4 February 2008
BT's announcement that it will offer free weekend calls on its Option 1 tariff should be set against the firm's across-the-board line rental hikes, uSwitch has said.
The UK's biggest home phone company is to increase line rental costs from April by 7%, excluding those who have opted for paper-free billing.
Daytime calls are also set to be increased in cost by 23% for customers on the Option 1, Option 2 and Option 3 tariffs - which themselves are to be re-named under BT's plans.
Head of Communications Services at uSwitch Steve Weller said: "Today's announcement signals BT's ongoing intention to drive customers onto its inclusive calling plans and also to opt for paperless billing.
"BT is giving the 10.8 million Option 1 customers the sweetener of free calls at the weekend, but whether this will be enough to pacify them when they open their April phone bill remains to be seen."
Accordingly, uSwitch is recommending that customers should decide for themselves whether or not the new rates will save them money.
If not, they are advised to shop around for a better deal.