BT bills benefit its customers

BT does not set out to cause confusion over the cost of its phone calls (MW January 24).

Infact, BT has been simplifying the way calls are charged. Since the privatisation of BT in 1984, the real cost of basic telephone prices has been halved.

This was explained to your reporter. He was given examples of how this has been achieved: the abolition of the Peak Rate charging period; introduction of charging by the second; and abolition of the longer distance UK charge band.

This simplification has been achieved at a time of reductions to BT prices – more than 1.5bn of price cuts in just over three years – and the development of optional discount packages for customers.

Residential customers can enjoy savings of up to 25 per cent on many calls by choosing the right scheme.

We write a specific letter to each customer itemising the effect the savings would have on their actual bill.

Customers – and journalists – are encouraged to consider the impact of these discount schemes when comparing BT prices with those of other telephone companies.

The BT spokesman quoted in your article agreed with your reporter that making direct pricing comparisons was, paradoxically, becoming less simple. It’s possible that some customer confusion could result, but this is definitely not BT’s motive nor is it our practice.

Ian Ash

Director of corporate relations

BT

London EC1A