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How can I reconnect my BT line online?

Our expert says...

Hi Valerie, it is very simply to reconnect to BT (www.bt.com). You can order a new phone line connection on the BT website, but there are a few things that you need to know first.

Firstly, are you sure BT is the right provider for you? There are a number of providers that install phone lines. Check out the table below:

	Free installation	28 Day Guarantee
Call TalkTalk 0800 049 7834 Go	Call BT now 0800 028 4474 Go	Call Virgin Media 0808 189 0508 Go	Call Sky now 0844 241 0582 Go	Call Primus now 0800 036 0170 Go
FREE connection	£0 with any calls & Broadband package	£0 with Calls Broadband + TV £40 otherwise	£10 connection charge	£59 connection charge
Set-up usually within 7 & 10 days for a new line installation. If switching from Virgin, you can keep your line until your new line has been activated *	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 normally between 14 and 28 days for connetion or new line*	Setup between 12 - 14 days normally for a new line installation *
Go Call TalkTalk now 0800 049 7834	Go Call BT now 0800 028 4474	Go Call Virgin Media 0808 189 0508	Go Call Sky now 0844 241 0582	Go Call Primus now 0800 036 0170

* 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.

If BT is the best provider for you, read some more information below about line rental and installation costs.

BT reconnection charge

BT charges a standard line reconnection fee of £130 - but many customers going back to BT find that they do not have to pay this, and if you're signing up to a BT broadband and phone bundle, installation will cost just £30..

If your home has had a telephone service from BT in the recent past, the wiring and socket is undamaged and the line still has a dial tone, you may be able to get reconnected free of charge.

You'll just have to pay your line rental, any calling plan costs, cost of calls, and for any additional services you want.

However, if there's no suitable BT line in your property, there's no dial tone on the line, or if you have been disconnected for non-payment, you will have to pay to be reconnected.

Discounted BT reconnection

You can also qualify for £30 connection from BT if you sign-up to any of its bundles, as long as your package contains a call element. This means you can get your home phone, broadband and TV all from BT, and make extra savings.

Connection waiting times

If you're simply having a line reconnected, it should only take around four working days to get activated. However, if an engineer needs to visit your home to install a completely new landline, then it could take between 14 and 21 working days.

BT will contact you to arrange a suitable date to get you connected as soon as possible.

Alternative landline providers

A number of other suppliers, including TalkTalk (www.talktalk.co.uk), Plusnet (www.plus.net), Virgin Media’s (www.virginmedia.com) and Sky (www.sky.com) also offer landline installation - and if you find that you have to pay for your connection, you can often save money by comparing landline installation costs first.

Ask us a question

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

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