Can anyone switch phone supplier?

Anyone can switch phone supplier. The telephone market was deregulated in 1984, allowing customers to switch from BT to any supplier. Using the uSwitch.com switching service, customers can compare and switch to a supplier that offers the best value and service.

You can do any of the following:

• Switch your entire service

• Keep your line rental and get a second supplier for your calls

• Switch to cable

If you have a preference, you can select to see only the particular type of service you want (e.g. just cable plans) in your results. Otherwise, your results will include all your options, ranked by savings.

You will need to remove the outbound call barring on your phone with your current supplier before you can switch.

If calls are barred because you owe your current supplier money, you will need to pay your bill.

If you are on a light user scheme (offered by BT), you will need to move to BT Option 1 before you can switch.

You have two choices.

You can divert your calls through a second supplier by using either a prefix number or an autodialler (a small device you plug into your phone socket). This means you will pay your cable provider for line rental and pay another supplier for your calls.

You can also switch back to a standard (BT) line. You need to get your BT line switched on, which is easy and doesn’t require an engineer, assuming all the wiring is still intact.

If you want to use a BT line but have never had one, you will need an engineer to install one. This usually costs £124.99.

Cable suppliers usually bind customers into a 12 month contract. If you are still in your contract, you will normally have to pay a penalty for terminating it.

Although you may save money by making calls through another supplier, it may not be the cheapest option for you.

When you compare deals on uSwitch.com, we ask whether you use a second supplier. Then we can calculate how much you currently spend on your phone and how much you could save with alternative suppliers, including the various line rental and second supplier options.