Phonely Launches Free Calls Between Customers on UK VoIP Phone Service

Digital UK home phone provider Phonely, which operates a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service and also works with some broadband ISPs, has introduced a new feature that provides free Phonely-to-Phonely calls between customers. The move is said to be in response to “growing concerns that rising landline costs may discourage vulnerable users from staying connected“.

Phonely said the new free calling feature is designed to reduce the cost barrier to communication, while also helping to tackle wider issues such as loneliness and social isolation. But it should be noted that the ability to offer free calls between customers on the same platform is a fairly common feature of many fixed line phone providers, although not everybody offers it.

The free Phonely-to-Phonely calls feature is currently being rolled out to both new and existing customers of the service.

Bryn Thompson, Director of Phonely, told ISPreview:

“Recent price increases across the telecoms sector risk adding further pressure to households already facing cost-of-living challenges. For many older adults, the landline isn’t just a convenience, it’s a lifeline.
We’re concerned that rising costs could create hesitation around picking up the phone, particularly for those on fixed incomes. By introducing free Phonely-to-Phonely calls, we want to remove that barrier and encourage people to stay in regular contact with friends and family.”