Poll queries ‘dead duck’ landlines
Households should no longer be forced to pay for a home phone service when they order broadband, according to a consumer website whose survey found landlines are now a “dead duck” for many.
More than half of all age groups (51%) do not have a home phone or rarely use one, rising to 80% of those under the age of 30, the poll by consumer help website MoneySavingExpert.com found. However the home phone is still crucial for those aged 61 and over, with 70% using their landline for most, if not all, calls.
The website has called on internet service providers (ISPs) and the Government to work together to stop forcing consumers to pay for a home phone line when some do not need it.
MoneySavingExpert creator Martin Lewis said: “Many younger people mainly use their mobile. If the home phone rings it’s likely to be their parents or a PPI (payment protection insurance) spammer. For many people the landline is now a dead duck, yet they’re forced into it to have broadband – effectively a double charge.
“This is a strange state of affairs for a country trying to lead in the information superhighway. While the advent of 4G mobile broadband may mitigate this somewhat for those with good connections, surely it’s time people were allowed a broadband-only line and ensuing discount.”
MoneySavingExpert.com questioned 20,608 users between August 28 and September 3.
Do you still have a home phone?
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