How to choose best landline/broadband package? Do any offer all-free calls?

cashferret

I just got a horrific monthly bill from TalkTalk (£60, which is a lot for me) - I see I'm paying over a quid for five-minute calls, or 30p for a six-second call to a geographic-number landline.

I use 18185 when I remember but I must still be getting stung on connection charges.

£60 is too much! I want to change to a cheaper plan or provider.

And yet when I look at other companies listed here on MSE, it's not possible to directly compare what my bill might be with other companies because it's a matter of the monthly standing charge plus the kind of calls I'd make (to the various different mobile companies, etc.).

TBH I'd rather pay a flat fee and get all my calls free - at least I'd know what I'd be getting.

Is there such a thing on general? I used to be on that with TalkTalk but now I'm not sure what my bargaining position should be - I'd like to say, "Well Sky charges £X for broadband/landline with calls all in, can you match it?" but I can't see that other companies offer such a plan. Or do they?

I'm only interested in landline/broadband - I don't want anything else (so no TV, etc.).

I'd be grateful for any advice!

[Deleted User]

All of them (I think) do anytime call packages, Talktalk's is just £7.50 a month.

Just compare the phone and broadband prices, Sky's is about £8 so the call package won't make much odds.

cashferret

Colin_Maybe wrote: »

All of them (I think) do anytime call packages, Talktalk's is just £7.50 a month.

Just compare the phone and broadband prices, Sky's is about £8 so the call package won't make much odds.

Thanks, Colin - I just googled using "anytime call packages" (I didn't know that term!) and found this site that compares them:

http://www.money.co.uk/broadband/broadband-and-anytime-calls.htm

They seem to be only free calls to landlines, though - I wonder if there are any that are free across the board?

Ebe_Scrooge

cashferret wrote: »

They seem to be only free calls to landlines, though - I wonder if there are any that are free across the board?

John Lewis give you the option of adding in call "bundles" to include mobile, international, etc. : https://www.johnlewisbroadband.com/


I only mention them because I switched my broadband & phone to them just last month. Their prices are pretty competetive, and they get good reviews. It's too early yet for me to comment on how reliable they are long term, though I can say the switch itself went very smoothly indeed and things happened on the dates they told me they would. Have a look and see if they offer something to suit your needs.

cashferret

Ebe_Scrooge wrote: »

John Lewis give you the option of adding in call "bundles" to include mobile, international, etc. : https://www.johnlewisbroadband.com/


I only mention them because I switched my broadband & phone to them just last month. Their prices are pretty competetive, and they get good reviews. It's too early yet for me to comment on how reliable they are long term, though I can say the switch itself went very smoothly indeed and things happened on the dates they told me they would. Have a look and see if they offer something to suit your needs.

Thanks, Ebe - that looks very interesting, and I'd trust John Lewis to not be shifty and predatory.

It's also good to hear that your transition went smoothly. I had a horrific transition to TalkTalk from my previous provider and have been scared about changing provider again ever since.

MurkySurfy

Most of the big ISP now include calls to mobiles with their anytime calls package.
I know Talktalk does.
This is one of their call plan:
http://help2.talktalk.co.uk/about-anytime-uk-calls-boost
Before you go looking at other providers, make you you finished your minimum term contract first. It's possible to haggle for a better deal with Talktalk, not all have the same level of success but you can try your luck.

cashferret

MurkySurfy wrote: »

Most of the big ISP now include calls to mobiles with their anytime calls package.
I know Talktalk does.
This is one of their call plan:
http://help2.talktalk.co.uk/about-anytime-uk-calls-boost
Before you go looking at other providers, make you you finished your minimum term contract first. It's possible to haggle for a better deal with Talktalk, not all have the same level of success but you can try your luck.

Thanks, MurkySurfy - that TalkTalk boost looks very good indeed, and would avoid the hassle of switching.

I've haggled good deals with TalkTalk in the past but somehow seem to have not noticed this one that they offer as standard.:(

[Deleted User]

MurkySurfy wrote: »

Most of the big ISP now include calls to mobiles with their anytime calls package.
I know Talktalk does.

Yep, Sky do as well.

MurkySurfy

Just for a point of reference, I managed to haggled Talktalk to give half price on the anytime calls boost. Some people managed to get it discounted to free for the period of minimum contract. Some could also get free fibre boost on top (the 76mbp plan). Since they now do a 24 months contract, it's likely they try to put you on this rather than the 18 months. So try to get your discounts to last as long as possible.

AndyPK

Inclusive calls start from £6/month? (EE) to £8.50/month many include calls to mobile (except BT?)

cashferret

Thanks, folks - I've gone for the TalkTalk boost for £7.50 and when my contract comes up for renewal I'll see if I can negotiate a discount.

Delighted I'm not going to be seeing another £60 bill!