Ask our Expert

If you’re having problems with your home phone supplier, from billing disputes to choosing a new calling plan, why not write to ourexpert@homephonechoices.co.uk.

Simon Piper at Homephonechoices.co.uk can help with anything from contractual problems to giving tips on reducing your bills, or telling you how to save money on your home phone and line rental.

Due to the high volume of queries it isn't always possible to reply to individual questions. However we publish replies to many questions on a weekly basis below.

How do I pay my phone bill?

It seems that most of the suppliers charge extra for receiving paper bills in the post, and if you don’t pay by direct debit. Are there any suppliers that don’t charge?

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Can I get a second phone line installed?

I’d like to get a second line into my house, what’s the most cost-effective way of adding one?

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Can I get an incoming calls-only package?

Is it possible to get a landline installed to receive only incoming calls? What would you recommend? Are there any providers who offer incoming calls-only packages?

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How much do calls cost with BT?

I’m a BT Evening & Weekend Call Plan customer - do the VAT price changes affect me? And if so, how much will it cost me to make calls from my landline now?

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Can I switch from the BT Light User Scheme?

I am on the BT Light User Scheme, which is ending soon. I am not eligible for BT Basic and will be automatically transferred to BT’s Unlimited Weekend Plan, what should I do?

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How can I reconnect to BT?

I want to go back to BT - how do I get my line connected?

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Can I get a phone line installed just for broadband?

I need a home phone line so that I can get a broadband connection. Who offers cheap installation?

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How do I switch my home phone service?

How do I switch my service? Will I need to get an engineer out to change the phones or wires or anything?

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What is a call connection fee?

I read recently that some home phone providers are putting up their call connection fees. What is a call connection fee and how much does it cost?

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I’m with TalkTalk - Why can’t I switch?

I recently tried to switch our landline phone to YoursCalls.net but the switch was refused because we are with TalkTalk. I don’t understand why this is a problem....

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How much do calls to 0870 and 0845 numbers cost?

I know that BT customers get free calls to 0870 and 0845 numbers on certain packages, but are there any other providers that offer free calls to these premium numbers?

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Should I choose a Virgin Media or BT landline?

I'm moving into a new house and can't decide between Virgin Media or BT...
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Who offers free calls to the Channel Islands?

My family live in Jersey. Although their phone number is 01534, BT doesn't include the Channel Islands in its free evening and weekend calls. Do you know any providers that do?

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Which suppliers offer cheap international calls?

I have family in America, Australia and Germany who I call regularly. What packages are available that offer free, inclusive or really cheap weekend, evening and international rates for my area?...
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Where is my supplier’s customer services based?

Customer service is very important to me and I want a supplier that has a UK-based call centre. Where are the different suppliers’ customers services call centres based?

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Are there any alternatives to BT for a phone line in a new build property?

I am just about to move into a newly built house. It has BT points installed, but can any company take it over? I was always under the impression that as they are BT points, only BT could install/connect the phone line...
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How are extra calling features priced?

Are the prices for features such as caller display or call barring a one-off charge for enabling them, or a monthly or daily charge?

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Do any phone providers offer one-month contracts?

We are want to get a phone line installed, but most providers want us to take an 18-month contract with them. However we are usually out of the country for eight months of the year, so just want a one-month package...
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What if there's a fault on my line?

I am thinking of changing my landline from BT to another supplier. What would happen in the event of a line failure, and who would repair it?

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Will switching supplier affect my broadband connection?

I would like to switch my current home phone line from Virgin Media to BT; are there any costs for switching to BT, such as installation? Also, how do I go about switching to BT?

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Phone line installation options

My new house has a BT landline but it has been disconnected because the previous tenants did not pay their bills. Can I get a landline from a different home phone provider other than BT?
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Switching your phone line from Virgin Media to BT

I would like to switch my current home phone line from Virgin Media to BT; are there any costs for switching to BT, such as installation? Also, how do I go about switching to BT

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Who supplies my home phone?

I have just moved into a new house but don’t know which supplier provides the phone line at the property. How do I find out who supplies my home phone service? Will I automatically be put into a contract with the supplier?
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