BT Basic - fit for purpose for elderly/infirm? 18185 and POA question

buglawton

I'm power of attorney for an elderly person. She'd qualify for BT Basic. Currently, to avoid costs running away, mobiles and the number of a daughter abroad are programmed into her phones address book with 18185 as the prefix, I manage that 18185 account. Additionally she's currently got inclusive anytime landline calls. Purpose is to keep things simple as possible. She's inclined to lapses of concentration/memory. Also sometimes prone to making a long chatty call or forgetting to hang up.

So all in all the current BT deal I set up tries to keep it simple and at the same time avoid a runaway bill.

Now looking at BT Basic. Major saving in rental. According to another thread, 18185 is definitely blocked. Can anyone categorically confirm that?

Additional question, BT says only account holder can apply. What about their POAs?

wongawonga

Power Of Attorney is covered here http://www.btplc.com/inclusion/ProductsAndServices/POA/PoAandBT/index.htm

The Term and conditions say you cant use a phone service provided by another company if you want the service.

buglawton

Conflicting advice on the web though, this page even suggests use an override provider with BT Basic:
http://www.choose.net/media/guide/faqs/bt-basic-benefits-broadband.html
...but you get charged for it?
Hence I'm wondering if anyone's actually tried it.