Telephone Service Providers: Charges & Incentives

• Monthly fees/subscriptions

• Initial connection fee or set-up charges

• Inclusive calls

• Minimum charges (per call)

• Connection fees (per call)

• Select Services/Calling Features

• Charge Unit

• Additional equipment costs

• Payment methods/options

• BT 'Best Friend' & 'Friends & Family 'including GOLD & Overseas Discounts

• Call Discounts/Benefits (including Call Allowances & package benefits)

Key terms, including definitions of destinations and time bands are dealt with in another section.

This includes any additional cost of subscribing to the Service Provider, including any costs for itemized billing. More recently providers are offering 'FREE' calls for a monthly subscription fee, such as BT Talk Together. It is very important to read the conditions and limitations of these calls.

This includes the cost of all set-up, equipment purchase (including phone purchase or rental) and connection fees. These charges can apply to both direct (new line, phone etc.) and indirect service providers (some charge for Smart Box/Adapter/Phone purchase or rental). You may also be expected to pay for additional 'Smart' equipment for extensions throughout the house.

Many tariffs include a call allowance to specific destinations - often as part of a monthly package. Some limit the calls to users of the same telephone service provider.

The minimum amount that you have to pay for each call made, irrespective of the length of the call. Some providers charge different amounts for UK landline, mobile and International calls. This is in addition to any connection fee. For example, one indirect telephone service provider charges a minimum of 33 pence for calls to mobile phones even if you only leave a brief message!

This is a one-off charge for using the provider's network and is in addition to any minimum charge!

The time interval that you are charged for, after the call cost has reached the minimum charge.

Many Service Providers allow access via a code (typically 3 or 4 digits), which you can programme into the memory of your phone. In some cases you MUST use their equipment even though you still need a BT (or other direct service provider's phone line). In these circumstances, there is the potential that you may not use some or all of the 'Inclusive Calls' provided by BT or the other direct service provider.

Pay Upfront: You need to pay for the calls before you can use the service. Some offer cheaper rates for higher credit. You may also have to agree to an automatic top-up when your credit falls below a predefined level.

Pay in arrears: You pay for your calls after making them and receiving a bill (either monthly or quarterly). Many offer direct debit facilities (some give a discount if you use this service).

Several providers set-up the direct debit the same way as for gas and electricity direct debits i.e. with a fixed monthly rate that is adjusted based on actual usage. This can lead to significant variances between actual usage and amount paid, so you need to keep a close eye on these type of direct debits.

BT 'Friends & Family' & 'Best Friend' discount schemes are free to join. Simply call 0800 800 150. BT 'Friends & Family' offers a 10% discount to 10 nominated direct dialled numbers, including 1 mobile and 1 international number. BT 'Best Friend' gives an additional 10% discount i.e. a total of 20%, to one nominated number from the 10 above, but excludes any mobile or international number. You can see the amount you save each quarter under 'Call Discounts/Allowances' on your BT telephone bill.

'Friends & Family GOLD' is only available on certain packages such as BT Working Together & BT Working Together Talk, where you pay an additional monthly fee. You can nominate up to 15 numbers to receive a 10% discount (5 more than 'Friends & Family'). Furthermore, you can select any mobile or international numbers without restriction.

'Friends & Family OVERSEAS' is only available on certain packages such as BT Together & BT Talk Together, again with an additional monthly fee. This gives a 10% discount on all calls to 6 overseas numbers.

The Call Discount/Benefit is made up of the sum of: 'Friends & Family' discount (including 'Best Friend' & 'Friends & Family GOLD', where applicable) PLUS your 'Call Allowance' (equivalent to £6.45 of qualifying calls per quarter as of 01 November 2001) AND your 'Package Benefit' if applicable (applies to certain packages with an additional monthly fee, such as BT Together).

This service allows to find out who last called you. Just dial 1471 to find out the telephone number of the last person who called you. Please be aware that if you use the 1471 Call Return you will be charged for this.

Basic voice messaging service. This call answering service means that you need never miss a call again. A standard message informs callers that they can leave a message, which you can then retrieve at any time.

Enhanced voice messaging service. This package allows you to create a personalized message, which all callers will hear. This allows you the option to provide alternative contact numbers as well as a fully retrievable answering service.

Let's you know when someone's trying to get through. Never miss calls from friends and relatives if you're talking to someone else. Call Waiting gently bleeps to tell you that a second call is on the line. You can either put the first caller on hold and speak to the second caller, or end your first call and speak to the second caller.

Divert your calls to another landline phone or mobile. Calls that can't get through to your phone will still reach you on another fixed line or mobile of your choice. Particularly useful if you are out of the office. Smart Divert allows you do make changes remotely i.e. from any phone. Please note: The diverted part of the call is charged to the renter of the service at direct dialled rates, calling customers pay the call charge only to the number dialled. So, you will pay for the forwarded call.

Get an additional number with a different ring tone This gives you an additional number for your phone, which will have a separate ringing tone when it is called. Who you give your Call Sign number to is up to you. It could be your children's friends, or an elderly relative, so you immediately know it's them when the phone rings. You can also use it to separate business and personal calls, or calls from fax machines.

Get an automatic call back from an engaged number If you've ever had to spend ages trying to get through to a busy number then you'll love Ring Back. There's no need to dial a busy number over and over again, because Ring Back does that for you. Please note that you will be charged for using this service.

Book an alarm call. Acts like an alarm clock, except it lets you book an alarm call days in advance. Please note that you will be charged for using this service.

Talk with two other callers at the same time Lets three of you have your say on a call, wherever the other two callers are in the world. Please note that you will be charged for using this service.

If you are moving, you can get all your calls automatically forwarded to your new phone number This is of particular benefit when you move offices but is very expensive. Please note: The diverted part of the call is charged to the renter of the service at direct dialled rates, calling customers pay the call charge only to the number dialled. So, you will pay for the forwarded call.

If you are moving, you can inform everyone what your new number is This service is far cheaper than Remote Call Forwarding (above). With Caller Redirect, you don't have to worry about losing calls because you've changed your premises, or expanded to bigger offices. Callers will be made aware of your new telephone number by this message: The number called has been changed to [new number]. Please note: As there is no Call Diversion or Forwarding you will not need to pay for the call, just a monthly or quarterly fee for the service.

The Call Discount/Benefit is made up of the sum of:

'Friends & Family' discount (including 'Best Friend' & 'Friends & Family GOLD', where applicable)

PLUS your 'Call Allowance' (equivalent to £6.45 of qualifying calls per quarter as of 01 November 2001)

AND your 'Package Benefit' if applicable (applies to certain packages with an additional monthly fee, such as BT Together).

Business users: For a FREE, confidential, 'No-obligation' quote.

Residential users: With so much information to get to grips with why not simply provide us with your telephone calling patterns and we'll find the CHEAPEST and BEST telephone service provider that matches your usage? AND with our RISK-FREE guarantee, you can't lose. SAVE money on your telephone bills or get the information for FREE!