I used to be with BT for my home phone service, but changed to plusnet, because their broadband was cheaper than BT.  But I found I can't use Plusnet home phone service to call access numbers such as 0844, etc, to get cheap calls to the Caribbean and USA, like I did with BT.  I wanted to return to BT home phone, but Plusnet said that I'll lose all the money I paid up-front for the phone service if I leave, as they paid all the money to their supplier for my phone service.  Although I'm not in a contract with them, I can’t see how they can justify this!

Is there an alternative to get around Plusnet high call charges to the above destinations?

I am not sure where you get the idea you cant use 0844  access numbers from Plusnet because you can but not at same rate,but still reasonable .They normally allow access to the full 08 non geographical numbering range. You can also use indirect access numbers like www.18185.co.uk which can be prove to be cheaper then calls via 0844/0871 plus you dont normally start paying until your connected,unlike 0844/0871 calls where you start paying when you here recorded announcement.

The call providers rates shown on cheap call sites are BT rates.Plusnet do charge more to call  non geographical numbers
http://www.plus.net/residential/tariffs/homephone_28102012.html

eg G22 0.51p with BT .1p with plusnet.

They currently have same connection charge as BT 13.1p.

Were you aware they are actually owned by BT out of interest.

If you have inclusive minutes when you need them heres a service you can use to make no extra cost calls to USA via the geographical 0161 number www.callsdiscount.com .

Another useful service good rates  (doesnt charge a connection fee) you can use from inclusive minutes is www.localphone.com

Homeboy wrote on Nov 22^nd, 2012 at 12:13am:

But I found I can't use Plusnet home phone service to call access numbers such as 0844, etc, to get cheap calls to the Caribbean and USA, like I did with BT.

I don't understand, who told you that? I'm on Plusnet home phone and am not aware of any restrictions on using these numbers, or 18185, etc.

Hi there,


Homeboy wrote on Nov 22^nd, 2012 at 12:13am:

I used to be with BT for my home phone service, but changed to plusnet, because their broadband was cheaper than BT.  But I found I can't use Plusnet home phone service to call access numbers such as 0844, etc, to get cheap calls to the Caribbean and USA, like I did with BT.

There's no reason why you shouldn't be able to call these numbers. Pricing should me similar too (although admittedly probably not the same). BT's tariff for specialised numbers can be seen here. Our tarrif's already been linked to above.


Homeboy wrote on Nov 22^nd, 2012 at 12:13am:

I wanted to return to BT home phone, but Plusnet said that I'll lose all the money I paid up-front for the phone service if I leave, as they paid all the money to their supplier for my phone service.  Although I'm not in a contract with them, I can’t see how they can justify this!

This isn't wholly true. Have you paid for a year's line rental in advance? If you have then the terms of that particular offer state that the up front payment is non-refundable. If you pay your line rental monthly then any contractual obligations are likely to be specific to your broadband service and not the phone line.

If there's anything you'd like me to look into then I'm happy to if you're able to message me your username or some other means of identifying your account?

Best regards,

Hello Bob and welcome to SayNoTo0870.com,

I have previously seen you post on ThinkBroadband.

I just thought I'd say Hi,

:)

CJT-80 wrote on Nov 28^th, 2012 at 6:07pm:

Hello Bob and welcome to SayNoTo0870.com,

Thanks! Surprises me I've not been around these parts until now to be honest.

Regards,