Post Office Home Phone -> O2 Take-over

[Marcos]

I'm moving flat in 2 weeks and need broadband. Currently have BT line and o2 ADSL which has performed very well.

New flat has a BT Line, i'm thinking of getting Post Office to connect my line for free on their 1month rolling contract, and then get O2 to take over the home phone and add broadband pretty much immediately.

Has anyone else done this? Its simply to shake off BT, since o2 are not yet "able to activate lines, but can take over existing lines"

[Agent]

Yes you can do this, as PO is just a rebranded BT line. Many people on MSE have done it.

However - how are you getting the free install? Is the line still active?

[Marcos]

Yeah it is, the couple living there now have a BT line working as we type.

But PO said they cant put any of the wheels in motion until the couple have moved out and stopped their BT line

[Agent]

Yeah it is, the couple living there now have a BT line working as we type.

But PO said they cant put any of the wheels in motion until the couple have moved out and stopped their BT line

Be careful as this is what I have fallen foul of. If the line gets disconnected from the provider, BT will do everything in their power to charge you the ~£130 install fee, even if this is just plugging the line back in at the exchange.

[Marcos]

I seeee, thanks for the input

How can i prevent that? I'm in contact with the current tenants, can i get them to call BT and make sure the line is just stopped, no disconnected?

Or do you think this could be something i cant avoid?

[Agent]

I seeee, thanks for the input

How can i prevent that? I'm in contact with the current tenants, can i get them to call BT and make sure the line is just stopped, no disconnected?

Or do you think this could be something i cant avoid?

I honestly don't know. I've had a big argument with BT about this.

The old people moved out , but the line is still there. They are just hiding behind "it's the standard connection charge". I would assume you can do some type of transfer, but I'm not sure - and wouldn't be surprised if BT don't allow it so they can continue with this nice little money spinner.

[peterb]

This gives details of connection charges:

https://www.productsandservices.bt.c...ction%20charge

Most charges aruise if it is a new line, but as the article quoted says, taking over an existing working line should incur a minimal charge.

[Agent]

This gives details of connection charges:

https://www.productsandservices.bt.c...ction%20charge

Most charges aruise if it is a new line, but as the article quoted says, taking over an existing working line should incur a minimal charge.

After spending a week arguing with BT about this, I've come to the conclusion that most things on BT's website are a lie / extremely exaggerated.

I have a phoneline in this house that I can get a dialtone with and dial out from, yet BT are not interested and tell me that I'm basically not telling the truth or "that it's connected with Virgin". The blinking Virgin cap outside my house has never even been used!
The current line is a Sky number (I get "Zoe" on 17070) so I've asked them to deal with it and they've been fantastic about it, even though ultimately it'll go back to BTOpenreach they have said they'll sort out any of their charges. Thank you Sky!