BT raises talking clock prices

The cost of calling the talking clock is set to rise after BT increased the cost of the service.

At present islanders pay 5.7p per call, but this will increase to 20p from 1 March. It comes after BT, which charges its own customers 29p to check the time, put up the price that Sure has to pay to access the service.

Steve Smith, head of PR for Sure, said that BT has forced the increase in price.

“BT has increased the amount that they charge us each time one of our customers makes a call to the talking clock. Despite the rise in cost we will still be charging almost 10p less than them,” he said.

The Office of Utility Regulation has approved the price increase.

The talking clock can be reached by calling 123. On average, local households make two calls per year.

Calls from Sure mobiles will not increase. These will continue to be 20p.