what is 18866 and 1889

wazza

just want to know what 18866 and 1889 (i think) refers to. Having a quick glance it seems like a code you type in to get a cheap daytime call.

in am on BT option 1 and on talktalk with free evening calls etc Also have a second line through NTL

System

To begin with, set aside the NTL second line and concentrate on the line you rent from BT. Like you, I registered with talktalk to get the free evening and weekend calls. (I know that if you have friends on Talktalk you can talk to them free anytime, lets not concern ourselves with that though).

Regarding 18866, if you go to and read their website at https://www.call18866.co.uk you will see that if you register with them (which you CAN do, even though you're with talktalk), you will be able to dial the prefix of 18866 before the STD and phone number and here a recorded voice saying "this call is free". You simply pay a connection fee of 1p. On studying their website, you will be able to access your bill and read that you get billed monthly, however some folk say that if you haven't spent much in that month, they won't collect till there IS sufficient to collect. However, they do collect mine, but at 1p connection charge over a month, it dosen't amount to much.

Ref 1899, their site is https://www.1899.com their is much he same. We are registered with them as well. Why you may ask? The answer is simple, we call Spain, and via 18866 the charge is 2p per min and via 1899 it is 1p.

It is NOT unusual to have more than one provider. You simply need to remember that if you are calling MON-FRI during the day, use either 18866 or 1899 and after 6pm drop the prefix and the calls will go through talktalk.

Sorry to be so long winded, but you did ask.

I could go on and explain about calling mobiles or 0845 numbers, but that's for another day.

System

On second thoughts. If when you've read my post you decide, phew! what a load of crap, I'm not going to bother with that. There is another thing you might like to consider.

There are a few companies such as https://www.cheapestcalls.co.uk or https://www.telesavers.co.uk who you don't need to register with, they simply give you a prefix number and you use that and that too is only 1p per minute and that appears on your BT bill with a connection charge of about 5p. This can override NTL as well.

Sleep well !

wazza

to early to go to sleep yet

thank you for the valuable information. i will definately consider using 18866 prefix when making daytime calls. I haven't checked the website but i assume it also works for 08454 etc numbers

by the way go on and tell me the benefits when ringing mobile nos. go on go on please go on tell :-)

Steve_xx

18866.com
To mobiles - Mon to Fri calls cost 12p per min, Sat & Sun 3p per min.
Connection charge is 1p per call.

UK landline calls: 1p untimed!

1899.com
To mobiles - Mon to Fri calls cost 10p per min, Sat & Sun 2p per min.
Connection charge is 3p per call

UK landline calls: 3p untimed!

System

Good old Steve, written and explained like a real gent.

Wazza, how about this. I have just now, entered the world of BT's pricing structure. Phew, they have 18 different structures, I entered my query as though I was on Option 1.

I entered a 15 min call at weekends to Spain,Aust, USA and Spain the cost being £1.34, evenings proved to be exactly the same. NZ the cost was £3.74 eve and £2.54 weekends. Those countries were chosen because of family connections.

If the calls had been made via Cheapestcalls.co.uk, there would have been a 5p connection fee plus 1p per min to all of the countries, 5p+15P=20p !

With 18866 and 1899, I believe I'm right in saying one of them charge 1p per min and the other 2p.

Equally I should point out that of late, people have noted that with both of the companies, they have been increasing their min charges slightly, so you need to monitor them closely, but they are still a great deal cheaper than BT.

I hope to have a relaxing day seated in front of this comp, and you ?

Edinburghlass_2

to early to go to sleep yet

thank you for the valuable information. i will definately consider using 18866 prefix when making daytime calls. I haven't checked the website but i assume it also works for 08454 etc numbers

by the way go on and tell me the benefits when ringing mobile nos. go on go on please go on tell :-)

Nope BT is cheaper for 0845 and 0847 numbers

System

BUT, if you have registered with either 18866 or 1899 and wish to dial either 0845 or 0870 etc, you need to prefix with 1280, to get out of 18866 or 1899's system. You will then be accessing via BT as our learned friend edinburghlass says.

You will be thinking this is all too complicated, but trust me, it aint.

Edinburghlass_2

BUT, if you have registered with either 18866 or 1899 and wish to dial either 0845 or 0870 etc, you need to prefix with 1280, to get out of 18866 or 1899's system. You will then be accessing via BT as our learned friend edinburghlass says.

You will be thinking this is all too complicated, but trust me, it aint.

Don't mean to follow you about contradicting you Island_Man but you only need to dial 1280 IF your calls are with another CPS like TalkTalk. The OP says he is with BT Option 1 therefore doesn't need to dial 1280. ;D ;D

System

The word "stalking" comes to mind (lol), no ,I am quite aware that at times I tend to speak with the voice of authority, simply becuase over these telephone subjects, I feel I've mastered the "spiel" and promote the savings as and when the opportunity arises. Clearly though I should hold back on detail and allow those with a much better understanding to do the promotional work. I'm not miffed, don't get me wrong. I only hope that between us we have sorted this poster out.

Edinburghlass_2

Stalker, stalker, MOI? 8)

You're doing a grand job and this is just for you :-*