Being charged whilst I wait for an operator?

innit1234

Does anyone know that when you call eg SKY, you go through lots of options - press this and that, enter your number etc - and can take a minimum of 2 minutes before you are put thru to an operator - well do you get charged for this - I would have thought so?

Surely this is illegal and unnecessary - if the company forces you to go through a whole procedure before putting through to someone - you should only get charged for when you are connected to a real operator?

I know that is may only be 10p or so - but think of how many millions of calls are made like this.., and they are much more from mobiles - and I know there is a say no to 0870 etc forum - but this is something that ofcom should look into?

Does anyone know anything? Any thoughts?

Heinz

Unnecessary? Certainly. Illegal? No. In fact it's one of the many ways Sky has to make money (usually without punters realising).

If you don't have Sky Talk, Sky's 0844 numbers all cost 5p per minute to call - so hanging on waiting for an answer or wading through numerous press this, press that options for 20 minutes (which is not unusual, I hear) will cost £1 - much of which is pure profit for Sky.

Ypaymore

You only get inclusive 24/7 calls to Sky Contact Centre,s 0844 numbers if you take this bundle.
http://www.sky.com/portal/site/skycom/skyproducts/skytalk/pricesandoptions/unlimited

1carminestocky

Ypaymore wrote: »

You only get inclusive 24/7 calls to Sky Contact Centre,s 0844 numbers if you take this bundle.
http://www.sky.com/portal/site/skycom/skyproducts/skytalk/pricesandoptions/unlimited

Only problem being then you don't get inclusive calls to 0845/0870 numbers (like many companies are now offering)and Sky's call charges for these are only 0.5p/min less than 0844. Life's a real b*tch, isn't it?

innit1234

So should we make a case to ofcom or consumer rights?

Heinz

1carminestocky wrote: »

Only problem being then you don't get inclusive calls to 0845/0870 numbers (like many companies are now offering)and Sky's call charges for these are only 0.5p/min less than 0844.

IIRC, Sky's 0845 and 0870 call charges are a great deal more than that (and are the highest of all providers):

6p/minute at all times for 0845;
10p/minute peak and 8p/minute off peak for 0870.

Inactive

Sky will get your money one way or another.:rolleyes:

1carminestocky

Heinz wrote: »

IIRC, Sky's 0845 and 0870 call charges are a great deal more than that (and are the highest of all providers):

6p/minute at all times for 0845;
10p/minute peak and 8p/minute off peak for 0870.

:eek::eek: But don't Virgin Media run them close?

innit1234

so does anyone think that we as consumers, have a right not to be charged if we are put on hold?

Inactive

innit1234 wrote: »

so does anyone think that we as consumers, have a right not to be charged if we are put on hold?

We can " think " whatever we like, there is a choice, use Sky or like me don't use Sky.;)

utilitybroker

innit1234 wrote: »

so does anyone think that we as consumers, have a right not to be charged if we are put on hold?

Why not change to a supplier who doesnt charge you to call customer service if thats important to you. EG BT,Talk Talk, PO Homephone etc.