The main providers for lines are BT, Virgin/Telewest/NTL, Kingston and Cable & Wireless. Most lines are still provided by BT. They come in three main types:
- Analogue lines – These often come as single lines with one number to one line. Single lines are used to carry broadband. You can make one call at a time and if you have broadband on an analogue line you can use this at the same time as making a call or sending a fax. You can also have a multiple analogue lines for one number so for example if you had 3 x multi line analogue lines you have one number but can conduct 3 calls at the same time.
- ISDN2 lines – This is one physical cable that carries 2 lines / channels. You can have one or more numbers associated with it called Direct Dial Inwards (DDI) numbers. You can conduct 2 calls at the same time.
- ISDN30 lines – This is one physical cable that carries up to 30 lines/channels. You can have one or more numbers associated with it called Direct Dial Inwards (DDI) numbers. The minimum number of lines/channels is 8. You can conduct between 8 and 30 calls at the same time.
Here are some things to look out for:
- Installation costs on BT lines
- Typically £99 for an analogue line.
- Typically starting from £249 for an ISDN2 line.
- Typically starting from £1,190 for an ISDN30 line with 8 channels.
- The minimum term contract is 1 year but for ISDN2 and ISDN30 installation can be subsidised or free for longer term contracts.
- Monthly rental on BT lines
- Analogue lines typically cost from £12 to £14.37.
- ISDN2 lines typically cost from £13 to £16.16 a channel.
- ISDN30 lines cost from £14 to £18 a channel.
- Lines are normally billed for in advance.
- Service – As always, how easy is it to add a service or log a fault?
- Care levels – You can pay extra for enhanced care levels should there be a fault.
