Cheap landline for OAP

the_mixer

I want to set up a cheap landline for a relative who has had to give up one before due to the high costs of line rental and also her use of catalogue and other company's premium rate numbers. They have a mobile phone, but can't answer it reliably and often switch it off by mistake, so I would like a landline for peace of mind to know I can always get through or it can be used for out bound calls.

Is there a cheap service which would also block premium numbers or set a cap on spending? Just something that allows a landline for emergencies and essential domestic calls only. I have heard of BT Basic and their new broadband offer (no computer so b/band isn't necessary), can anyone tell me what is on offer and how much?

Neil_Jones

If eligible for it, BT Basic wipes the floor with the rest of the market.  It's a social tariff.

https://www.bt.com/content/dam/bt/help/including-you/BT_Basic.pdf

Farway

Unfortunately BT basic does not include Premium rate numbers, they will be charged at normal BT [expensive ] rates, so if relative continues to call PR numbers then high bills will follow

Not thoroughly checked does appear to be a method of capping the cost with BT basic at £10 but can be over ridden and not applicable to premium rate 09 numbers

JJ_Egan

( also her use of catalogue and other company's premium rate number)

Never going to be cheap if dialing premium rate .

PRAISETHESUN

I'm fairly sure most providers (mobile and landline) can bar premium rate number calls to prevent excessive bills - is this something that could help?

Neil_Jones

The £10 cap thing on BT Basic covers your domestic calls - landlines, mobiles, international and 03 numbers.  Easiest solution if calling premium numbers is going to be a problem is asking BT if they can bar them.  Yes it'll mean this relative can't phone up Littlewoods or whoever, but whether that leads to other frustrations only the OP can answer.

For cost of line rental on its own nothing beats BT Basic if eligible.  But realistically calling premium rate numbers isn't cheap regardless of who you're with.

pbartlett

"also her use of catalogue and other company's premium rate numbers"....

do you really mean premium rate numbers (09...) or do you mean 0870 type numbers?