Digital Voice Call Charges

[alec2]

I understand the need for the change BUT.

If I want to make a VOIP call or whatever you want to call it I can just use WhatsApp, Discord, Facebook or any other app that allows internet calls.

Digital voice uses broadband which I am already paying for.

How on earth can BT charge for phone calls that are routed through my broadband when I can call for free through an app?

[jac_95]

Hi alec2,

Thanks for the post and welcome to the Community.

This is an automated response as I can see you have a question about BT’s Digital Voice service. Rather than waiting for a response from the Community, you may find an answer to your question by using the search bar on the Community homepage. We also have a thread that contains a wealth of info related to BT’s Digital Voice, click this link to take a look, Digital Voice FAQs.

Got some questions or want to learn more about BT’s Digital Voice rollout? BT are running localised events as part of the regional rollout of Digital Voice - Click here to view the Digital Voice events

To learn more about the nationwide change to this Internet based voice service visit landlinesgo.digital

If you have already looked for the answer to your question and have not found anything that can help, then please ignore this message. One of our Community members will be along shortly to help you further.

[imjolly]

With the apps you mention you can only call other people provided they are using the same app. You are not able to call anyone who does not have the app or does not have internet connection

[alec2]

So customers who have paid for broadband should get free calls.

Those who choose to have a "dumb" router, i.e one which does not have Internet access can p.a.y.g.

[VeteranISPUser]

Hi @alec2   The delivery is different, but the call plans and charges are exactly the same

[licquorice]

@alec2 you are comparing apples with oranges.

[alec2]

Excuse me! 

Can you not see the wood for the trees

If I make a call on digital voice I am paying twice.

[licquorice]

Of course you aren't. You are paying for the equipment to route a phone call to any number in the world. Just being connected to the internet doesn't connect you to the number you require.

[iniltous]

No one is obliged to take DV , so if you think paying for phone  calls , when you can use applications like WhatsApp, the solution is pretty obvious, don’t take a (DV) phone package with your BT broadband, take a broadband only service …FWIW , even ‘traditional’ VoIP suppliers no longer offer ‘free’ calls , VoIP  isn’t free  , and as stated isn’t comparable with ‘Apps’ .
If BT offered ‘free’ DV with every BT broadband service , you will get those that don’t want a phone service included, and they will demand a reduction in the price for not having the phone service , so whatever way you look at it , there has to be a price difference between broadband on its own and broadband and phone.

In your case , just take a broadband without a phone , then you have no reason to complain, and obviously you can use as many applications as you like .

[gg30340]

You are correct about having to pay for BT Digital Voice.

BT can charge what ever they want for calls on its DV service but don't forget you are under no obligation to use it.

If you don't want to pay to use BT's DV phone service you just cancel that part of  your package.

You can then make your calls using Whats App or what ever other service you want to such as your mobile phone service if you have one. Their calls are free that is if you don't count your monthly bill for "free" calls,texts etc.

You will no doubt find that if you decide to just use Whats App to make your calls it is limited  in who you can call but what the heck its free so I'm sure you wont miss not being able to call some people.

As regards already paying for Broadband so why are you paying for DV, does that also apply to Amazon Prime, Netflix  BT TV or any other service you have to pay for that arrives by Broadband?