TalkTalk Become First Big UK ISP to Offer FREE Privacy Calling Features

Budget broadband provider TalkTalk today claims to have become “the first and only ISP” to make all of its fixed phone line privacy calling features, such as Last Caller Barring and Anonymous Caller Reject, completely free.

The services, which normally come alongside an additional charge from other providers (some ISPs charge up to £3.70 and £4.50 a month for them, respectively), come in addition to more familiar features like Caller Display, Withhold Number and 1571 voicemail (these are already offered for free).

Dido Harding, TalkTalk’s CEO, said:

“Nuisance and unwanted calls are a huge source of stress and frustration. We don’t believe that people should be charged for the privilege of protecting their privacy. Our customers can now benefit from even more free features to help them avoid nuisance calls, helping to make TalkTalk homes even better off.”

TalkTalks Free Privacy Features:

* Withhold Number:
Hides your number when making a call so it will not be seen by the person you are calling. This means it won’t appear in caller ID or be available if they use Last Caller ID, ensuring that your identity remains private.

* Anonymous Caller Reject:
Blocks incoming calls from anyone who withholds their number. This means if anyone tries to call you without displaying their phone number, they’ll automatically hear a busy tone and you won’t be bothered with the call.

* Last Caller Barring:
Allows users to block the last number to call or specific numbers of your choice. Now when someone tries to call you from a barred number all they will hear is a busy number and you’ll no longer be disturbed by an unwanted call.

* Caller Display:
Displays the number of the caller before you pick up the phone to help you avoid nuisance calls or cold callers

The new services, which are most welcome, will become completely free from Sunday 19th January 2014. However it remains to be seen, with fewer and fewer consumers making use of fixed phone services, whether the move to make such features free will fuel further customer growth and thus encourage rivals to make a similar adjustment.