Is there a better option?

Surfer

Although I have posted this elsewhere, I decided to start my own thread. At present we are on the BT Anytime package. Our calls costs to 0845 & 0870 numbers amounted to £4.10 for a three month period however one pays for calls to 0844 numbers.
It seems that a number of companies are now switching to 0844 numbers which are chargeable at local rates. Unfortunately I got caught out on this as I thought 0844 calls were included in the Anytime package. Net result a bill for £7-10. In addition, there were145 daytime calls (9 hours 39 min) and 14 evening/weekend calls in the same period.
We now use Skype for International calls or one of the other providers. We use our mobiles to phone other mobiles on inclusive mobile packages.
It really bugs me to say this but it seems that the BT Anytime package may be the better option for us at £16.20 per month as it includes 0870 & 0845 numbers plus an average of 3 hours daytime calls every month. What do you think?

Heinz

Calls to 0844 (and 0843) numbers are not 'local rates' as you describe them. They cost 0.5p, 1p, 2p, 3p, 4p or 5p per minute. The precise rates depend on the 5th, 6th and 7th digts.

blackbearbosin

Yes, Surfer, I also recently decided to use the BT Anytime thinking of saving on 0845 and 0870 numbers. Then I realised that companies are indeed changing not only from 0845 to 0844 but also from 0870 to 0871. I find it strange that any number range starting 084 isn't free with their Anytime scheme.

Surfer

Heinz wrote: »

Calls to 0844 (and 0843) numbers are not 'local rates' as you describe them. They cost 0.5p, 1p, 2p, 3p, 4p or 5p per minute. The precise rates depend on the 5th, 6th and 7th digts.

Thanks Heinz but having read your article, I am, still not sure whether to ditch the Anytime package or to keep it. Gut instinct says it will be better to keep it and then to use Saynoto0870 for alternative numbers.
Annoying that toothless OFTEL allows companies to get around the 0870 and 0845 numbers to fleece customers.

McKneff

I have found Saynoto0870 has saved me loads and loads o' money.

do you have sky tv.

Surfer

McKneff wrote: »

I have found Saynoto0870 has saved me loads and loads o' money.

do you have sky tv.

Yeah i have Sky but I don't believe in lumping utilities together. I prefer them seperate just in case I have difficulties with one of them.

Heinz

Surfer wrote: »

Thanks Heinz but having read your article, I am, still not sure whether to ditch the Anytime package or to keep it. Gut instinct says it will be better to keep it and then to use Saynoto0870 for alternative numbers.

I'd say your circumstances shout, "Keep it!"

In fact, Primus moving their call centre offshore (from Glasgow) resulted in me ceasing to recommend their Penny Mobile 2 and Primus Saver CPS packages and, instead, to recommend BT's Unlimited Evening & Weekend Plan for most people ('most' meaning those who rarely need to make weekday daytime calls because they're out at work).

McKneff

Its maybe your belief but you really are paying through the nose.
Sky, broadband and Skytalk (free evening and weekend calls) you can get for £16.50 a month and just £10 a month for line rental. How much are you paying for all four.

I have had sky and all the trimmings for over 10 years and never had a problem.

Surfer

I will be paying £16.20 per month for landline rental including Anytime package and for 10Gb download I pay £5.99 per month. I find this is ample allowance for me. Sky HD is another £26. Previously it was £16.50 for standard viewing. I suppose for the 4 £38 all together.

Heinz

McKneff wrote: »

Its maybe your belief but you really are paying through the nose.
Sky, broadband and Skytalk (free evening and weekend calls) you can get for £16.50 a month and just £10 a month for line rental. How much are you paying for all four.

For those who can afford Sky TV, that may be an option but I don't recommend it simply because:

(1). It requires you to spend more (at least £16.50/month for a Sky TV subscription) to get the cheap prices for the other parts of the package;

(2). Sky's 0845 and 0870 call charges are, IMHO, outrageous.

McKneff

But for the £16.50 you also get free broadband and free telephone calls evenings and weekends.

i agree that prices for 0845 and 0870 are outrageous but thats what saynoto0870 is for and i use it often. Never failed to find a number yet.

In reality(£16.50) is all you would need to spend. My telephone bill lfor calls last month was 50p.