Switching from Hyperoptic - phone line

saajan_12

I'm looking to switch from Hyperoptic to a BT based provider for broadband as I can get a better deal. I don't particularly care for a phone line, but know some providers need one for a broadband connection. I've had Hyperoptic for over a year, not paying a line rental, so I guess any phone line I may have had in the past is now gone / reassigned? 

Is there a way I can figure out whether I still have a phone line and what the number is, or whether I'd need a new activation? I tried applying for Shell Broadband, and if I say I don't have a phone number, it says they can't give me the plan. I thought I'd be able to at least pay for the activation and then get the broadband. 

More generally, is this a common occurence ie switching to / from broadband plans without a line rental, you keep having to re-activate it? 

Thanks

Vincero

Any disconnected BT/Openreach line can be disconnected at the exchange/cabinet depending on capacity needs. They can also be reactivated in the same way.
So long as the existing wiring and faceplate are in place and intact, reactivation should be easy.

Phone numbers can be reassigned after a disconnect has happened so finding out if there is an old phone number is potentially irrelevant.
If the line is still actually active (even if 'disconncted' you may still get a dial tone) there may be some way of determining a phone number for that line. Edit: there is, dial 17070

I'm not sure why Shell have an issue... Unless the cabinet you would be connected to has a waitlist so they are unable to provision service.
Have you checked to see if any other provider, after doing an address lookup, say they are unable to offer service or, more tellingly, offer only ADSL (no FTTC)?

Neil49

Unfortunately the various broadband suppliers use different terminology when referring to line rental which can be confusing. 

You need some sort of physical connection to your property to receive the broadband connection (in other words, a landline). Phone calls are usually offered as an extra which you can decline. 

The main MSE website has a broadband availability checker which is a good place to start. Although you have looked at Shell I have read of many complaints regarding their customer service so I would definitely look at alternative options. 

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/compare-broadband-deals/

saajan_12

I've had Vodafone / Sky in the past, so I know it can get a landline and broadband that way. Then had Hyperoptic for a year, and not sure if the prior landline would have been disconnected in that time. If not, then perhaps I can save the time / cost of a re-activation. 

No problem with the line rental and calls packages - will be paying for a line rental + broadband package, not taking the add ons for call packages or tv where possible, so I know what I'm doing there. 

Vincero

If the line isn't 'connected' to a provider using Openreach, you will be liable to pay an activation fee, regardless of if it is still technically active (I.e. hasn't been physically disconnected).

What you will not be liable for is an installation fee as the line is already present - yes some will charge it when doing a new line.

400ixl

Hyperoptic don't use OpenReach do they? Thought they provided their own fibre networks.

Switching back to an OpenrReach service will essentially be a re-activation as a minimum, maybe more if any of the line has been removed.