Having recently written about the Virgin mobile network, I was asked by way of a comment " what is the call cost from a land line to the network", and in fact to any network with BT Cellnet suggested as the cheapest.
In answer to the question, I have to say I do not know. But having said that, 3 of my household use a Vodafone connection which means that we call each others mobiles quite frequently from the house phone. To date I can't remember seeing a high cost on the itemised billing, and from memory I think it's 10p per minute. I'm probably right, as only calls over 40p are listed in the itemised section, and most of the time there is only a few showing. As an estimate, home to mobile calls are usually 3 - 5 minutes long on average, and if my recollection is correct, it would match the billing very well. Anyway, I hope that helped. Now on to Cellnet itself.
Being a BT service, I have to say that Cellnet is likely to be amongst the cheapest to call from home, But a few years ago I was actually on their network, which i subsequently dropped quickly. The reason then, as now, The pricing is far too high, and with all the privatisation and accumulated debt that BT has, it's unlikely to change. At least not soon.
After a recent investigation, I found that Cellnet still has a very good following, and an equally good coverage. Though on the coverage side there could be a dip in the not to distant future, as there are currently disputes going on relating to the signal masts, and the placement of them in much of the country.
Pricing too seems to be something that BT don't like to change. When I was on the system (1997), the per minute charge was about 40p, and now (May 2001), it is still at 36p per minute peak. A good point though is that the off peak charge has reduced very well. It used to be fixed at 10p per minute, and now it's down to only 2p per minute, though overall this is still higher than Vodafone and a few others.
The options at present are simple pre-fixed price packages, that begin with the net100 at £12.99 per month, using call charges as above, through to net600, which is £40.00 per month with calls at peak rate costing 18p, and off peak at 5p. Obviously, the 100, 200, and so on to 600, are the amount of free minutes you get per month. Some of them are at all times, others only at off peak, so again choosing a package from Cellnet could prove costly. Check your math before you sign.
Although the figures are a bit higher than some, they do have some redeeming features. For instance, They we're the first to offer internet and Wap capability, and will most likely remain the cheapest and best in that arena. After all, they almost own the airwaves. So the bottom line here is, " do you want internet or just a phone"?
If it's just a phone, i can't give you any hint of recommendation. To me, and by comparison to Vodafone, they lose all the time. It doesn't matter whether it's coverage or cost, they just can't realistically compete. But on the other hand, if it's internet you want, then go get em', it's doubtful that anyone else could compete.
What i will say though, is read as much info as you can, particularly if you go for a contract. Cellnet are famous for offering what they can't supply, and their small print will save them every time. You have been warned! Also eye the phone deal with care, as insurance on their system is a must.
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Really good informative review, I used to be with BT CELLNET on my old mobile and found them to be one of the best networks as well as VODAPHONE, Thanx for the helpful op as you've pointed out some good and bad facts and warnings i didnt know about BT CELLNET ;)
Advantages: Price plans and call charges not too bad... Disadvantages: Terrible customer service... limited services available, ie. delivery reports, etc..... high text price... the list goes on!
cribby 15.05.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of BTCellnet
May 8th, 2001
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