Landline with a company other than BT

[koster]

I've just moved into a new flat, and would like to activate the phone line.

As there are cheaper companies than BT (TalkTalk, Post Office Home Phone, etc.) I thought I could go straight to one of these companies - but it seems like I have to get BT line first, and then change to the other company.

Is this correct?

[Postdog]

I think the way these schemes work is either manually by dialling a certain number or automatically thru some box, the call is routed somewhere so you (in theory) pay less. In all other respects it is still a BT line, and as such, they are responsible for the initial installation or activation.

[koster]

Yes, I know about those schemes, but I want to rent the line from a different company, i.e. not use BT at all.

[Postdog]

You misssed my point. The line is, and always will be, BT's. What you will be paying for are cheaper calls from firms who then lease the line from BT. The only alternative to a BT line is cable, and with that, you can only use the cable company.

[bloodycheap]

Talk Talk offer cheaper line rental and calls than BT even though you are using a BT landline. You do need to go through BT initially ( i think at least three months) before you can change. Check with Talk Talk first.

[sir.prize]

If you are in a TeleWest Cable area, they are hard to beat.