Forum Discussion

Drumbeat's avatar
Drumbeat
Dialled in
12 months ago

Social Tariff & Phone Line

I am on one of the benefits that enable me to use Virgin's Essential social tariffs, but I can see that none of these tariffs include a phone line. Can I sign up to one of these tariffs and keep my existing Virgin phone line? I can see no way of doing this online, and I am unsure whether signing to a social tariff can be done over the phone to Virgin.  I need a fixed phone line as there is a care alarm in the house that needs a connection to a fixed landline, which it is at present.

Thanks.

  • newapollo's avatar
    newapollo
    Very Insightful Person

    Hi Drumbeat 

    I'm sorry to say that there is no provision for telephony services with VM's Essential broadband.  Info below is copy pasted from https://www.virginmedia.com/legal/essential-broadband 

    If you currently receive TV or landline services from us, these services will be terminated if and when you transfer to an Essential broadband plan. You’ll need to ensure you have an alternative method of making calls, such as a mobile. If you rely on your landline for emergency calls, telehealth alarms or care devices (or other services that are supported by your landline) an Essential broadband plan may not be right for you at this time.

     

    You should dial 150 from your VM landline and select option 4 so you can have a chat with retentions (thinking of leaving) It's best to call around 8am when lines first open and are least busy. You may be able to negotiate a price for broadband and phone that's affordable to you. (They are generally based in the UK, and have a greater degree of knowledge and flexibility, along with a larger range of discounts than the front line agents)

    If that doesn't work then check with other suppliers as some of them do offer landline and broadband services

    See /moneysavingexpert.com/compare-broadband-deals/broadband-social-tariffs/ 

    • David_Bn's avatar
      David_Bn
      Forum Team

      Thanks for your post on our Community Forums Drumbeat, and welcome back.

      We'd have to advise that newapollo's advice is correct on this matter and essential broadband covers broadband only, and in some cases can also accommodate a Stream box for a basic TV service and to allow our customers access to Catch Up/On Demand services without further charge.

      Do feel free to keep us updated with any progress you make in regards to the alteration of the package 

      Thanks

      David_Bn

  • Hi newapollo and David,

    Thank you for taking the time to reply with your advice.

    I phoned Virgin this morning and was connected to a very helpful Dutchman at the Newcastle Upon Tyne call centre, who went beyond my expectations by actually lowering the price of my TV/broadband/phone bundle! The only thing I had to forfeit were the TNT Sports channels, which I didn't watch. So, my 24th year with Virgin (I was here from the NTL days) has got off to a good start.

    Thank you for your help.

    • Vikki_M's avatar
      Vikki_M
      Forum Team

      Hi Drumbeat

      That's great to hear 🙂 

      We are so pleased the team were able to find a package and price you are happy with.

      If you have any further questions or concerns, please do pop back to us here.

      Take care.