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Not happy with ZEN

I have ZEN 100 broad band and my "landline" number with included call charges at about £7 or 8 extra a month, on Open Reach full fibre to house.
Today I asked them if could reduce this charge in anyway, EG. do away with this charge and just pay for calls as they happen. No was the answer all that they can offer is discontinue the phone service.

A take it or leave it situation.

Have looked at ML comparisons and seems some providers only want to be broadband suppliers only.

I would not like to use the ALT supplier and stay on Open Reach thus avoiding another wire and equipment coming to the house.  

Recommended providers please who will use OR and use my "landline" number with payment only on out going calls.

Thanks



Comments

  • iniltous
    iniltous Posts: 3,906 Forumite
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    edited 19 November 2025 at 11:34AM
    BT , EE , Sky , Vodafone to name a few , however some will charge a small amount to get the phone service , so typically the offer will be something like £25 for BB , £3 for telephony on a PAYG basis, £28 in total , others (Sky for example) include PAYG so don’t offer a way to save £3 for those that don’t need telephony but in effect have to pay for a service they don’t need but that probably isn’t an issue for you as you want to take telephony.

    If City Fibre  is available, Sky and VF both may prioritise that network over reusing the existing Openreach network so you would need to check with them which one they would use  (that’s if you chose to use one of them ) 

    This isn’t an exhaustive list but as you say some CP’s (Plusnet for example) don’t want to be in the telephony business just broadband, AFAIK , there isn’t a list showing just those that offer both , hence you’re going to have to do a little research yourself 
  • dnpark38
    dnpark38 Posts: 311 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 19 November 2025 at 11:36AM
    That was quick.
    Just looked at ML comparison.  Only gives Sky and Vodaphone but I have read in these forums they use ALT, networks.
  • You could port out your phone number to a VoIP provider like A&A, but you might then need extra hardware for the phone.

    Sky and Vodafone use both CityFibre and Openreach. They probably will tell you which they'd be using when you sign up, but they also might try and switch you later.
  • iniltous
    iniltous Posts: 3,906 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    edited 19 November 2025 at 1:52PM
    Don’t assume that comparison sites are always honest brokers, they get a kick back for any click through sign ups , so the order in which providers are displayed etc (as well as providers not showing at all)  is within the comparison sites gift it’s not necessarily every available option ,you need to be aware comparison sites are businesses themselves, and after what’s best for themselves, a provider that doesn’t pay to be be listed , doesn’t get listed …you would be better served to go onto the sites of those companies you are  considering using and entering your address yourself rather than relying on a comparison company that has vested interests that may not align with your interests.
  • Ectophile
    Ectophile Posts: 8,321 Forumite
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    I revently switched to Vodafone on Openreach fibre.  They ported my phone across to VoIP.  There's no charge for the basic (no calls included) phone package.
    If it sticks, force it.
    If it breaks, well it wasn't working right anyway.
  • dnpark38
    dnpark38 Posts: 311 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper
    Ectophile said:
    I revently switched to Vodafone on Openreach fibre.  They ported my phone across to VoIP.  There's no charge for the basic (no calls included) phone package.
    Do you have an ALT network on your pole?
    I have an ALT and frightened if I sign up with Vodaphone they will use that.
  • littleboo
    littleboo Posts: 1,850 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Only if it's Cityfibre
    Which altnet is it?
  • If it's me your asking just one at the moment of three who have said they are going to put their networks here.
    BRSK, Netomania and City Fibre.
    The one that just arrived have sub contractors names on or plain white vans.
  • Ectophile
    Ectophile Posts: 8,321 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    dnpark38 said:
    Ectophile said:
    I revently switched to Vodafone on Openreach fibre.  They ported my phone across to VoIP.  There's no charge for the basic (no calls included) phone package.
    Do you have an ALT network on your pole?
    I have an ALT and frightened if I sign up with Vodaphone they will use that.

    The local alt fibre company never made it to my road before they run out of money.  Now Openreach have beaten them to it.  It's definitely an Openreach fibre.
    If it sticks, force it.
    If it breaks, well it wasn't working right anyway.
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