BT Class Action Lawsuit: The Startling Overpricing of Landlines

Imagine paying more than you should for years, simply because you trusted a name you thought had your back. For over three million BT customers, this might have been their reality. Consequently, the BT class action lawsuit is shaking up the telecom industry, and for good reason.

At Phonely, we believe in fair pricing, transparency, and protecting customers. With this in mind, let’s break down the facts of this lawsuit, how it could affect you, and why switching to a provider like Phonely could be the smarter choice for your landline needs.

What is the BT class action lawsuit?

The BT class action lawsuit accuses the telecom giant of overcharging landline-only customers, particularly those who rely on their phones but don’t have broadband. Many of these customers are older or on low incomes.

BT class action lawsuit: The key details

Who is affected?

Customers who:

• Had a standalone landline contract between 2015 and 2018.

• Had separate landline and broadband contracts between 2015 and 2023.

How much compensation is being sought?

Each affected customer could receive £300–£400, with the total claim reaching £1.3 billion.

Why now?

The Consumer Rights Act of 2015, explicitly allows groups to challenge unfair practices collectively. By taking advantage of this Act, customers are holding BT accountable.

This lawsuit highlights a significant issue: the erosion of trust in long-standing institutions. As has been noted, much like the Post Office scandal, where innocent sub-postmasters were wrongly accused, BT’s case reveals how corporate behaviour can disproportionately affect vulnerable groups.

Are you being overcharged?

If you’re a BT customer, now is the time to review your bills. Many customers have been paying more for their landline services than necessary, especially if they don’t have broadband.

To check your eligibility for compensation, visit the official Collective Action on Land Lines (CALL) website. You don’t need to actively join the lawsuit—affected customers are automatically included unless they opt out.

Comparing BT with Phonely: Why switch?

Phonely offers a simple and affordable alternative to BT’s landline services. Our digital landlines cost nearly half as much as BT’s while including advanced features like auto call blocking and of course, unlimited calls.*

Here’s a quick comparison:

With Phonely, you’re not just saving money—you’re gaining peace of mind.

Affordable broadband-only packages to pair with Phonely

Phonely doesn’t provide broadband services, but pairing our landline with a cost-effective broadband-only package can still work out cheaper than BT’s bundled deals. Here are some excellent options:

• Gigaclear: Broadband-only plans start at £19/month, suitable for basic usage.
• Onestream: Fibre broadband starts at £17/month with a 24-month contract.
• Social Tarrifs: These are for people on a low income and start from £10/month. Visit Ofcom for a full list and eligibility criteria.

As shown above, by combining Phonely’s affordable landline with one of these broadband providers, you can enjoy reliable communication services without overpaying.

How Phonely supports its customers

Phonely is committed to providing fair pricing and unmatched customer service and protection. Here’s what makes us stand out:

• Lower Costs: Our digital landlines start at just £9.97/month—almost half the cost of BT’s unlimited call package of £18/month.
• Scam Call Protection: With features like automatic call blocking and real-time suspicious call alerts, our CallGuard** system keeps you safe from fraudsters.
• Friendly Support: We’re here for a no-obligation chat to discuss how we can help you save money and get more from your landline. Above all, we value transparency and simplicity.

Frequently asked questions