BT LAUNCHES NEW LOW COST PHONE.

BT LAUNCHES NEW LOW COST PHONE.

BT LAUNCHES NEW LOW COST PHONE which is lower than existing packages. The difference is customers need to be in one of three select categories and is designed for those on low income.

06|10|08

Low-cost phone

A new cheaper phone package has been launched to help people on low incomes keep in touch with friends and family.

Ofcom has worked closely with BT to develop the new low-cost BT Basic service.

It costs £13.50 a quarter – including an allowance of £4.50 to spend on calls - and is open to both new and existing BT customers.

It’s available to people who claim Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Guaranteed Pension Credit.

Direct debit

Customers can pay using any existing payment methods, including at a post office, by cheque or direct debit.

And, unlike some tariffs, you won’t be charged extra if you don’t want to pay by direct debit.

The £4.50 call allowance covers local, national and international landline calls but not premium rate, mobile phones or 0845/0870 numbers.

If you go over this allowance then you’ll pay the standard 10p a minute (plus 3p for each phone call) for all normal UK calls.

Ofcom review

Customers interested in signing up can call the freephone number 0800 800 864 to get a booklet and application form.

BT has to provide special tariff schemes for low income customers as part of its Universal Service Obligation.

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