How to get a new phone line installed

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If you want broadband, you will need an active phone line, but not every house or flat is set up with one already. In those cases, you will need to get a new line installed.

Fortunately, broadband and phone providers can arrange a visit from an engineer when you switch to one of their packages. And while we can’t say getting them to put a new line in is entirely hassle-free – you’ll need to find a mutually agreeable time for a visit, and there may be some disruption to your feng shui – overall, it’s very easy to sort out.

You will probably be charged for installing a new line – though how much you have to pay will depend on the provider you’ve chosen to go. Ordering online will often get you a significant discount or even free installation in some cases.

How to get a new line installed

1) Compare deals in your area to find a broadband or phone deal that suits you – You can do this via our handy comparison tool or by entering your postcode into the tasteful green box on the right-hand side of the screen (if you’re using a desktop computer).

2) Sign up for a broadband or calls package – If you need a new line installed, you can arrange a time for an engineer to visit and set everything up for you. Providers won’t make you wait a long time – typically, you’re looking at no more than 15 working days’ wait, though it’s often much faster.

If your availability is limited, you may have a longer wait, but you should not be without the line for too long – it’s in the provider’s interests to get you up and running as soon as possible, after all.

3) Tidy up the house a bit if you need to – The engineer may need some room to connect everything up. Making sure the room’s nice and clutter-free can speed things up, as it will help him or her get around easier. Also, be ready to move furniture if you need to.

4) Make sure you are at home at the agreed time – It can be a hassle to rearrange an engineer visit, and you may be charged a missed appointment fee if you’re not around at the agreed time. So make sure you are! Be prepared to hang around if you can, since it’s possible that an engineer could be late – busy roads, or other jobs running on, can delay things, for example.

Getting a second line installed

If you want a second phone line put in, your provider should be able to accommodate you. Simply get in touch with them, and they will be able to contact you set up. You’ll have to pay for it, of course – BT charges £130 for a new line, for instance.

When do you need a new line?

You may need a new line if you’re moving into a new property or switching from a cable broadband provider like Virgin Media.
A little bit of backstory: most broadband providers in the UK share the same basic infrastructure built and maintained by BT’s Openreach division. If you switch to one of these companies, including BT, Sky, TalkTalk, EE, and Plusnet, you will need an active phone line.

That does not mean you’ll necessarily have to get one installed, though. Many properties have a phone line already – it just may have to be activated, which doesn’t need an engineer. Your provider will let you know if that’s the case when you sign up.

Pamer

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