Virgin ADSL with CPS

smartalec

Hi,

Can anyone advise me of how the virgin cps system works, they are my ISP and are offering a slightly cheaper internet deal if people move their phone calls to them, but I have been unable to find any details of what this involves in terms of additional phone charges. For example, do mobile phone and 0845 and daytime regional numbers cost more than BT option 1, either by per minute costing or min connection charges?

Thanks

Heinz

CPS means that, although you keep your BT landline, pay 'line rental' to BT (the Unlimited Weekend Plan - formerly known as BT Together Option 1 is the minimum) and your incoming calls still arrive on BT (so Caller Display, 1471* and 1571* work normally), you will have opted to have the BT exchange programmed so that, by default, (nearly) all your outgoing calls are sent via the CPS provider (and BT don't even 'see' the calls even though they carry the first leg).

The 'default' part of that sentence is the key to CPS. It means that, if you want, you can use a prefix to send an individual call via another provider (i.e. override the CPS programming for a single call). For example, using just a 1280* prefix will send that call out via BT, using just a 18185 prefix (not 128018185) will send that call out via www.18185.co.uk and so on.

In other words, CPS allows you still to pick the best carrier for your calls even though you've opted, normally, to use one provider (e.g. Primus Saver Option 2 because of the free evening and weekend UK 01/02/03 calls).

If you don't have to make many weekday daytime UK 01/02/03 calls (and the few that you do make are made for 5p each, regardless of duration, using 18185), it reduces your call costs to almost nothing.

* Don't dial 3 after checking who called on 1471 or dial 0 after checking a 1571 message (even though that nice BT lady's voice invites you to do so and it seems like the easy way to return the call). If your do, BT will instantly charge you 17p regardless of whether the call is connected or not.

* Some former providers of CPS calls packages (Sky is certainly one) have now changed to providing their calls-only packages via WCLI (Wholesale Calls Line Independent) - which means that the customers' use of the 1280 prefix now has no effect and, instead of overriding the CPS and sending them via BT, calls with that prefix are still routed via the calls provider (e.g. Sky Talk). However, it has been confirmed that those still paying their line rental to BT can still use the 1899, 18185 and 18866 prefixes.

Please have a read of my '6-steps' to reducing costs for BT residential landline subscribers too.

smartalec

Heinz,

Thanks for your reply. TBH messing about with loads of cps numbers and carriers is too complicated for me, even if it is a little cheaper.

I am just trying to make a comparison between how much it is going to cost with BT option 1, compared to virgin with free evening/weekend, or free all day calls to geographic numbers. It is proving difficult, because I can't find a list of Virgins prices, or any terms and conditions, so was asking in case anyone else has already gone through this.

Heinz

smartalec wrote: »

Thanks for your reply. TBH messing about with loads of cps numbers and carriers is too complicated for me, even if it is a little cheaper.

And there speaks someone obviously not on a fixed income.

smartalec

From helpful to sarcastic. I am actually, (hence the question which will save me money for internet provision and free geographic calls) but don't want to have to think about prefixes and register with 10 cps override providers to save a few pence on 08xx/mobile numbers.

BritBrat

Thanks for your reply. TBH messing about with loads of cps numbers and carriers is too complicated for me, even if it is a little cheaper.

I used to think that but then I had the "lightbulb moment" I found the Orchid Dialler page.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=356458

Orchid Dialler Discount

Now I just dial the number I want and the box uses the cheapest system, OK you do have to set it up but it's not hard with the help of Heinz and others here.

Ypaymore

smartalec wrote: »

From helpful to sarcastic. I am actually, (hence the question which will save me money for internet provision and free geographic calls) but don't want to have to think about prefixes and register with 10 cps providers to save a few pence on 08xx/mobile numbers.

1. The calls are not free you pay for them in package.

2. You can only CPS your calls to one provider.

3. Virgin Media rates for chargeable calls are the same whether your on cable or non cable.
Visit http://allyours.virginmedia.com/html/phone/callingcosts.html

Heinz

smartalec wrote: »

From helpful to sarcastic. I am actually, (hence the question which will save me money for internet provision and free geographic calls) but don't want to have to think about prefixes and register with 10 cps providers to save a few pence on 08xx/mobile numbers.

Not at all. The comment was a euphemism (I am, so try harder).

For example, someone on BT Together Option 1 would pay 71p to make a 20 minute call to any UK 01/02 number during the day on a weekday but, simply by using a 18185 prefix, that would be reduced by 66p. It's not necessarily just about 08x and mobile calls.

In your case, it sounds like the 'HERE' link in my signature will be worthwhile reading.

smartalec

Thanks for your replies.

I know about 18185 and orchid etc., it is not worth the hassle for me as my calls are minimal, so it would be pennies saved rather than pounds, a simple life (with fewer bills) is more important than money sometimes.

And I know nothing is free, which is why I am posing the question, because I can get the same BB as now, with the same provider, and free evening/weekend calls at the same time as saving £36/year on BB costs, so am trying to find out the downside if there is one.

Everything on the Virgin site (that I can find) is geared to cable customers, the call cost calculator doesn't mention adsl plans for example, so it is difficult to be sure if the costs are the same as cable (I'll take your word for it ypay, thks). Uswitch etc don't even list Virgin, because cable is not an option in my area.

I read the "here" before posting, but couldn't find the answer to my question, it may be there, but couldn't see it.

Ypaymore

Seeing as you doubt my info about non-cable call charges ,why not call Virgin Media and ask them yourself.

smartalec

Not doubting you, I thanked you for the pointer and am studying the pdf's now (was still editing the post, so not sure if you saw it). It would be nice to see it in black and white though before I sign up.