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How are extra calling features priced?

How are extra calling features priced?

Dear Simon, I have a query on calling features. Are the prices for these features, such as caller display or call barring, a one-off charge for enabling them, or a monthly or daily charge?

Can you please let me know on what basis they apply?

Many thanks and best regards,

Lee Hiscott, Reading, via email, Updated: Wednesday 25 August, 2010

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Our expert says...

Hi Lee, 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:

Call feature BT Primus YourCalls.net
Anonymous caller reject £4 £3.50 £1.50
Three-way calling £2.59 £2.50 £2.50
Caller display £2.59 £2.50 £1.50
Call barring £2.59 £2.50 £1.50
Call divert £2.59 £2.50 £1.50

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.

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

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Comments

I want to stop nuisance calls from Debt Managment companies. How do I go about it? - Aug 2 2010 6:11PM
ZEHAIE ISAAC, London

Dear Simon
I need a supplier that offers call forwarding to my mobile (I use this a lot) but need to compare what they charge per minute, not just the monthly charge. Can you help?
Thanks
Ben
- Apr 13 2010 6:53PM
Ben, Colchester

How do I stopped nuisance calls, trying to sell me products. My number is unlisted, not in BT directory. How do companies obtained my unlisted number, how do I stopped these calls. The calls are received in afternoons/evenings. The sales team are very pushy, wanting to know personal details. - Mar 18 2010 8:21PM
astrid wachenheimer, UK