Home phone Providers

AOL phone and broadband

Updated: Friday 7 January, 2011

By Becca Talbot - becca@consumerchoices.co.uk

Well-established broadband supplier AOL also offers a home phone tariff that could save you money - find out whether AOL is right for you by reading our guide below...

AOL (www.aol.co.uk) is part of the Carphone Warehouse group, the UK’s third largest phone and broadband provider.

The group includes fellow home phone provider TalkTalk (www.talktalk.co.uk) and together the group supplies more than 2 million homes with landline and broadband services.

What is AOL Talk?

AOL Talk is only available if you have AOL broadband. The provider currently offers one broadband and home phone package, which include broadband and calls. Below is a breakdown of the deal:

AOL Wireless + Evening and Weekend Calls - A broadband and home phone tariff that offers:

• Broadband, with speeds of up to 24Mb, a 10GB download limit and a free wireless router
• Unlimited evening and weekend calls to all UK local and national landlines (numbers beginning 01, 02 and 03)
• 18-month contract applies.

It’s important to note that AOL's Talk package does not include line rental, and you will continue to pay line rental to your current provider.

You will receive one monthly bill from AOL for your broadband and home phone, however you will receive a separate bill from your line rental provider.

Why should I get AOL Talk?

Bundling your home phone service with AOL, if you already have its broadband, is a great way to save money on your household bills, as well as cut down the amount of paperwork you’ll receive. Here are several reasons why you should consider switching your home phone service to AOL if you’re already an AOL broadband customer:

1. You can keep your existing number
2. There won’t be a break in your telephone service when you switch
3. You’ll receive only one monthly bill for both your home phone and broadband package
4. Free tech support and customer services when you call from your AOL Talk line
5. You can keep your BT line and continue to pay BT for your line rental.

Customers can pay their bills by direct debit, credit or debit card or cheque. Bills are online-only, with paperless e-billing, however AOL can provide bills in large print, audio and braille, on request.

AOL will not deal with any maintenance needed to your landline, and you should contact your line rental provider if there is a fault on the line. AOL doesn’t provide calling features, such as call waiting, - you will have to pay your line rental provider for these (whether BT or otherwise).

What do I need for AOL Talk?

Because AOL’s home phone package is only available to its broadband customers, you’ll have to have a subscription to AOL broadband.

You’ll also have to have an active BT line. If you’re currently a Virgin Media cable customer you’ll be unable to switch to AOL’s broadband and home phone package as AOL does not install phone lines. Please read our guide on phone line installation for more options.

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