Be aware that at anytime Sky can either block access to any (or all other) providers like 18185, or even charge a surcharge (or whatever they like) for connection to another provider like 18185.

Only BT are obliged to allow their landline customers to ALL other providers for free (you only pay the provider you wish to use for calls/inclusive tariffs, etc).

What could easily happen is that once Sky realise that more and more of their landline customers are using other providers then they are obviously more likely to block access or charge more.

For now, they like the others once they get enough customers in will pay the extra few pence to block access. Other providers have in their terms if you use another provider, they will either charge you more for line rental, charge you for accessing other providers or kick you off. It's only going to be a matter of time when they follow.

It's just simply not worth taking the risk, plus you can't change your mind and CPS calls to someone else without BT line rental, especially now as Sky have increased their charges. For example on Primus you could get calls to UK mobiles for 20p for up to 20 mins - can't have that CPS service on a Sky line.

I have now submitted my request to leave $ky and have gone back to BT. We primarily only use the phone in evening. So new BT option 2 gives us the free evening and weekend calls we require.

This should also gives me option of routing through others which I suspect will eventually be blocked by $ky.

I've left Sky and moved back to BT on 12 month contract last month. Just got bill in last week by e-mail and was delighted to see that I got paper free discounts and option 2 discounts backdated as well as 3 months in advance. My total bill was just £23.75 (including line rental) when all discounts were added.

Glad I moved back to BT!
Last edited by DATMAN : 20-04-2008 at 15:47

But there's more to be save - see HERE.

Thanks Heinz. As I rarely use the phone during daytime (I work Mon - Fri) and use my mobile to phone mobile numbers I do not see much point in trying to save more. My phone call charges are usually less than 30p per month so not much to save but I shall certainly look at this again when I retire in a few years time.

I'm with you, I used to use 18866 for daytime calls but they are now so infrequent I can't be bothered with trying to save such a small amount. I'm registered with BT Privacy to get free caller display. I believe you still have to make at least two chargeable calls per month or this option cost £1.50. It would take a few calls to get to £1.50 per month.

I think its already been said that the two calls don't have to be chargeable any more. They can be within your free evening or weekend bundle.

I wasn't charged last month for Caller Display, and I only had one chargeable call via BT (an 0845 number).

Thanks for that advice. No doubt I wil be making some chargeable calls anyway.