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How are extra calling features priced?

Our expert says...

Hi Lee,

Thanks for your question; it’s a really interesting one. Calling features like 1471 and 1571 are free with all providers, however other features such as call divert and call barring have to be paid for. These can be added (and removed) to most home phone packages at any time – just phone your supplier and request the feature you want.

When it comes to paying for the call features, in most instances you will be charged a monthly fee. BT (www.bt.com) for example, charges £4 a month for anonymous caller reject. You will pay whoever supplies your line rental, so if your calls are with TalkTalk (www.talktalk.co.uk) but you still pay line rental to BT, you will pay the price BT charges for these features, to BT.

Below is some more information on calling features, what they are and how they are priced. I have used your postcode to compare phone packages and different calling features costs:

Calling features

Calling features, such as call divert, anonymous caller reject and call barring, are charged monthly, unless stated otherwise. You can find the prices of these features using our site, by clicking on the package name from the best buys, in a pop-up menu.

For example, click on one of the packages listed below, to find out more information about its rates and calling features:

What do calling features do?

Here is some more information about the various calling features you can choose from:

• 1471 - The last number that called
• 1571 - Listen and manage your voicemail messages
• Anonymous caller reject - Stop calls from withheld or anonymous numbers
• Call barring - Prevent your phone from being used to make specific outgoing calls, such as premium rate phone numbers or mobiles
• Call divert - Choose to have calls diverted to another number anywhere
• Call waiting - Tells you when someone is trying to get through to you
• Caller display - See who is calling you before you answer
• Choose to refuse - Stop unwanted or nuisance calls
• Ring back - Automatic call back from an engaged number
• Three-way calling - Chat with two friends at the same time
• Withheld number - Stop your number from showing to those you are calling.

The price of calling features

Below is a table that shows three suppliers’ monthly charges for five of the most popular calling features:

Hope this information helps Lee. As you can see, prices vary between companies. If you regularly use these features it may be worth comparing prices from several home phone providers to see if you could save money by switching your line rental.

Ask us a question

If you have a general switching or provider query please email us at ourexpert@homephonechoices.co.uk

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