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Phone line connection options

By Leah Boundy - editorial@consumerchoices.co.uk

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If you’ve just moved into a new house, or if you need an extra line installed, getting a new phone line is usually a straightforward process, but it can be costly… (Updated 1/6/10)

Free installation		Fastest setup
Call BT now 0800 028 4474	Find out more VirginMedia.com	Call Primus now 0800 036 0170	Call TalkTalk now 0800 049 7834	Call BT now 0800 028 4474
£0 with Calls Broadband + TV	£0 with Calls Broadband + TV £35 otherwise	£69 connection charge	£69.99 connection charge	£127.99 BT connection charge
Setup within 4 working days for a connection, and up to 16 working days for new line installations *	Setup usually within 2 weeks. Plus you can normally keep your number. Virgin Media also offers a 28 day money back guarantee *	Setup between 3 and 5 days normally	Setup within 20 days for new line installations. If you are switching from Virgin Media, you can keep this line until your new one has been installed *	Setup within 4 working days for a connection, and up to 16 working days for new line installations *
Call BT now 0800 028 4474	Find out more VirginMedia.com	Call Primus now 0800 036 0170	Call TalkTalk now 0800 049 7834	Call BT now 0800 028 4474

* All providers allow you to select a convenient appointment on a suitable date when you place your order online. 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.

Read our guide to find out more about getting a new phone line, the installation options and what’s available for those on a minimal budget.

Phone line connection options

Before you get a new phone line installed, you will need to choose whether you want a BT (copper wire) phone line, or a (fibre optic) cable line. There two main phone line suppliers in the UK are BT and Virgin Media. These are the companies that supply the physical workings of your phone line (connecting your property to the phone system), but you can pay for your calls and even BT line rental through a wide variety of other home phone providers.

Compare Virgin Media phone line packages and charges below:

Alternatively, you can choose an internet phone line supplier like Vonage. In this case, you will have to have a broadband line installed by Virgin Media, but you can avoid paying a line rental charge by not having a phone line and making all your calls via the internet. Read our guide for more information on making internet calls.

Phone line connection charges

You could face a connection charge if you need a new phone line installed, or your existing line is damaged. The charge may also apply to reconnect an existing line.

BT line connection charge is £127.99. However, most people find they don't need to pay it. It's always a good idea to speak to a BT engineer first to see whether or not the charge will apply to your property. Call BT on 0800 028 4474 to find out.

If it does, you can get the £127.99 installation fee waived if you sign-up to one of BT's broadband, calls and TV packages online. Visit www.bt.com for more information.

If you decide to get a cable landline from Virgin Media, installation of a new line is up to £35, depending on the number of services you sign-up for. If you take up the company’s triple-play bundle deal, line installation is free. Read our guide for more about the benefits of bundling your services.

Other phone providers also offer line installation; for more information, check our guide on line installation options.

Why do I need a telephone line?

Even if you have a mobile phone you use for calls, it’s a good idea to have a landline as well – for cheaper calls, as a back-up, or to benefit the people who phone you, as calls to landlines are normally cheaper than calls to mobiles.

You might also find that a landline number makes you seem more reliable in the eyes of potential employers, letting agencies and banks. This attitude is dying out, as more people choose not to have a landline, but some companies will still insist on taking a landline number you can be contacted on.

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