Sky Talk Freetime

Megalomaniac

Hi all,

I hope someone can clear this up. I have just browsed the newsletter and read that:

Yet SkyTalk isn't amongst the most competitive for call charges and crucially, doesn't allow you to use super-cheap override providers on its lines.

Is this true? I have just changed to Sky Talk assuming we could still use the 18185 prefix on our calls. I can't check as I am currently not at home, however my girlfriends mother is visiting from the USA and I can't afford to pay for calls at 20p/minute instead of 18185's rate of 0.5p/minute.

I have read online that you are allowed to to do this, but Martin has made me rather worried - I only have the calls part, not the line rental with Sky.

Can anyone clear this up for me and anyone else who has read this in the newsletter?

Cheers

Edit: Forgot to add 18185 in the title! Sorry!

Heinz

If your line rental is still with BT (i.e. you have just 'signed up' for Sky Talk - either Sky Talk Freetime or Sky Talk Unlimited - as your calls provider), you will be able to use the 18185 prefix normally.

What you won't be able to do is use the 1280 prefix to make calls via BT (I know that sounds ridiculous).

That means that you will not be able to:

(1). Make the necessary 2 calls per month via BT to 'qualify' for free Caller Display and/or basic 1571 (if you use either of those, BT will now charge you for it/them);

(2). Use BT for 0845/0870 calls (and will have to pay Sky's exorbitant charges for them).

Megalomaniac

Thanks Heinz - that's great for reassurance. Weird I can't ring via BT though... as long as they don't stop 18185 anytime soon, I'm happy

McKneff

Sorry, what does the prefix 18185 do and under what circumstances do you use it.

loulou41

You have to register to 18185 to be able to use the prefix. I find it great for making calls during the day as the call costs only 5p. I have sky talk free time but only use sky talk for one international call as most of my calls I use 18185 and I have saved loads with them.

McKneff

I see, but is there a connection charge with 18185 as well as the 5p.
i use the phone during the day very rarely and then its only for a minute and with sky its 4p a minute so unles i was going to be on a few minutes it wouldnt be worth it would it?

loulou41

UK fixed is 0.0 p/min, you just pay 5p connection fee. That's 5p for calls within the uk. I do not make a lot of calls as well, but find it very useful if I have to make the odd calls to the dr's surgery as there is always a queue. I have added my daughter's phone number on my account as well, she has saved quite a bit on phone calls. If your bill is low, you will be billed every two months or longer. I get mine approx every two months. I think, with sky the connection fee is 7p + the 4p a minute. I guess, it depends how many calls you make a month. If it is once a week, it might not be worth registering.

McKneff

I dont pay the 7p connection charge because i have Sky talk and have my line with SKy so its just 4p a minute.

OldGreyFox

Megalomaniac wrote: »

Can anyone clear this up for me and anyone else who has read this in the newsletter?

Did you miss my post here http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1514805

OldGreyFox

anniehanlon wrote: »

I dont pay the 7p connection charge because i have Sky talk and have my line with SKy so its just 4p a minute.

I think your find you do, as Sky raise a connection charge of 7p for all chargeable calls .

McKneff

OldGreyFox wrote: »

I think your find you do, as Sky raise a connection charge of 7p for all chargeable calls .

I get paper bills from SKy and have never paid a connection charge.
i go through it like a dose of salts.