Both the two big telcos, Telecom and TelstraClear, have increased landline rental costs.
Since 1 April, the majority of Telecom's 1.19 million residential customers have been paying an extra 3 percent (around $1.50) each month. TelstraClear customers on the company's "HomePlan" have been hit with a similar price rise.
Telecom says charges have risen because of inflation. Rival TelstraClear says it's put up rentals because Telecom has increased the wholesale price - the amount other telcos pay for access to Telecom's lines for resale to their customers. TelstraClear has not increased landline charges to customers on its cable network in Wellington, Kapiti and Christchurch. It was able to absorb inflation there.
Exactly how much you'll now pay for a landline depends on the plan you're on. Our table below shows Telecom's and TelstraClear's charges for a standard landline. If you don't make a lot of toll calls, this type of plan is probably all you'll need. Other plans offer discounts for tolls but you usually pay more in fixed monthly charges.
Take the time to check which plan you're on and make sure it's the right one for your needs. Don't rely on the provider to make the decision for you.
Guide to the table
Our table shows the costs of a standard landline rental at 1 April 2009.
A = available only to Wellington, Kapiti and Christchurch residents within TelstraClear's cable network. Landline charges for residents in these areas have not increased.
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Last year, when going overseas for 10 weeks, TelstraClear advised (badly as it turned out) the person staying in my home to take over the phoneline. They didn't caution me that during this time, telephone listings would be sent for publication - with the result that on my return, I wasn't in the new phone book. TelstraClear assured me that I would be in the 2010 phone book - but I am not. After repeated calls to the company over the last year trying to rectify this situation, and asking to at least be in the Internet white pages, still no listing. My latest call to TelstraClear was met with the response that they had done everything they needed to do, and that it was someone else's fault. This omission has caused considerable inconvenience, and prevented several out of town friends from contacting me. What to do?
Has there being a study comparing landline rentals for the domestic household. We have been rung by different companies to switch.
Thanks
Sandra