 'phone only' option with the PO and then my new ISP contacted them and took over the line and installed the broadband. The only hitch (in my particular case) was that Openreach or BT found a fault on the cable into the house and had to replace it before completing the new connection!

It can be done.

Ypaymore

See: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3750011

Susan1942

I have read these posts and I am a bit concerned as to whether I am doing the correct thing. I have always had my phone line through BT but for several years I have my phone calls through AOL who is my ISP
AOL have offered me several better packages when I have thought of leaving. I have been fortunate and have never had a problem with them
When I got my account bill on Wednesday I noted that the package I thought I was on had ended. I called as I did not want to pay for International Calls through a monthly package.
When I spoke to them they said we are going to offer you a great ie Line Rental for £13. 90 and all BB and national and internations calls for £7.10 ie £21 per month. They also said they would not charge the cost of £26+ for this month. I had been paying £5 40 for the package before but this did not include international calls.
I agreed to proceeed with this but I do have a cooling off period.
I am now concerned that I may run into problems with my phone. I was told that they would do everything and that I will keep my existing phone no
I got a voice mail call when I was out saying that they were sorry I was leaving. There was a phone no on the message but when I called the no does not work
Do you think I will have problem? and am I doing the right thing in taking my line to AOl from BT ?
I am wondering if I should call BT? I would appreciate advice. Many thanks

Sue

sicker

Sue, if your line is with BT anyway, I suggest you call BT options dept. 0800800030 and discuss what they can offer you. They have some good packages available at the moment. ( in my personal opinion far superior to AOL)

Susan1942

Thak you for that I will speak to them today and see what they are able to offer me. I may decide to keep my phone with them and remain with AOL for my BB and telephone calls

Herongull

My number was originally with BT, then I moved to tiscali which was subsequently taken over by Talktalk. I moved back to BT from Talktalk with my number at no extra charge because I had originally been with BT.

I investigated moving to Primus from Talktalk but they would charge a big fee to set up a new line because I was with Talktalk.

My understanding was if you were originally with BT you can always go back to them without any setup charge.

Susan1942

Thank you for that information re BT and possible charges. I still have not done anything about speaking to BT. Not sure if I just stayed with AOL what package they would offer me?
I suppose it is fear of the unknown which is why I am pondering leaving BT. I still have a bit of time to think about it. I should speak to both and will endeavour to do so. Again thanks

Sue

Mancunian

Herongull wrote: »

My understanding was if you were originally with BT you can always go back to them without any setup charge.

Nope all changed now. Type your number into BT's website for available services to see.