BT Contracts for Line and Calls

Niggy_2

I'm really sorry if this has been asked before -I have searched this forum but get differing answers regarding the line but I am trying to find a definitive answer to my question specifically regarding calls ie CPS providers.

I have recently moved into a new property that had a BT line connected - BT have just (last week) reconnected the line with a new number. I understand that I am now tied to BT as my line rental supplier and as such cannot use Talk Talk or similar for combined telephony and broadband. Though how long for? Some people suggest 3 and others say 12 months??

More importantly though, am I tied to BT for calls or can I switch to Primus as CPS provider ie still paying BT line rental but paying Primus for calls?? -Would be good if I can as then I can also get a good Broadband deal from them.

Thanks in advance for any help -:beer: I cannot find a definitive answer on their website and after waiting a month for BT to switch on my line I know what its like to hang in their queues for hours :mad: and I'd like to avoid doing so again if possible - cheers

payless

I believe 12 month on line, ( BT told me that when I recently moved) but no restriction on CPS ( well I've used sky CPS on that line since, as well as pre dial 18185 , and no issues- remember the privacy/ free caller ID needs calls via BT though)

Greentea

BT will have sent you information when you joined and it will state 12 months. If you leave now they will charge you for the service charge for the whole period.

Niggy_2

Thanks Payless - seems clear - so I should have no trouble switching to primus for CPS but not a good idea to switch-on caller ID as per Heinz's guide as they will obviously then charge me as I am not making chargeable calls via BT. - Thanks again

Thanks for input Greentea - I understand that I will be charged if I choose to pay line rental through somebody else - it was really whether it was 3 or 12 months that i was tied-in to and more importantly whether I was tied to them as my CPS call provider - I unfortunately havent yet been sent any contract terms and I need to set up my broadband service asap.

Heinz

Niggy wrote: »

Thanks Payless - seems clear - so I should have no trouble switching to primus for CPS but not a good idea to switch-on caller ID as per Heinz's guide as they will obviously then charge me as I am not making chargeable calls via BT.

All BT's T&Cs are online now and, assuming you 'signed up' online or on the phone, you have accepted those.

Anyway, the Caller Display issue is easily overcome - just make the required 2 chargeable calls per month (or 6 per quarter if you're billed quarterly) using the 1280 prefix! I do that by programming a DECT handset with the number of my favourite Indian takeaway with a 1280 prefix. As they don't open until 6pm, I know each call is only going to cost me 4½p - and my liking for their food makes it certain that I'll exceed the 6 calls threshold in 13 weeks!

In any case, there are some other types of call which you should send with a 1280 prefix - see [4] in my 6-steps under the 'HERE' link in my signature below.

Niggy_2

Thanks Heinz - and are we correct in thinking that I will have no trouble in signing up with primus as my CPS provider?

....and is my understanding of 1280 correct in that even if I do get Primus to take my calls then by prefixing the number with 1280 my calls are still charged to BT??

Sorry if these are things you have gone through a million times - cheers

Heinz

Niggy wrote: »

Sorry if these are things you have gone through a million times - cheers

... and one (yes to both questions).

Similarly, prefixing with 18185 will mean you'd be billed by them for that call.

Niggy_2

Thanks again Heinz

I have been reading some of your other replies to peoples queries - you are truly a telephony genius - I would just like to stress how much your time and knowledge is appreciated by those (myself, and I am sure I speak for countless others) who have been saved money and time by your informative, thorough and patient responses.

:beer: