BT line costs inquiry

[waxapple]

Starting your move

If there is or has been a working line in the property within the last 3 months activation is free. Alternatively the reconnection charge is applicable at £124.99. Our advisors will confirm this when you call. Please have your BT account details, new address and moving date handy.
Call 0800 800 150 to get moving (Monday to Saturday, 8am - 8pm. Calls are free from a BT landline)

That's a lot of money :/

I've just managed to secure a flat with a friend. The previous place I was staying was a different town and had cable, but it's not an option here.

Now my soon to be flatmate phoned them and was advised it would be £124.99 connection charge if the line was two weeks disconnected, rather than 3 months. Is that because I'm not a current moving customer?

They also advised that there was a £50 ADSL enabling charge in addition to this.

If the line is already installed, surely all they have to do is re-enable it.

I did have a BT line about 7 years ago, though I don't remember it costing anything like that - in fact I think it was half the price to put the line in.

Is there anything I can do, or am I screwed and going to have to pay £175 quid before I even start paying for an ISP and line rental?

 

[malfunkshun]

that three month thing is new! it used to be the case that if there is a line there then it was free for activation. Maybe use a different supplier?

 

[tolien]

The £50 ADSL activation fee will be charged by your ISP, rather than BT - you won't have to pay it till you order your connection, and some ISPs don't charge it if you agree to be tied in for a year.

 

[Surfer]

that three month thing is new! it used to be the case that if there is a line there then it was free for activation

what he said ^^ It shouldnt be £125 if the line is already there just needing to be switched on. Im not sure what difference 3 months makes? Possibly its just a blanket charge for getting the engineer out regardless if he has to do any work.

Maybe try phoning again to get another advisor?

 

[wij]

Is there a BT socket in the flat, and if so does it have a dial-tone, if the answer to any of these is no then it is BT's policy to charge you £125 for a new line.

I've just been through a pretty similar situation with my new flat where there had been a BT line however it was fully disconnected (no dial tone) and I had to pay the £125 fee, although I got out of this when the engineer messed up installing the line and it wasn't working on the day of activation

The £50 ADSL activation only applies if you are getting your ADSL from BT, other providers may charge this or less (Be charge £24, and you can probably get that waived if you phone your order through and talk to them). Just whatever you do don't get BT Broadband, its terrible as any search of these forums would probably tell you. Use an Enta reseller provider such as ADSL24 or UKFSN, or if you can get them Be are excellent.