Things To Consider

Why should I switch my telephone supplier?

• To access cheaper calls
• To get a better service
• To get additional service

What is involved in switching my telephone supplier?

Dialling a code before each call or plugging an auto-dialler into your existing telephone line is all that may be required to set up your new telephone service.

There’s a small amount of installation work involved if you switch from BT to cable telephone as the cable company will need to run a new wire into your home.

Booking securely on the uSwitch site provides us with your details and this forms the basis of your contract with your new supplier. Your new telephone supplier will contact you shortly after your online booking to confirm how quickly your new service can be set up and provide clear instructions on how to use it. The whole process takes just a few days.

How much money can I really save?

You’ll need to use the uSwitch calculator to work out who offers the best deal for you as it really depends on where you make your calls to and how often you use your phone. The results table that the calculator produces is based around your own unique calling profile. Changing your payment method to Prepayment or Direct Debit may give further discounts.

The following table outlines some of the call savings available:

Do I have to change my phone number?

If you choose an indirect access company like One-Tel or Talk then you are simply accessing their cheaper calls over your existing telephone line.

If you choose a direct access company like ntl or Telewest then you can either have a new telephone number or they will arrange for your BT number to be ‘ported’ over to their network so you can keep your existing one.

What other services do telephone suppliers offer?

Some suppliers offer additional services like on-line billing, free voicemail but most really just aim to provide cheaper calls.

Cable companies include a basic package of Digital TV channels along with the telephone line and broadband internet services are sometimes available.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008