TopupDiscount - change of access number

ezhiks

I noticed TopupDiscount changed their access number, it used to be an 0808 number, now the website says:

You can now call number 020-81 801 801, and dial any international number you want.

(http://www.topupdiscount.co.uk/index2.php)

Access is suposed via a freephone number once you have 'topped up' using the premium rate number.

Is 020 81 801801 really a 'freephone' number? I thought they had to be of the variety 0800/0808/0500. I'm confused!!

pricefighter

020 numbers are not freephone.Depending on what supplier you are on it may be included in your inclusive calls.At peak rate most people have to pay some thing to access a 020 number so to suggest the some of calls are free is misleading.Even if were you using 1899 a call would cost 2 connection charges totalling 8p to a free destination.

Another one of Finereas strange moves?,particularly giving no notice before changing access number.

ezhiks

I sent them an e-mail asking why they have changed the access number and recived this reply:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Thank you for your email.

Please check 020-81 801 801 access number is a toll free number.

We hope this has answered your query.

Should you have any further queries about Topupdiscount please visit our
list of Frequently Asked Questions http://www.topupdiscount.co.uk/faq.php

Kind regards,
Topupdiscount Customer Services
http://www.topupdiscount.co.uk

I would expect them to know which UK numbers are 'freephone'.

A strange move indeed. I'll check later and see if the original 0808 number is working and take it from there. As it was I was happy to use them, made hours and hours of calls to my family abroad for 5p each call, so not really complaining.

pricefighter

The number 020 8180 1801 is in fact allocated to Connect Telecom who provide Finereas lines in UK.Their is nothing to suggest it would not be charged as anything other then a normal BT Georaphical Number.

It would be a very expensive way of phoning abroad if you were calling at peak rate on BT!!!!

ezhiks

Well if anyone uses them and interested, the 0808 freephone number is still working so maybe just a mistake on the website or something!

2ax

It would make sense to have an 020 number for mobile access, but that does not seem to have been the intention of the service, so it does seem odd. And most mobiles have 09 calls default-barred.

I just tried the 020 number and it is valid, so not a simple misprint.

Maybe you could use 2 Finarea companies and dial 189902081 ....

... or put the freephone number on here for those that haven't recorded it.

pricefighter

A note on the https://www.niftylist.co.uk site shows the Freephone Number to be
0808 170 25 25.

The service does not work from mobiles its only intended to be a landline service.

cagan

Just checked my BT bill online after using the "0208" number this weekend and sure enough, it charges.

I had emailed TopupDiscount to check that it was toll free but they didn't bother to reply, so I only made a shortish off peak call to try it out first.

I used the 0808 170 25 25 number afterwards and it still works and gives the "this is a free phone call" message first.

Dagobert

cagan wrote:

I used the 0808 170 25 25 number afterwards and it still works and gives the "this is a free phone call" message first.

As of 1st November, the freefone number is no longer working. You'll have to use the geographic number at least to use up your call credit.