BT adding 0870/0845 numbers to its call packages - discussion

Former_MSE_Lawrence

Earlier today, BT announced that from 16 Jan 2009, 0870/0845 numbers will be included in its free call packages. In other words, if you’ve got free ‘weekend’ calls, then call an 0870 number at the weekend and it will be free, though you will pay up to 6p/min at other times.

This only applies to BT call packages, those with other providers such as TalkTalk or Primus will still pay the normal amount. If you have a BT basic line rental option, and use another provider for calls, dial 1280 before calling and it usually means you’re making a BT call and thus you'll be charged at BT's standard rate, which, while not free is still cheaper than Sky/Virgin rates. As pointed out below though, due to some changes in the billing system, this isn't possible with every provider. (see BT's statement)

This change does not applies to Internet Service Provider connection calls, or indirect access calls (where you call through to another phone provider, as with callchecker numbers).

So far, Virgin & TalkTalk have been unavailable for comment on whether they've any plans to follow suit.

Watch Martin's 0870 changes videocast about this, and please leave feedback on it below.

utilitybroker

MSE_Lawrence wrote: »

If you have a BT basic line rental option, and use another provider for calls, dial 1280 before calling and it means you’re making a BT call and thus it will be free.

Thats not always possible any more,it depends on what call supplier you are using.Using 1280 with some suppliers EG: Sky Talk will result in you being charged by them at their rates.

See this thread: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1072413

Jemma-T

News http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/01/08/bt_premium_cuts/

Smoke and mirrors or a real deal? Wait for the small print.

Heinz

MSE_Lawrence wrote: »

Earlier today, BT announced that from 16 Jan 2009, 0870/0845 numbers will be included in its free call packages. In other words, if you’ve got free ‘weekend’ calls, then call an 0870 number at the weekend and it will be free, though you will pay up to 6p/min at other times.

This only applies to BT call packages, those with other providers such as TalkTalk or Primus will still pay the normal amount. If you have a BT basic line rental option, and use another provider for calls, dial 1280 before calling and it means you’re making a BT call and thus it will be free.

I think you're wrong there.

AIUI, subscribers to BT's Unlimited Anytime Plan or to BT's Unlimited Evening & Weekend Plan will then additionally get inclusive calls to 0845/0870 numbers evenings and weekends BUT subscribers to BT's Unlimited Weekend Plan will get nothing extra.

ScRiMpNsAvE_2

Does anyone know whether other 08 numbers, such as 0844, are included in this?

[Deleted User]

That is why Bt is letting you use 0870 for nothing - as everyone and their dog has changed to the more expensive 084 numbers!

Not a lot will ever be FREE!

will-in-estoril

Heinz wrote: »

I think you're wrong there.

AIUI, subscribers to BT's Unlimited Anytime Plan or to BT's Unlimited Evening & Weekend Plan will then additionally get inclusive calls to 0845/0870 numbers evenings and weekends BUT subscribers to BT's Unlimited Weekend Plan will get nothing extra.

http://www.btplc.com/News/Articles/Showarticle.cfm?ArticleID=e501c5ef-11a2-4779-a932-177450ecd870

Statement refers to 'all of our 14m customers' and uses the example of a Saturday morning call as a cost comparison, both of which imply that the Unlimited Weekend Plan is included.

[Deleted User]

Here is another reason for the change:

Changes will be made by telecoms watchdog OfCom, which will see businesses with 0870 numbers charged for calls which have in the past either generated revenue, or were received free of charge.

A lack of clarity has provoked complaints from businesses and consumers alike, who expressed dissatisfaction with the cost of non-geographical calls compared with local equivalents.

As a result, businesses with 0870 numbers are being urged to update current 0870 numbers with 0871 or 0872 in order to continue receiving the same revenue share, and avoid paying hefty new call charges.

diamonds

Awesome ! I use 18185 from my mobile, now I can use my unlimited weekend calls.......FREE! did i ever think i'd say a good word about BT - NO lol

McKneff

just adding more confusion. I have just changed my line rental to sky but i only had the basic package from BT. Never mind, i have great success with saynoto0870 so i shall continue to use it. Like one poster says, smoke and mirrors.

omelette451

In case Martin reads this thread, and since it's at least partly about the videocasts themselves, can I make the suggestion that a transcript be made available (or at the very least a more detailed synopsis be made available) too? I don't have a problem with videocasting and think it's a great idea for some people, just that I personally prefer to read than be spoken to online.