International and UK CallChecker Discussion Area

wigglywoozle

I have used the International Call checker to try and find a cheap rate for calling my bf on his mobile in Iraq (he's in the RAF) and it said that Alphatelecom was free so I thought great! Signed up and used it, but found I was being charged. So I gave them a call to ask what their rate to Iraqi mobiles was and it turns out it's 15p per min!! So I then tried Ratebuster who said on their site it was 3p per min but when I called using the access number listed, it told me that I wasn't able to call using that number and that I should use another at 10p per minute. Anyone know if the next cheapest, Topupdiscount at 5p per minute is any good? I've not used that type of provider before, only the 0844 type providers.

I'm also now panicking a bit about the 0844 access number I've been using to call Cyprus for 1p per minute through 0844 calls. Does BT charge me for the call to the access number as well as the connection fee or just the connection fee and then 1p per minute? I read on BTs pricing that 0844 861 **** numbers are charged at £1 per minute That scared me!

Thanks for any advice

Kate xx

Heinz

This site is great but didn't you, when you saw the "0p/minute" text for calling Iraqi mobiles on the Callchecker table, have an 'if it looks too good to be true, it probably is' moment?

Had you done so and then clicked on Alphatelecom's name in that table, you'd have reached the associated text:

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Account Needed Providers[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]18185[/FONT],[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1899[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif], Alpha Telecom, [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]call18866[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] and [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Liquid Telecom[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Here you must first set up an account via the internet. Once that's done access the service by dialling (for free) a short four or five digit prefix or freephone number. Then dial the number you're calling and you [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]will receive a monthly bill for it. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Important: some of these providers charge a connection fee (ie., a fixed amount per call). Also do note the prices listed are for calls from BT phones, calls from other providers can sometimes vary.[/FONT]

I think the problem you experienced with Ratebuster is similar to another poster's - see HERE - which is beyond Callchecker's control.

Regarding the 0844 861 xxxx gateway provider calls to Cyprus, BT's Specialised Numbers price list shows they're charged at 'g8' rate at all times - so you'll be charged BT's standard 3p 'call set-up fee' plus 1p/minute (e.g. a 20 minute call will cost 23p).

BTW, there's a 6p/minute 0871 gateway provider for calls to Iraqi mobiles on the Callchecker too.

wigglywoozle

Thanks for that. The 0844 thing is cheaper than I thought! I thought it was 5p connection so 3p is even better!!!

Have tried using the Topupdiscount service but not really sure how it's charging my mobile as it took £5 off my balance and then to seemed to also be taking more off my balance while I was talking instead of just the 020 number charge which should have only been about 10p, 20p at the most? Think I'll try it again and see and if it keeps charging, I'll use up my credit and stick with 0844 calls for 6p per min.

Sorry for all the questions, but do you know if I use the 0844 number on my mobile, does it cost the same or is it more expensive? I'm on PAYG with Tesco mobile which I think is O2 network.

Thanks

Kate x

Heinz

Don't dial 0844 numbers from your mobile - the networks treat them as 'premium rate' and charge a minimum of 15p/minute (some, a lot more).

wigglywoozle

Wont be doing that then!!!

Thanks for the tip! Will stick to the Topupdiscount on the moby then and use the 0844 on the home phone.

utilitybroker

Heinz wrote: »

Don't dial 0844 numbers from your mobile - the networks treat them as 'premium rate' and charge a minimum of 15p/minute (some, a lot more).

All apart from O2 (Contract) not Payg, who include them in their inclusive x-net minutes.

See: http://www.o2.co.uk/mobilestariffs/tariffs/specialnumbers

typical_blonde

A friend in the Statees reckons a comany call Vonage are cheapest - you apparently pay them £7 a month and all calls are free. Does anyone know of this company and if they are actually cheaper?

Ta
Typical Blonde

'Useless with money, but trying hard'

Heinz

typical_blonde wrote: »

A friend in the Statees reckons a comany call Vonage are cheapest - you apparently pay them £7 a month and all calls are free. Does anyone know of this company and if they are actually cheaper?

It's £7.99 now (http://www.vonage.co.uk/specialoffers/index_uk.php). It's VOIP rather than PSTN - but that works for an increasing number of people.

Cheaper? Well taking into account ADSL requires a landline anyway so PSTN options can be considered, I'd say Euphony's £5.99 per month euTALK+18 CPS package and their £7.25 per month euTALK+12 CPS package both beat it.

billsavings

typical_blonde wrote: »

A friend in the Statees reckons a comany call Vonage are cheapest - you apparently pay them £7 a month and all calls are free. Does anyone know of this company and if they are actually cheaper?

Ta
Typical Blonde

'Useless with money, but trying hard'

Have a look at this thread and some of the info in it.:eek:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=373187&highlight=vonage

billsavings

Heinz wrote: »

Did you forget the link bill?

Woops!! Now added.