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 Money
Page > Utilities
> Telephone - UK Guide
 Introduction
Telephone
services in the UK have been through some big changes over
recent years, and the world that was once monopolized by
British Telecom has become home to a vast range of
telecommunication providers. This, of course, is excellent
news for the average consumer, as you can now enjoy a choice
of providers to suit your needs and your budget.
How do
I find out who serves my area?
In the past, it
could be difficult to ascertain which providers served your
area, and this could be a time consuming task. However, the
limited number of telephone providers made it a little easier.
These days, there are far more telephone providers, which
potentially could mean more work in trying to find out which
ones service your area. However, the Internet makes this task
easier, with a number of sites through which you can find out
about local providers.
What to
look out for
When looking for a telecoms supplier,
it is important to consider the price per call, and any offers
on off-peak calls. Many people just assume that the bigger,
better known companies are going to be the best, but in truth
there are now many smaller telecom providers that can offer
excellent customer services and a high level of service for a
lower price. You should also look into payment methods, any
special offers or rates for new telephone customers, and any
package deals that could save you more money (such as phone
and Internet).
How do
I pay?
Most telecom providers now offer a wide
range of payment options, which means a higher level of
convenience and choice for consumers. Most telecom providers
enable you to pay quarterly, and you can do this via a bank or
post office, or by calling the provider and making a credit
card or debit card payment. You can also send a cheque for
your quarterly payment. Most providers now encourage people to
pay on a monthly basis via direct debit, although there is no
obligation to do so. This saves the provider a lot of time and
money because payments are received regularly and on time. It
can also save the consumer time and inconvenience. Many
providers now offer a reduced rate for direct debit customers,
so you can also save money by paying in this way.
Money
Saving Tips
There are a number of ways in which
you can save money on the cost of your phone bills. These
include:
Limit the use of your landline during
peak times.
Paying by direct debit will get you a
discount with many telecom providers, and this can help to
keep down unnecessary costs.
Combine your phone and Internet supply,
as you may get a better deal by having both services from the
same supplier.
How do
I switch accounts?
Although many people think that
switching must be a long winded and complicated process,
hundreds of people switch every week, and these days the
utility companies do all the work for you! All you have to do
is decide which company you want to switch to, and contact the
company to advise them. Then you simply let your old supplier
know that you are switching, or the new company may do this
for you. This is the general procedure, but may change from
one provider to another.
Further
Reading
You can find out more about the telecom
service industry at the official regulatory board, the Office
of Communications: www.ofcom.org.uk
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