Permanent call diversion?

RebTech

Long ago, I think maybe when BT still had a monopoly, it was possible on giving up a landline to keep the number for call diversion. I've been trying to find out whether this can still be done but so far haven't found any info either way. Does anybody here know?

LazyTyper

Yes, it's still available.

BT will usually offer it to you when you move home and to a different exchange (so you can't keep your current number).

But I would suggest porting your number to a VoIP provider as it will cost significantly less.

money_saving_matt

You have two options when you cease your Openreach WLR line:

Caller Redirect
This service plays the caller a recorded message informing them that your number has changed, and then reads out your new number.

Openreach charge £0.96 per quarter for this service and there is no setup fee or per-call charge.

Remote Call Forwarding
This service diverts callers directly to your new number without informing them that your number has changed.

Openreach charge £20 to set up this service and then charge £2.40 per quarter. You will be charged for the diverted calls, so diverting to a mobile will be more expensive than diverting to another landline.

LazyTyper

The prices quoted by money_saving_matt are the prices Openreach charge the retail communications provider, who provides the customer with the service.

According to BT's retail price sheet, Remote Call Forwarding cost £60 to set up and £78 per quarter. Includes VAT.

Caller Redirect is £30.60 per quarter.

See BT's price list to see these charges for yourself.

RebTech

Thanks for all the comments so far. Looks like porting the number will be cheapest, but wouldn't it be simpler (if possible) just to point it at my mobile rather than using VoIP? I already rent a local virtual landline number that goes to mobile, it hadn't occurred to me that I could maybe move the "real" landline number to such a provider.

LazyTyper

RebTech wrote: »

... but wouldn't it be simpler (if possible) just to point it at my mobile rather than using VoIP? ....

By moving it over to a VoIP provider you will generally enjoy much better per minute rates if forwarding to a mobile phone.

If you do go down this route, even though it's with a VoIP provider, you don't make use of the VoIP when forwarding. It simply forwards the call onwards.

RebTech

Thanks guys, looks like VoIP's the way to go. Anybody like to recommend a particular provider?