Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions

BT Business Phone Line

1. Where can I see the cost of calls from a BT Business Phone Line?

You can see the charges for different types of calls on our BT Price List.

2. If I order a new line, can I choose what time of day the engineer will visit?

You can choose between a morning or afternoon visit.

3. How long will I have to wait for a new business line to be installed?

  • Installation of a line can take up to 10 working days, depending on whether your exchange is digital or not
  • If you are moving to premises where there is an existing BT phone line, although the previous occupier has cancelled the service, we can reconnect the line and allocate a phone number fairly quickly. We will let you know when your line will be reconnected as soon as possible

4. How much does a new connection cost?

The cost of a new connection is £106.37.

If you take over an existing line, there is a charge of £19.99, unless you are on one of the following plans:

BT One Plan
Business Plan
Business Plan (CR)
Business Plan Lite
Customer Commitment
Premier Value

5. If I am moving, how much notice should I give BT?

You should give at least five working days' notice. Otherwise, you will be charged an extra week's line rental.

6. How reliable is the BT network?

The integrity of the BT network is excellent. Nevertheless, there are sometimes faults, for example as the result of storm damage. But published statistics on network reliability suggest that an average user will experience only one fault in seven years.

Currently, BT clears 89% of faults on business lines within five hours, and we are committed to continuous improvement.

7. What if I want five lines or more?

To find out if we can install five or more lines at the same premises we need to carry out a line plant survey. This takes two days.

8. Can I have the 1471 facility on multiple lines?

No, this facility is only available on single lines.

9. If I already have a business line and order another, can this be done on one contract of service?

Yes, we normally add a second line to your existing line contract. That way, any discount package associated with your existing line will automatically cover the new line as well.

10. How can I avoid the payment processing fee?

You can avoid the new payment processing fee if you sign up to Direct Debit or Monthly Payment Plan.

11. What are the benefits of Direct Debit?

It saves time and is convenient. It means that your BT bill is one less thing to worry about. If you choose to pay by Direct Debit, BT will give you up to ten days from the time you receive your bill before processing the Direct Debit payment. This gives you plenty of time to ask questions, and we'll tell you on the bill when the amount will be taken from your account.

There is also a Direct Debit Guarantee which protects you and your money. If any error is made by BT, your bank or building society, you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your branch of the amount paid.

You'll also get access to BT online billing. With BT's online billing you can monitor your account 24/7, check previous statements and keep updated with our daily itemised call costs, all at the click of a button. So not only will you reduce your costs when you switch, you'll be in even more control of your bills too.