Since I'm already on their broadband, I'm considering it. Just wondered what other people thought?

If you don't know about it, it's here;
http://www.f9.net.uk/registeryourint...ls_landingpage

Since when have plusnet changed their name to "force9" ?

Oops, didn't realise I was on the F9 portal

Force9 (or F9) are part of the PlusNet group, and was in fact their main name many years ago.
I've been with their internat packages for a few years now, so I tend to log onto their older site.

The equivalent PlusNet URL is;
http://www.plus.net/registeryourinte...ls_landingpage

Has anyone had a chance to look at it yet? I'm considering it, but thought it wise to guage the opinion of other people as well.

Means moving line rental away from BT - Big mistake!

Part of my reasoning WAS to move the line rental from BT.
What's your reasoning to stay put?

BT you get free caller display.

If you get a problem with your landline you have to contact PlusNet who will eventually contact BT.

Only BT are required to allow you to use cheap call providers such as 1899, 18185.

PlusNet will make their money as you will be required to use just them for the phone calls and any 0845 / 0870 numbers you can't find alternatives for will be charged at higher rates, than those on BT Together 1, they may try and say they are the same as BT rates, but those BT rates will be the higher ones only people on the BT LUS are charged.

If you don't use the phone much, don't mind paying extra with caller display and can accept you will often have to wait longer for problems to be sorted out then maybe it's OK.

But the consensus is stay with BT for line rental and free caller display, route you calls via other means (such as Primus Saver 2 - no monthly fee and free evening and weekend calls) 1899 for daytime calls 3p each and then find a broadband supplier who offers the service you want.

Thanks for the good details BexTech.

My problem is that I'm currently already using;
1) 18866 (but a peeved since they've put up their connection charge a lot recently without telling people)
2) Talktalk (calls only not line rental)
3) BT for landline, (but don't get free caller display as all calls not on 18866 go via Talk talk so not eligible for it)
4) Plusnet for broadband (who I've been happy with over the years)

This amounts to 4 seperate bills (plus mobiles) and so even if I'm getting the lowest rates, it's difficult to tell how much useage there is on each type of call so can't tell if it's being used too much. ( A bit like buying something in the shops at 50% off because it's cheap, but if it wasn't actually needed, then it's actually cost the 50% rather than saved 50%).

My thoughts on solutions were initially the Talktalk package (but am glad I didn't as it appears people aren't happy with it.)
Another solution was to try 18185 etc, but that'll mean yet more accounts to sign-up to and not less, plus trying to remember when to use which one (or more importantly when the family have to remember ) but it's not discounted just yet.
My other solution appears to be PlusNets offering which I'm currently investigating and have already asked them about the ability to call indirect access code like 18866, the cost of caller id, and (believe it or not, there's no mention of the 1571 answerphone service). Answer so far - wait till the 4th July. So these things are going to be part of my decision making process.

I might try them anyway, as long as they have 1571, (look at this I'm talking myself into it as I type ) as it'll be easy to go back to BT if necessary (only 1 months notice), and their £15 option will give me free landline calls anytime within the UK (& daytime is an important one here to my wife), plus free calls to a number of countries, one of which I have family in. This should leave us with just o870/0845 and mobile calls which we try to keep low anyway, and the mobile rates are cheaper than 18866 for the majority and definitely cheaper than talk talk).

I'll let you know how I get on if I do actually sign-up
(Other advice is still very welcome though from anyone)

Seems Plus Net want to charge for the 1571 service AS WELL AS the caller ID.
No idea on price for these bits yet, but assumiming they're £2.50 each, then that'll make an extra £5/month.
No so sure I'm signing up now.

Found out prices.
1571 = £1
Caller ID = £1.50
or both together = £2

Since BT currently charge me £1.75 for caller ID, so it's only 25p difference.

Also with my current useage (18866 mainly), I can reduce my overall bill by approx 10% (PlusNet claim an average of 17% but they don't include 18866 only BT TalkTalk etc.)

Compared prices of mobiles against 18866, BT & Talktalk and generally Plusnet are cheaper. Ditto with 0845 & 0870.
I haven't checked all the premium rate numbers as I just don't use them.

Edit
-----
OK I couldn't help myself. I had to look at the premium rates as well.
With just a quick look, it looks basically like this.
Directory Enquiries (118xxx) 10% above BT
Personal Numbers .(pn xx) Same as BT
Premium Rate (p xx) Same as BT

So overall, IMO the non 01-02 numbers look promising as well.
Last edited by rc3675 : 05-07-2006 at 14:35

Answerphone 1571 is the biggest rip off going, I absolutely hate it. Whilst it provides a free answering service for recipient it costs the person making the call, there should be an opt out for the caller.

I once tried to phone my sister about an important matter, 1571 cut in straight away. Eight phone calls later and 40p worse off I eventually got through. When I phone someone I want to speak to them not leave a message, if the phones engaged I know they are in and try later. If you need to get messages get an answerphone.

No BT customer should be paying for caller ID, its free if you register at www.bt.com/privacy (something like that)

I make it £2 because BT do not charge for 1571 and do not charge for Caller Display if you make a freephone call to 'sign up' for BT Privacy (don't believe the rubbish about making calls via them - just make one or 2 each billing period).


Use 18185 for calls to UK mobiles from a BT landline (4p connection and 5p/minute during the week and 2p/minute at weekends).

You shouldn't be paying £1.75 to BT for caller display, it's been free for over a year, though you have to call the freephone number or visit www.bt.com/btprivacy this info has been widely available since before it came free.

Just because you are CPS'd to TalkTalk doesn't mean you can't get free caller display, I was CPS'd when with BT, as are my friends and family they all get caller display for free, as the only requirement is to make some chargeable calls via BT, that some is one, so all you do is put at least one call back over BT each billing period, as BT are cheaper for 0845 than TalkTalk if you can't find the 01 or 02 alternative then place those calls back over BT, to place calls back over BT on a CPS'd line just dial the prefix 1280.

1899 is just 3p per call, 18866 is 5p per call to 01 and 02 numbers, again this info has been widely available.

18185 is good for international and mobiles, again widely known.