Can I activate a BT line without getting locked into a BT contract?

no_usernames_left

Hi, can anyone help me out? I’ve just moved into a new house and want to set up phone and broadband, preferably the Talk Talk Global package. I have a BT landline in the property but it needs to be activated - do I have to sign up to a BT call package in order to have them activate the line and give me a phone number etc? To get the Talk Talk package I’d then need to transfer my line rental from BT to Talk Talk, incurring a £70 fee from BT - but without a BT line I can’t get the Talk Talk package to start with!
I suppose what I mean is, is there any way of getting a BT line without signing up to their line rental?
Any advice much appreciated! Thanks.

normanmark

If you take BT's line activation you have to take their call plan for 12 months.

Post office do activation & you can cancel within 15 days.

The question you should be asking yourself is why don't Talk Talk activate lines.

deklan99

Many posts on here about this. In effect any Telco can approach Openreach to install a "BT Line" so you don't have to sign up with BT at all.
Talktalk could do this for you but choose not to although they will for business customers.
The Post Office install lines with no minimum term published but how long that will last if punters just use them to get a line before jumping ship to TT is another matter.

no_usernames_left

Thanks for your help!
Just to clarify, the line is already installed in the property (ie I don't have to pay that £125 connection fee thing). It just needs to be reactivated. Would the Post Office do this for me, or is the deal with them that they would install a whole new line?

deklan99

It's the same procedure no matter who you go with. Your chosen provider just contacts Openreach on your behalf and gets it done (those that provide the service).
As for there already being a line installed, new builds may come with all the wiring but it still needs to be activated. Only way to tell is to plug in a phone, dial 17070 and see what happens. If you get the phone number read back and an option for line tests then more than likely no charges. Any other result then charges should be due.