I’ve currently got a BT phone line and access the internet through a dial-up connection. I make regular calls to Europe which is quite cheap via BT’s country calling plan. However, I’m using the internet more frequently than I used to and I’m concerned about the effects this is having on my phone bill (particularly in the day time).

Can anyone recommend a cheaper alternative? (I don’t have cable at the moment but am prepared to switch). Also, if I have a cable connection will I be able to get freeview? (a set top box won’t work, as I don’t have an external TV aerial).

Originally posted by msmouse
I’ve currently got a BT phone line and access the internet through a dial-up connection. I make regular calls to Europe which is quite cheap via BT’s country calling plan. However, I’m using the internet more frequently than I used to and I’m concerned about the effects this is having on my phone bill (particularly in the day time).

Can anyone recommend a cheaper alternative? (I don’t have cable at the moment but am prepared to switch). Also, if I have a cable connection will I be able to get freeview? (a set top box won’t work, as I don’t have an external TV aerial).

I'm not a proper expert... but..... I can tell you that you CAN have cable even if the set tops don't work. I think that the freeview things need a fairly new digital aerial, won't work without one. They're about £40 to buy and have fitted (along with the cost of the freeview box). Cable obviously comes through underground cables and therefore will work for anyone, providing you have cable access.

I'm on broadband through cable, and I think it's worth it, for £25 ish a month, it's cheaper than dial up for me, you can use it anytime, and it's FAST! You won't look back once you've gone on it.

Anyway, I'm really talking as a consumer rather than an expert. there's plenty of them on here, but that's MY answer in the meantime.

Good luck. x

Check
here (www.ntlfreedom.com)

plenty of all inclusive internet and telephone call packages.

For your internet, look at ADSL (broadband through your phoneline) - for example from Plus.net (http://portal.plus.net/my/mydiscount_info/landing_page.html?zWVl6A8AruuylVaHtkq2oTMS4DwULr6v CnsIf1XhsY8%3D) (Sheffield based, good service), starting at £14.99 / month for a 1Mb connection.

For your phone calls to Europe, look at One.Tel (http://www.onetel.co.uk) or 118866 (http://www.call18866.co.uk) which both offer calls to Europe far cheaper than BT without changing your phone company - you dial an access code before your number (e.g. 18866 is 2p/minute to France)

Telewest have currently got an excellent offer for new customers - I'm on telewest but can't get this as I'm not a new customer. Anyhow, the offer is £30 a month for Telephone, TV and Broadband connection. I know Mikey has suggested ntl but I have heard there are alot of problems with them (this is only rumours so I can't confirm this).

As far as freeview boxes are concerned - you don't need a brand new digital aerial - my neighbours got one the other month and they didn't have a new aerial fitted, however if you don't have an outside aerial I wouldn't think they would be of any use to you as the signal on an indoor aerial is unlikely to be strong enough.

An alternative telephone service that is supposed to be cheap is tele2.

Thanks for all your advice.

I've opted to upgrade my ISP connection to unmetred access (dunno why I didn't think of this earlier...), as I can't be bothered to go through all the hassle of getting cable installed, and don't really need a broadband connection at the mo.

Originally posted by wendy

As far as freeview boxes are concerned - you don't need a brand new digital aerial - my neighbours got one the other month and they didn't have a new aerial fitted, however if you don't have an outside aerial I wouldn't think they would be of any use to you as the signal on an indoor aerial is unlikely to be strong enough.



MsMouse...

Just check this out before you buy. The small print on them states that you will need a digital aerial. If you phone the manufacturers up and give them your postcode, they'll also tell you if you can even get a signal in your area..

But I bought one, had to take it back as it didn't work (despite being in an area that should have received it ok), and my fella got one and had the same problem. He had a new aerial fitted and it was all hunky dory.

Originally posted by wendy
Telewest have currently got an excellent offer for new customers - I'm on telewest but can't get this as I'm not a new customer. Anyhow, the offer is £30 a month for Telephone, TV and Broadband connection.

Are you sure you can't get the £30 bundle?

I've been a Telewest tv and phone customer for about four years. I was eligible for the £30 TV, phone and broadband package and upgraded to it a few weeks ago.

Telewest bundles (http://www.telewest.co.uk/html/bundles/bundles.htm)