UK: I am moving in to my first place soon. How do I set up a landline?

Question

Hi! I want to stay in touch with home but think it might be a little too expensive to use a mobile all the time, so I want to get a landline.

If I buy a cheap handset from Argos or somewhere similar, how do I actually go about setting it up and getting a phone number etc? I know the previous owners had a landline fitted.

Also, I've heard that you can opt to have a landline that only accepts incoming calls- is this true? If so, roughly how much does this cost compared to a normal landline? Thanks!

Answer 1

Phone BT wait forever for them to answer, explain what you want, make an appointment for the engineer to come, wait in all day. Phone BT back arrange for another appointment, wait in all day. Eventually he'll turn up fit it, then they'll send you 3 bills for the same thing. Call them back, wait for ages for them to answer your call etc.

Answer 2

Just ring up BT or whoever you're going with a week before you move. You won't need an engineer to come over if the phone lines already there.

I've never heard of an incoming call only line, but you could ring them up and ask.

Answer 3

I would if poss stay away from BT.  They are a nightmare.  Cant you shop around to see if any other phone co. will get you connected.  If you already have an existing phone line which needs connecting then you are halfway there.  It is much cheaper to have incoming calls only, because you only pay for the line rental.  Good luck.

Answer 4

OH MAN

IF YOU CAN STAY AWAY FROM BRITISH TELECOM (BT)

They are giving really bad service to just about everyone I know. They will expect about £100 set up fee (non refundable) and totally over charge you for a phone line you only use for the internet.

Seriously get stright onto fibre optics if you can through cable etc and just don't let BT be involved.

*edit lol to the first post!