Sky sneakily charging customers through 0870 number

ltlmiles5

I apologise if this is in the wrong place, but I didn't know where else to post this.

I had Sky Plus installed today. As part of getting everything installed, we're supposed to ring up an 08705 number, so that everything can be finalised, and downloads go through the phone I think, onto our digibox.

After reading Martin's article on us paying more than we should on 0870 numbers, I think it's very cheeky of Sky to get customers to pay for this, when it's supposed to be part of our installation, which we have already paid for, or is supposed to be free as part of paying for the new Sky Plus digibox, which cost us £49.

Does anyone else agree with me? Isn't this sneakily taking money off us?

Martin, do you think pressure could be put on them to change it to a freephone number at least? They're already making lots from us every month! I know it's not a lot of money, but it's a matter of principle. It just seems wrong.

Becky

Why am I not surprised by this?

SKY are rip-off merchants. There is a free phone number. Try it:

0800 7316965

bbb_uk

I'm afraid Sky are just one of many, many companies (including some government departments) that use revenue generating numbers. In fact one police department admitted that it gains revenue from the use of its non-emergency (0845) number.

Sky are that bad that they actually monitor the saynoto0870.com and any geographical number (those beginning 01 or 02) that is found then they immediately discontinue this number thus forcing customers to then ring the 0870 so they can continue to gain revenue.

Ofcom (the telcom regulator) has a consultation document which you may want to look at. They propose some short term solutions like removing revenue sharing from 0870 numbers.

In fact ofcom have two consultations out and for more information on these and what ofcom propose, including a response form, then visit here.

The more people that respond to saying they want these revenue generating numbers (0870, 0845, 0844, 0871) to end then ofcom will have to take notice.

The deadline is the 6th December for these two consultations.

jem16

ltlmiles5 wrote:

and downloads go through the phone I think, onto our digibox.

Downloads don't go down your phone line. They come from the satellite to your dish, LNB and then into your Sky+ box.

The need to phone Sky+ is to activate your recording features and yes I agree it shouldn't be an 0870 number.

bbb_uk

Sky try and insist it needs to be connected to your landline at all times so as to update itself, etc.

As mentioned by jem16 this isn't true because it's done via satellite.

The other reason for having line connected to Digibox is so you can use some interactive features which require an outside line to work.

GlennTheBaker

bbb_uk wrote:

Sky try and insist it needs to be connected to your landline at all times so as to update itself, etc.

As mentioned by jem16 this isn't true because it's done via satellite.

The other reason for having line connected to Digibox is so you can use some interactive features which require an outside line to work.

If anyone is interested, Sky boxes have a hidden menu which allows you to (amongst other things) set a dialling prefix for your Sky box. If you set a meaningless prefix such as "3", your box will place a "3" in front of the number when it tries to 'phone home', resulting in an invalid phone number. Using this method, you can adhere to Sky's T&C's by having your digibox connected to the phone line but it will never actually be able to make a call!

To access the menu press Services, 4, 0, 1, Select and then press the option for 'Telephone Settings'.

Heinz

GlennTheBaker wrote:

If anyone is interested, Sky boxes have a hidden menu which allows you to (amongst other things) set a dialling prefix for your Sky box. If you set a meaningless prefix such as "3", your box will place a "3" in front of the number when it tries to 'phone home', resulting in an invalid phone number. Using this method, you can adhere to Sky's T&C's by having your digibox connected to the phone line but it will never actually be able to make a call!

To access the menu press Services, 4, 0, 1, Select and then press the option for 'Telephone Settings'.

I think you'll find that Sky got wise to that dodge and, now, if you change the prefix or enter a new one, the box then attempts (immediately) to 'phone home' and, if it fails, the change/entry is deleted.

Well it is on mine, anyway.

GlennTheBaker

Heinz wrote:

I think you'll find that Sky got wise to that dodge and, now, if you change the prefix or enter a new one, the box then attempts (immediately) to 'phone home' and, if it fails, the change/entry is deleted.

Well it is on mine, anyway.

Thanks, I was not aware of that! Mine's not plugged into the phone line anyway as I'm not a subscriber.

ltlmiles5

Thanks for this bbb_uk. I think all of us, the moneysaving community, should try and take part, to place pressure on these unethical practices.

What say you?

bbb_uk

ltlmiles5 wrote:

Thanks for this bbb_uk. I think all of us, the moneysaving community, should try and take part, to place pressure on these unethical practices.

What say you?

I agree. Put it this way Ofcom are going to get an earful from my consultation response.

DonnyDave

GlennTheBaker wrote:

If anyone is interested, Sky boxes have a hidden menu which allows you to (amongst other things) set a dialling prefix for your Sky box. If you set a meaningless prefix such as "3", your box will place a "3" in front of the number when it tries to 'phone home', resulting in an invalid phone number. ...

But this means that it will dial 30870... which may be a valid number in some areas.

For example, if the 0870 is 0870 1234567 and you put 3 infront of it, it will dial 308701234567. So if someone has the number 308701 within your STD code (assuming you have six-digit local numbers) then you will then cause a nuisance!

Also, bear in mind that if you don't have an-inclusive call package where calls to 01/02 numbers are 'free', the 0870 number will only cost more if it costs more than the minimum charge (assuming you have a minimum charge).

If you are on BT Together Option 1, then a short call to 0870 will be cheaper than a short call to a geographical number during the evening and weekend.

How long do these calls last that the Digibox makes?