It's been years since I've had a BT phone line, but I've just had one installed, I haven't received my 1st phone bill yet.

just read that BT are now charging a set-up fee of 9.4 pence per call, and have 2 questions about this ...

1. Does this charge apply even if the call isn't connected.

2. Do I still get charged this set-up fee if I use an access number such as 18866, 18899, 18185 .etc ?

any advice appreciated, thanks in advance

You get charged once the call is answered (by a human or call minder/answering machine) which means if you are calling someone who is on the phone (but has call minder), every attempt will result in you getting a 'connection' charge!
You don't pay the charge if the call is part of a package (eve/weekend etc) though. I suppose this is all part of a ploy by BT to get everyone onto an unlimited landline call package with an 18 month contract

There are no connection charges for access calls to 18899, 18185 or via a freefone (0800) number etc so no worries there.

OK thanks for that info