Homecall - Premium Rate Call Pricing!

topherxp

Just to let you know that not only do Homecall charge more than the advertised rate for a premium call, but they also LIE about why they do.

Just spoke to them about calls made and they told me the reason they charge more is because BT get a discount on premium rate calls, which of course is a load of rubbish.

The Icstis website has confirmed this to be the case. They advise that if a different provider to BT charge more for a call, in this case Homecall, the extra money they charge goes straight into there pockets.

I am currently deciding on what course of action to take next. I was planning on ditching them in August when BT's price curbing is lifted, but now I may leave them earlier.

What do you think about both the situation and what action should be taken next?

Heinz

topherxp wrote:

I am currently deciding on what course of action to take next. I was planning on ditching them in August when BT's price curbing is lifted, but now I may leave them earlier.

I think you may have trouble trying to leave (see HERE).

hollydays

Do a google(sorry am no good at links) homecall caudwell guardian newspaper worst.
do some more searching of review sites.they will all tell you the same thing.Previous company was singlepoint-do some googling .Apparently even ifyou pay several hundred to get out of the contract they wont release you until the end of the contract according to many others.Two tips,get complaints details from oftel,and dont bother to speak,only communicate through recorded delivery.,they will say they havent received your letters.dont bother with so- called customer service.These people lie.I have lots of history with them they are the worst company i have EVER dealt with.Each time they owed me money it took on average 3 months to get it back.

utilitybroker

Did you not see last weeks Watchdog which featured them. Their new owners Pipex might be more helpful when they have had a chance to sort things out.

topherxp

utilitybroker wrote:

Did you not see last weeks Watchdog which featured them. Their new owners Pipex might be more helpful when they have had a chance to sort things out.

Pipex may well make the necessary changes needed, but I will not be there to witness them.

I phoned BT Customer Options Team and had an order placed to bring me back to BT, which will be done by the 21st April. I then sent Homecall the standard notice of termination.

hollydays

I myself was one of many who complained to watchdog,just to keep the numbers up! What did the programme say-mmm..appalling,maddening customer service-and lies-then more of the same times 20?Anyone see it?Wish i had.

redux

I am rather disappointed at my ISP showing such poor judgement in buying this company, especially when they have a perfectly good cps arrangement already.

looby75

I was slightly conserned when I learnt that pipex had bought out homecall too. But maybe it will be ok, pipex have always been brilliant imo and maybe they are the co to sort this mess out.

bbb_uk

Remember it is only currently* BT's prices that are pretty much regulated. All other providers can charge what they like and often do especially for non-geographical numbers (07x, 08x, 09x).

I believe that when advertising premium rate numbers it has to mention that the rate mentioned (ie 50ppm) is from a BT landline, other providers may differ. I think it also may state something along the lines of please check with your provider for exact call charges.


* I say currently but ofcom want to remove most of the regulations they have on BT. I personally believe this will mean increases in pretty much a lot of things except maybe call charges to geographical numbers

utilitybroker

hollydays wrote:

I myself was one of many who complained to watchdog,just to keep the numbers up! What did the programme say-mmm..appalling,maddening customer service-and lies-then more of the same times 20?Anyone see it?Wish i had.

You can read about what the programme touched on
here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/consumer/tv_and_radio/watchdog/reports/services/services_20060404.shtml

hollydays

Thanks,just found that link!