BT

[worker183]

I have recently moved into a new flat and was advised by BT that i needed a new line put in the house its about £150. I had told them that a line had already been placed in the flat by landlord/ previous tenant but they still stated that i would need a new line.

When the BT engineer came out to fit the line he seemed surprised when he told us that a line was already fitted. Does this mean that i should still be charged. Before the engineer came out i had told BT two times that there should already be a line.

All i wanted to do was switch who was paying for the bill really.

Is this correct should i still have to pay them?

[boxtops]

I don't think so - did you put it in writing to them?

[worker183]

not yet the guy only came out yesterday but i imagine the calls are recorded

[ChuckFickens]

Was there a dial tone on the line when you moved in?

If not, then yes you need to pay the connection fee.

[worker183]

Never checked the line but the engineer took a while cuz he didnt realise that there was a line already in.

[ChuckFickens]

You are mistaking a phone line for a length of wire.

You may have had a length of wire running into the house with a socket on it, it's not a phone line until it's connected back to the exchange. if the wire had either been disconnected, or never connected at the exchange BT class this as having no phone line and you have to pay the charge to get it connected (or connected again)

[ChuckFickens]

https://www.productsa...20connection%20charge

[shortee]

I had exactly the same problem when we moved house and was told by BT that although there was a line at the new property, I needed to pay £124.99 to reconnect / reactivate as it had not been active for 6 months. I told them (before we proceeded to switch) I was going to be shopping elsewhere for a phone provider as I opposed to such an excessive charge, and they agreed to waive £100. Despite taking the names of every representative at BT I spoke to, the full £124.99 was debited from my account. I called them up and they have since credited £100 back. I'm afraid that as you were aware of the charge and proceeded with the activation, you may have problems disputing the charge now.