21 February 2008
Changes to BT tariffs mean that customers who fail sign up to a year-long deal could see the cost of their evening phone calls rise by a 1,900% from April 1st, it has been revealed.
The Telegraph reports that the changes to BT's Together tariffs could hit those on its popular Options 1 and 2 price plans the hardest.
BT says the changes will mean millions of people will get free weekend calls for the first time and offer customers better value for money.
However, Steve Weller, Communications Expert at price comparison website uSwitch.com, said: "For the minority of customers on its Anytime plan, this price change spells good news and they should see some savings to their monthly bill. However, we estimate that around 9 million customers will see a hike in their line rental, topped by sharp increases to the cost of making daytime and evening calls."
Customers on BT's Together Option 1 tariff (to be renamed Unlimited Weekend Plan) will see the cost of daytime calls rise 23% from 3.25p a minute to 4p, evening calls will cost 1.5p per minute after 6pm.
Mr Weller advised that if customers do make a lot of calls from their home phone it could be worth their while moving to one of the company's inclusive calling plans.
"Alternatively, there are some great deals out there with other phone companies that offer cheaper line rental and call rates," he said.
BT will be contacting all customers to tell them about the changes so that they can decide which package is best for them.
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