Virgin Media Phone Line and 18185

msw_2

Hi,

We have a phone/tv/broadband package with Vrigin Media. The cost of calls is really expensive and I have just been reading through a lot of info on this site about using over-ride services like 18185.

On their web-site it seems to state that they will charge 5p connection plust 1p per min to a UK landline when the service is accessed via their 0808 number. However, they do not mention Virgin Media directly.

I saw on various previous threads, a lot of debate on what Virgin charge to call 0808 numbers, some folks were saying it was free, others say they charge for it. I have just rang Virgin and was told they charge the same as for calling an 0844 number ie 6p per minute. So, it seems that if I used 18185 from my Virgin landline I would be paying 7p per minute - does this sound right? Has anyone used 18185 from a Virgin phone?

Thanks.

donnac2558

I have just joined that site. No idea if Virgin are also charging me to connect to the 0808. I did get my bill, it is paperless and no mention of using the 0808 prefix anywhere on the bill.

BexTech

0800 and 0808 numbers are free on Virgin Media, I use Virgin Media and use 1899 and 18185 occasionally from them when not using inclusive calls or VoIP.

msw_2

that's great, thanks

sue2006_2

I'd just like to add my experience which doesn't seem to have been covered in other forums. I signed up to 18185 just recently and used the freephone number 0808 1 703 703 to contact a London number which took a few attempts before I was connected. When my Virgin Media bill arrived the number 020 8180 2820 appeared a few times, minutes apart. After some detective work I discovered that this is an alternative number to 18185's freephone number (0808 1 703 703) making the call far more expensive than I was led to believe. I assume Virgin Media are allowed to do this but I just wanted to warn people that if they don't see the 0808 number on their Virgin bill, it's because it's in disguise under the 020 number! :xmassmile

Ypaymore

sue2006 wrote: »

I'd just like to add my experience which doesn't seem to have been covered in other forums. I signed up to 18185 just recently and used the freephone number 0808 1 703 703 to contact a London number which took a few attempts before I was connected. When my Virgin Media bill arrived the number 020 8180 2820 appeared a few times, minutes apart. After some detective work I discovered that this is an alternative number to 18185's freephone number (0808 1 703 703) making the call far more expensive than I was led to believe. I assume Virgin Media are allowed to do this but I just wanted to warn people that if they don't see the 0808 number on their Virgin bill, it's because it's in disguise under the 020 number! :xmassmile

It should not be possible to change the price of a Freephone Call, if it starts as a freephone call it would normally end as one. Are
you sure someone has not called the alternative number.