UK ISP BT Improves ‘Basic’ Social Phone Tariff for Low Income Users

The consumer (retail) division of BT has confirmed that their subsidised BT Basic social tariff, which is a low-cost phone service for those on low-incomes or certain state benefits, has been improved with the addition of a £10 calls cap.

Eligible customers currently pay monthly line rental to BT of just £5.10 (vs £18.99 for standard line rental) and this comes with a call allowance of £1.50, as well as free weekend calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers (up to 60 minutes). All of this can optionally be taken with a special 12GB capped ‘up to’ 17Mbps (ADSL2+) ADSL broadband service and, with BT Basic line rental included, the total cost is just £9.95 a month.

However BT has now further improved this service by introducing a £10 cost cap on calls, which means that customers can make as many calls as they like and they’ll never be charged more than £10 (calls only).

Who can get BT Basic?

You must be getting one of these benefits:

* Income Support

* Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

* Pensions Credit (Guaranteed Credit)

* Employment and Support Allowance (Income related)

* Universal Credit (and are on zero earnings).

The change is not part of an official announcement or news release, but it is now present on their website and they have confirmed the adjustment. This certainly makes BT Basic a lot more useful.

Separately the Local Government Association has recently called for the forthcoming 10Mbps broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO) to include a subsidised “social tariff” so that those who are unemployed or on low incomes can get an affordable service (here). Mind you there are some pretty cheap broadband bundles out there already.