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What would you prefer for free?

HairyMcbiker
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What would you prefer for free?

Ok due to the increase of "why can't I get cid free" messages again, I thought I would add a poll so we can see what most people here want.
Only 2 choices as 1571 is currently free (the BT "answer machine" but who even notices there is a message?) and caller ID.
NB this is only relevant to PN as you can get both for free on BT (with Privacy at Home).
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Oldjim
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Re: What would you prefer for free?

HairyMcbiker
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Re: What would you prefer for free?

True but that was 3 years ago, Poll closed on 10/07/2009  Wink
Gus
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Re: What would you prefer for free?

both, can't afford to get a phone with a answer phone so I have 1571 enabled, but would also like caller ID for the scammer calls from Solar UK/MS support/Insulation grant calls that I do get.
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HairyMcbiker
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Re: What would you prefer for free?

Try Freecycle for an answerphone. They are usually some available.
anniesboy
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Re: What would you prefer for free?

Nothing is free,what would I like included (caller ID)
peter10
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Re: What would you prefer for free?

When I was comparing the cost of Anytime plans earlier I noticed that BT and TalkTalk which included "free" caller display were around £1 dearer than Plusnet. Primus which looked a cheap option at £2-79 wanted £2-50 for caller display. As anniesboy said " nothing is free". Not sure how other call plans compare.
dvorak
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Re: What would you prefer for free?

BT were £1 dearer whether you took caller display or not, you have to opt in.
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w23
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Re: What would you prefer for free?

I have absolutely no interest in 1571, I have a proper answering machine.
I consider caller ID to be an essential part of any telephone service (especially with the proliferation of international scam calls and similar) so when comparing any telephone services I will always inclde any add-on charge for caller ID (or take the free option from BT).
Nobody (to my knowledge) charges extra for caller ID on any VOIP or mobile telephone service, why is it still seen as an extra for many landline providers?
I'm sure that Plusnet charge extra because their 'supplier' charges for it, perhaps it's time BTO/BTW came out of the stone age.
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Alex
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Re: What would you prefer for free?

As a BT customer who hardly uses a landline (but does a bit), I have to agree, I can't see the point in 1571.
Phone equipment which does that for you doesn't cost a lot nowadays, so I'd find caller display far more useful.
The only people who leave landline voicemails are my parents. They have mobiles, but hardly use them and don't do texting.
Strat
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Re: What would you prefer for free?

For me caller ID is essential for filtering out endless international cold calls.
I have a phone with a built in answering system for 1571.
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Petard
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Re: What would you prefer for free?

I've just added my vote for Caller ID. I agree it's an essential tool for prioritising calls, and especially for blocking junk callers. A small amount of equipment must be needed at the exchange to transmit the number, but I don't believe it could cost more than a fraction of the £1/month charged. The fact that BT can offer it for nothing as part of Privacy at Home tends to confirm this. Likely it's fitted to all exchange lines anyway, and just needs to be switched on.
And an answering machine beats 1571, in my opinion. Many modern phones have one already, so the cost in this case is nil. Even if one has to pay for a better phone, the cost is very little when amortised over its life. The interface through screen, keypad, and joystick is easier to use. Plus it only takes a glance at the LED on returning home to see if there are any messages, or one can dial in to it when away and check them remotely.
Edit: I forgot to mention call screening – one more plus for the machine.  Smiley
HairyMcbiker
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Re: What would you prefer for free?

I believe that the system for caller id was built in to the System X exchange, that was about 20+ years ago, so I don't really see how it is justified as an extra cost these days.
The simple fact that everything else has it these days, and that BT can supply it free just makes it another cash generator.
w23
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Re: What would you prefer for free?

Is nobody going to vote for 1571??  Cheesy Wink
Kinda proves a point as far as I can see.
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HairyMcbiker
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Re: What would you prefer for free?

yep 22:0 after  day