Home phone Guides

Get a business phone line

By Leah Boundy - editorial@consumerchoices.co.uk

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If you’re looking to install a cheap business phone line in your home, there are a few options to consider, including making calls via the internet… (Updated 07/01/10).

Here’s the Homephonechoices.co.uk guide to getting a business phone line installed in your home, and the best alternatives.

Business phone line options

	Call BT Business 0808 109 1659	Call Primus Business 0800 036 0133
Connection charge	£99 (exc. VAT) Approx. 9 days to install*	£67 (exc. VAT)* Min. 5 days to install*
Package	Business Phone Line (24 month)	Business Capped
Package cost	£14.45 (exc. VAT) per month	£9.49 (exc. VAT) per month
What's included?	500 free minutes to UK landlines Capped calling rates (up to 10p an hour) 24 Month contract applies 1 month's free line rental (ends 30/04/10)	Low international call rates Capped calling rates (up to 8.8p an hour) 24 Month contract applies Primus Price Promise Guarantee
	Call BT Business 0808 109 1659	Call Primus Business 0800 036 0133

* All providers allow you to select a convenient appointment on a suitable date when you place your order. However, line setup times will typically depend on the availability of an engineer, and other factors, such as the number of concurrent line installations in your area.

Internet business phone alternatives

If you’re after a cheaper alternative, the best business phone line option is not to have a phone line at all! Using a broadband connection and a service like Vonage, you can make cheap – or even free – calls over the internet.

For instance, if you sign up to Vonage, calls to other Vonage users are free, with a subscription you will also benefit from calls to landlines at a reduced price. This also cuts out all the installation, set-up and line rental charges you’d have to pay with BT (www.bt.com) or Virgin Media (www.virginmedia.com).

BT also offers a similar internet phone service, which you can use as an alternative to a business telephone system. Known as BT Broadband Talk, it requires a BT internet connection and doesn’t come with an installation or line rental fee. However you will be required to pay for daytime calls or pay a subscription charge of £5.82 a month. The system uses a BT Hub phone and operates just like a business phone line with a separate number to your main line.

Phone lines for home workers

If you are working from home as a business, both BT (www.bt.com) and Virgin Media (www.virginmedia.com) can provide cheap business phone lines for your home. With BT, a standard phone socket will be installed, along with ADSL internet if you need it.

Virgin Media offers a cable phone system, which lets customers take advantage of cable broadband - this can reach speeds of up to 50Mb in some areas.

BT’s installation charge for a new phone line is up to £124.99, whereas Virgin Media charges £30 if you bundle your phone line with your broadband. Whichever company you decide on, a minimum 12-month contract will be in place.

Whichever supplier you choose, an engineer will need to visit your home to install the line. Most new lines are installed within five to 10 working days.

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