A Daft Question

and probably asked in the wrong place.
I'm sure it must be obvious but why do I have to have a call package with a telephone line? Where I live there is only BTW lines available. I'm happy to pay a line rental to get Broadband.
I know I can get other companies to run a calls package apart from BT retail - but I never use the landline to make calls, as I have a perfectly good VOIP system and a mobile phone that sometimes works. BT Retail charge me for not making enough calls on the landline - although if I didn't have a broadband service(and that's nothing to do with BT Retail?) I would get a reduced rate - and I guess any other company that did call packages wouldn't want a customer who isn't going to buy anything - so why do I feel that I'm being compelled to pay someone for a facility that I don't want to use?

Ahh yes, I was looking at all this when getting my own broadband sorted out (just moved house). If you don't make at least 2 chargeable calls on a BT line per month, they will charge you an extra £1.50 for the line rental. Hilarious stuff! (always read the small print!). I was thinking I would have to do some mad 'Linux/crontab/dig out my old US robotics 28.8 fax modem/wire that up to my Linux router' antics to dial some chargeable number twice every month (preferably a dial-up provider so as not to annoy anyone) just to avoid this £1.50 charge.

But all was not lost. I decided (based on my personal requirements of IPv6, and having not tried them before) to go with Andrews and Arnold. They will give you a broadband only line for £12 a month flat rate, no frills. No chargeable calls can be made outbound on it; you can still make 0800 and emergency calls, however. They then bundle this into your broadband package on top, so I end up paying a single bill, one provider, for my line rental + broadband.

All in all, I'm pretty pleased with the arrangement. I use my mobile these days if I want to call someone. I just can't see the point of using the landline anymore (especially when I'm out and about most days and paying a flat rate per month for my mobile contract).

You don't have to have a Call Plan but it will depend on the terms you took your Line Rental.

If you are on Line Rental Saver you need to make 2 chargeable or inclusive calls pm to not pay any extra.

If you tool the £30 Connection Offer you need to make 10 chargeable or inclusive calls pm to not pay any extra.

In reply to a post by mixt:

If you don't make at least 2 chargeable calls on a BT line per month, they will charge you

Doesn't have to be chargeable; can be inclusive.

I looked at them when I was changing ISP and thought the bundled line referred to installation of a new/additional line rather than taking over an existing one, and hence it would have incurred an installation charge - but a good call if one had to install a new line.
I must add that I'm completely happy with the ISP that I did choose - Xilo.

The bill says that I should have made 6 chargeable or inclusive calls per quarter - what a chore
Next I'll be getting a bill from the Post Office for not writing any letters -

The BT Line Rental Saver is a good deal so long as you remember to make those 2 calls.I've just read on MSE of someone having to pay £8.10 for only making 5 calls last quarter.
Another good deal if its line only is IDNET @£11.22 per month on monthly rolling contract.

Next I'll be getting a bill from the Post Office for not writing any letters

You won't have any bother from them as long as you remember to buy a book of 12 first class stamps once a month

and if I don't they'll send Jess around?

For that price there's no caller display. I think BT are actually cheaper if you take out the caller display - which, I think, also removes the obligation to make calls. Though caller display has been highly useful - when the phone rings you can see who you're ignoring.

you are correct there is no caller display included,as you dont use the landline for calls I didn't think this would be a necessity,however I see your point regarding receiving/ignoring callers.
If it were added it would be an additional £1.51 making £12.73 (still cheaper than BT)

Taking Caller ID with BT does not remove the requirement to make the minimum number of calls,in fact all services are chargeable if the minimum is not met,1571,caller ID