Do I need to pay for line rental with one provider and homeline services with another?

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Kingfisher

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#165854 22-Feb-2015 23:30

Hi Guys,

I have had a Slingshot account since 2006. Broadband and Homeline. I had changed from Xtra at the time but they said I needed to retain my telecom line rental to ensure Slingshot could still deliver my Homeline and Broadband services.

Since the changes at the end of last year, I am now paying Spark $50.00 for line rental and Slingshot $59.00 for an 80Gb plan with Homeline bundled. That's $109 for a person who uses about 20Gb or less a month and a few landline calls.

I think I'm getting fleeced but I m not sure by whom? Spark, Slingshot or Chorus?

My question is, do I have to still pay Spark a line rental? Did I ever have to pay them a line rental? If I stopped paying them for line rental would I loose the Slingshot Broadband and Homeline services?

This stuff is really confusing. Any guidance appreciated.

DarkShadow

1647 posts

Uber Geek

#1244491 22-Feb-2015 23:37

Are you SURE you're buying broadband AND phone from Slingshot? Because I couldn't find the $59 for an 80GB plan with Homeline bundled plan on their site. Are you certain you're not buying the $59 naked (ie no phone) 80 GB plan? Do you mind posting up your bills (cover your personal details of course)?

You can cut the phone line if you don't want it.

If you still want the phone line I recommend you buy both broadband and phone from the same company, either Slingshot or Spark, you'll get it cheaper that way.

Kingfisher

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1244500 23-Feb-2015 00:23

Thanks DarkShadow.

Yeah I think I think you may be right. But what is the difference between rental and activity and homeline? It seems I am paying rental only to Spark and activity only to Slingshot? Do both constitute 'the homeline'? Ie if I cut one off, do I loose the whole lot?

DarkShadow

1647 posts

Uber Geek

#1244501 23-Feb-2015 00:30

Kingfisher:
Thanks DarkShadow.

Yeah I think I think you may be right. But what is the difference between rental and activity and homeline? It seems I am paying rental only to Spark and activity only to Slingshot? Do both constitute 'the homeline'? Ie if I cut one off, do I loose the whole lot?

OK, so here's what you're currently buying:

You're buying a landline phone service from Spark.

You're buying a broadband service from Slingshot.

They are independent. You can cut one and it won't affect the other.

As I said before, if you want both services, buy them from the same supplier. If you only want one you can cut the other.

(You don't pay line rental. Consumers in this country don't pay line rental, well not directly anyway.)

You might want to look into Flip too. $55 for 20GB and a phone line. They're owned by the same company that owns Slingshot.

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#1244549 23-Feb-2015 07:40

You really need to establish what products you have. I'd be surprised if you were paying Slingshot for a homeline if you've already got one with Spark.

Handle9

11391 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1244552 23-Feb-2015 07:54

DarkShadow:
Kingfisher:
Thanks DarkShadow.

Yeah I think I think you may be right. But what is the difference between rental and activity and homeline? It seems I am paying rental only to Spark and activity only to Slingshot? Do both constitute 'the homeline'? Ie if I cut one off, do I loose the whole lot?

OK, so here's what you're currently buying:

You're buying a landline phone service from Spark.

You're buying a broadband service from Slingshot.

They are independent. You can cut one and it won't affect the other.

As I said before, if you want both services, buy them from the same supplier. If you only want one you can cut the other.

(You don't pay line rental. Consumers in this country don't pay line rental, well not directly anyway.)

You might want to look into Flip too. $55 for 20GB and a phone line. They're owned by the same company that owns Slingshot.

With those services you can't cut off the landline and retain the Internet at your current pricing. To optimise your services you need to decide what level of service you want - whether you need a landline, how many Gb a month data etc.

Then find a service that fits your service and spend requirements.

Kingfisher

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1245974 24-Feb-2015 21:56

Thanks for your help guys. I spoke to SS who said they are charging me tolls but this is not homeline. Spark are charging me a homeline which seems to be called rental? Anyway, as most of you have pointed out, and now I know what is happening, it's time for me to rationalise this arrangement which has existed since 2006 and must have cost me thousands!

Thanks for your help guys. Much appreciated.

Terry