BT - One-off charges

Ypaymore

KorkyKat wrote: »

Would I be right in assuming that this so called 'One Off' charge is only for one time and not once a quarter?

Thanks

No its raised monthly or quarterly depending on how you pay. But it can be easily avoided/reduced.

KorkyKat

Thank You Ypaymore. How do I do that? I'm not totally sure I understand Heinz's post.

I make no calls whatsoever using BT (I detest them!). My line is there just to support my broadband with Virgin.

Thanks.

Heinz

BT announced its intention of 'policing' the requirement for those using its 'nearly free' Caller Display and/or basic 1571 services to make at least 2 chargeable calls via BT each month back in August. The charge for 1571 is £3/quarter (£2.55 + VAT) and for Caller Display it's £5.25/quarter.

Those who use a CPS calls provider or who use one or more of the indirect access providers (1899, 18185) to make all their calls need just to use the 1280 prefix to 'hop back onto BT' to make those 2 calls each month.

The cheapest way of doing that is to make evening or weekend calls of less than an hour to any UK 01 or 02 number using the 1280 prefix. Those calls will cost 4½p each - so you can get both BT Caller Display and 1571 (yuk) for 9p/month!

I have the number of my local Indian takeaway programmed into my DECT phone with the 1280 prefix - as they don't open until 6pm, I know my calls to them will qualify.

KorkyKat

Thank You for your trouble Heinz. I think I understand now.

Thus: If I override Virgin by dialling 1280 then e.g. 0161 during the weekend I won't have to pay this £2.55 charge.

I don't have caller display only 1571 for any messages - very few. I don't even recall asking for 1571

Funny you should post. I've just had the BT Stasi on wanting to know whom I use to make calls, how many I make etc.

Once again. Much appreciated.

Heinz

If you don't want 1571, you can switch it off yourself online - HERE.

I'd recommend a BT Decor 500 LST/Answering machine instead.

hra_2

hra wrote: »

I have been charged for Caller Display despite my latest bill showing my total number of calls in the quarter was 9.

On phoning BT Customer Services, I was told the issue was that these calls were 1471 Call Return fees and did not qualify. However I cannot find anywhere, including in the Terms and Conditions, where this is documented, and neither could BT.

Pleased to say I have been promised a refund, although it did take some persistence! On the advice of Consumer Direct I sent a recorded delivery letter to their legal department and was called today and this time the advisor simply said Caller Display was not free for CPS customers (no mention of number of calls etc.) - but after quoting the Ts&Cs and a brief discussion she had with her manager it was all sorted out.

Suzyplums

Great I only use my landline for my adsl and have just got my bill with a £7.77 One-off charges for not using the phone. :mad:

I thought I was already paying for the Caller Display well they have just lost more money from me.

Will BT not learn about being competitive in these days of struggle

Suzyplums

Heinz

Suzyplums wrote: »

Great I only use my landline for my adsl and have just got my bill with a £7.77 One-off charges for not using the phone. :mad:

I thought I was already paying for the Caller Display well they have just lost more money from me.

Welcome to the MSE forums Suzyplums.

BT Caller Display is free via BT Privacy (0800 121 8000) if you make at least 2 chargeable or inclusive calls via BT each month.

Making those calls is a 2 minute job at most. One weekend each month, dial 020 7043 1320 (a geographical number for the speaking clock) two or three times.

Diarise it so you don't forget.

Suzyplums

Thanks Heinz

I rung BT to see what the charges where for and have had the charge removed ans I made the requisite 6 calls in 3months they where all in November but I made them.:T

I will be watching my bill in future