Telephones and Internet in the UK

Share | Print | +

Buzz

Delicious

Digg

Facebook

Google

Propeller

reddit

StumbleUpon

Twitter

Yahoo!

Telephones and Internet in the UK

Below is information on landline telephones and getting connected in the UK.

Useful/Handy Numbers

Telephone Providers

There are more than 170 licenced telephone providers in the UK, with the industry growing and changing all the time. Great deals can be found and the best thing to do when moving into a new or rented home in the UK is to look at all the different options available. Many packages are for the Internet, as well as home landlines and television. These are called bundle packages.

There are many sites available to compare deals. For example:

• Home Phone Choices
• UK Telecom Tariff Cost Comparison
• uSwitch.com
• moneysupermarket.com
• Utility Warehouse

Some of the main telecom providers in the UK are:

• British Telecom (BT)
• Direct Save Telecom
• Madasafish
• Orange
• Plusnet
• The Post Office
• Primus Saver
• Sky
• Talk Talk
• Virgin Media

There are a number of rental options. It is possible either to rent a line from BT, or select a new provider who can buy line rental from BT and charge their customers for it.

• For further information on line rental options: Click here

Getting Connected

If the telephone line is not connected, the line will need to be re-activated. There may be a charge for this, depending on how long the line has been disconnected. The cost varies from one company to another. Before signing up to any package, compare the deals on offer, as once a contract is signed, it will probably be for at least one year. Connection of the line usually takes between five and ten days.

If there is no existing landline, it is necessary to contact British Telecom to have one installed. BT may stipulate that the person signs a contract with them for a certain amount of time. Change to another provider may be possible at a later date.

The following information is required to get a new phone line, to reconnect, or switch to BT:

• Bank details to set up a direct debit
• Their addresses for the previous two years
• For further information on British Telecom: Click here

Moving House

It may be possible to transfer an existing landline service to a new home if moving within the UK, depending on where the person is moving to. Some suppliers do not operate all over the UK.

BT customers should arrange a transfer of their telephone line service to their new address at least 14 days before moving.

• Tel: 0800 800 150

Switching Providers

Before switching from one telephone provider to another, check the contract details with the current provider. If still under contract, there may be an exit penalty charge.

Also check to see if there is an active BT line, as this is imperative to be able to switch.

Most home phone providers have two types of calling plans on offer:

1. Free unlimited evening and weekend calls to local and national landlines.
2. Free unlimited anytime calls to local and national landlines.

Most suppliers also offer packages that include calls to certain overseas countries. For information on making international calls and the various options available see the Home Phone Choices website.

Once a provider and package has been chosen, contact them online with the following details:

• First and last name
• A contact number for the new supplier - a mobile or work phone number
• BT account number if known. This is not necessary but may help speed up the process
• House number and postcode
• A password that will be used for the new account

Switching providers can also be done by contacting Home Phone Choices who can take care of every detail. Bank details are needed as payment is via direct debit. It normally takes up to 14 days to switch providers. During this time there should be no break in the service.

Cable

In some areas of the UK it may be possible to connect to cable where prices are very competitive. For further information and to see who can benefit, see the Cable website.

Business Lines

Most providers offer packages especially designed for businesses and are tailored to meet the needs of business people. For further information on the options available, see the Home Phone Choices website.

Using Mobile Cellular Phones

There is a huge choice of mobile telephone suppliers in the UK and it is necessary to research the different packages and options before signing a contract. The main suppliers are:

• Orange
• Vodafone
• Talk Talk
• O2
• 3
• T-mobile

All suppliers offer a wide range of handsets and packages, so customers should be clear about which product they require before signing up online or going into any street branch of the supplier.

In most cases, a contract is signed which can be up to 24 months long. Alternatively, there are Pay-As-You-Go packages, where top up cards can be bought as and when they are needed.

• To compare mobile telephones and packages: Click here

Documents Needed

The following documents will be required when buying a mobile phone:

• Document to prove signature, for example passport or credit card
• Proof of identity, (passport or ID card)
• Proof of address (utilities bill)

Lost Mobile Phones

In the event of mobile phone loss or theft, contact the appropriate service provider and ask them to block the number and deactivate the SIM card.

Then contact the police and provide them with details of the phone make, model, number and the IMEI. The IMEI number protects the owner if a phone is lost or stolen. The number can be obtained by typing *#06# into the mobile phone. Note the number and keep it separate from the mobile. The Police will provide a crime reference number which can be used to claim on insurance.

Following the theft, register with Immobilise, who will add the telephone to the Police National Stolen Phone Database. If the phone is recovered, it may be possible to retrieve it.

Recycling Mobile Phones

It may be possible to recycle old mobile handsets for money.

• For further information from Envirofone: Click here

Going Online in the United Kingdom

Broadband Internet connections have improved in the UK and there are very few places where it is not available. In most places across the UK, digital television, Internet and telephone services are available from one single broadband service. This is called a bundle package. Rates and pricing schemes vary from one provider to another.

Some of the main providers are:

• O2
• 3
• Be
• BT Broadband
• Orange
• Sky
• Talk Talk
• Virgin Media
• Vodafone
• Plusnet

Most broadband deals have a download speed of up to 8 Mb, but various factors, including the distance from the local exchange, could slow this speed down considerably. Be, O2, and Sky all offer speeds of up to 24 Mb. Virgin Media offers the fastest broadband, with speeds of up to 50 Mb on its cable network.

• To compare the different options and packages available see the Broadband Choices website

It is possible to sign up for an Internet package online. To see a list of all the providers offering broadband packages in a specific area, run a postcode search on Broadband Choices, select a package and click on Go to reach the chosen provider's website. Details that need to be provided include full address, postcode and telephone number.

Switching Internet Providers

Customers may switch from one supplier to another, although they might have to pay a penalty fee if terminating a contract before it has expired. A Migration Access Code (MAC) is needed from the existing supplier before switching suppliers, to avoid any break in service.

• For further information and contact details of Internet service providers: Click here