International and UK CallChecker Discussion Area

Heinz

sawanderer wrote:

Just to let you know that PhoneCheap have increased their rates for mobile phones to 6p/min, and there is a new access number: 0871 754 42 42

More info at: http://www.phonecheap.co.uk/rates.php

Does anyone have any idea whether the PhoneCheap service is better than the 18185 service at 6p/min that also has a 5p connection fee?

I assume you've just tried to call the 0844 566 7 566 (5p/minute) number and heard a message redirecting you to the 0871 number.

The reason I say that is because the website still shows the 0844 566 7 566 number and 5p/minute rate (as, of course, does the MSE UK Callchecker because the automatic trawl happened last night).

I would consider the 18185 service better because you don't start paying halfway through dialing and don't pay at all if the call fails. OTOH, 18185's 5p connection charge is more than BT's 3p 'call set-up fee' (but it's cheaper than Virgin Media's 6p).

redux

Maybe it's changed back again, as I just called a mobile via the 0844 5p number

sawanderer

redux wrote:

Maybe it's changed back again, as I just called a mobile via the 0844 5p number

It has indeed changed back! The number now listed on the PhoneCheap site is the 0844 5p/min number! :T

Right, I'm off to make some calls before they put it up again!

Sinaloe

Hi. Can anyone give me some advice please?

I am BT option 3 and want to call Slovakia. What will I be charged by BT and by 18185 if I choose them?

Thank you in advance.

Heinz

Sinaloe wrote:

Hi. Can anyone give me some advice please?

I am BT option 3 and want to call Slovakia. What will I be charged by BT and by 18185 if I choose them?

Thank you in advance.

As the MSE International CallChecker shows, BT will charge 27p per minute and 18185 will charge 1p per minute.

Sinaloe

Heinz wrote:

As the MSE International CallChecker shows, BT will charge 27p per minute and 18185 will charge 1p per minute.

Sorry, I meant to ask that if I have the BT line and call the 18185 from the BT line will the BT charge me connection fee? Or will they charge me set amount per minute for calling 18185 as well as 18185 charging me 1p a minute? Hope this is clearer?

Heinz

Sinaloe wrote:

Sorry, I meant to ask that if I have the BT line and call the 18185 from the BT line will the BT charge me connection fee? Or will they charge me set amount per minute for calling 18185 as well as 18185 charging me 1p a minute? Hope this is clearer?

No, BT won't charge you anything - they won't even 'see' the call even though they carry the first leg.

The 18185 charge will be 5p connection and 1p per minute (or part minute) afterwards.

alan99_2

More info at: http://www.phonecheap.co.uk/rates.php

Does anyone have any idea whether the PhoneCheap service is better than the 18185 service at 6p/min that also has a 5p connection fee?

[/QUOTE]

Hi

I find Phonecheap to Ukmobiles are usually ,but not always ok Tue/Wed/Thr eve. But can sometimes be bad on Friday afternoon or evening. (although could be my carrier) I find 18185 usually better on a Friday.
If I get a bad line I find I still save money over time by using phoneCheap.

Phone cheap 0844 via Bt has per second billing as against 18185s whole min billing.
61sec call via 18185 to Uk mobile is 17p , via Phonecheap and BT approx 10p.
But you get charged whether you connect or not to the mobile no. with PhoneCheap.

Alan

satellitebadger

alan99 wrote: »

But you get charged whether you connect or not to the mobile no. with PhoneCheap.

Personally speaking, I don't even consider that as part of the equation, given that almost every single mobile user has a voicemail service - so every call I make to a mobile number is chargeable, whether I actually speak to the person or not.

iamsam

satellitebadger wrote: »

Personally speaking, I don't even consider that as part of the equation, given that almost every single mobile user has a voicemail service - so every call I make to a mobile number is chargeable, whether I actually speak to the person or not.

Precisely. I find a large chunk of mobile calls are less than 5s long. Which is why, even at 6p/min, I much prefer phonecheap. It means 'unanswered' calls are only about 5-6p, compared to an immediate 11p charge with 18185.

It's even getting the same on landlines with the proliferation of 1571. At least Primus takes care of most of that.