The UKs Cheapest Home Phones Solution Article Discussion Area

Former_MSE_Archna

This thread is specifically to discuss the content of the

The UKs Cheapest Home Phone Calls Provider Article

To discuss or ask a question about the article: click reply

twarner

With specific reference to changing to Talk Talk as mentioned in the new article.

Personally, I find it difficult to come to terms with changing my line provider to a company that could easily change its terms and conditions to exclude my ability to use an override provider or to introduce extra charges for this. It could, of course even start charging for national calls when ever it has reached a large enough client base on the basis that many would not bother to change back; how easy would this be anyhow?

This point has been mentioned in the previous (now closed) thread but surely it remains relevant?

I realise that with national calls being 'free', then 1899 becomes redundant but for international and 0870 calls 18185 seems far cheaper in some circumstances.

Terry

creddish

The MSE Article and Uswitch do not take into account the Talk Talk advantage of free calls 24/7 to other Talk Talk Customers. For some one in a similar position to myself this influences the cheapest choice of phone service providers and makes Talk Talk CPS Talk1 plan the best choice for the primary provider. The vast majority of our calls are made to other TT customers either family or friends. Being retired a significant majority of calls are made during the daytime. Thus the saving in daytime call charges outweighs the benefit of free evening calls available from for example Primus. Any calls to none TT customers can be made using 1899, 18185 or BT as appropriate.

Colin

pietlow

I have tried to use several of the over-ride suppliers in recent days and find that quite a number are being very unethical and, in short, are screwing their customers to the floor. Their web site gives the cost of calling, say Australia, and the 0844 number. However, when one dials the number the response is that "due to capacity problems etc" we cannot complete your call. The over-ride company is stealing money from those trying to use the service because they charge for the call. The theft is compounded by the fact that the web site gives the current date, making the caller think the rate seen is going to be honoured.

What can be done about it? The crooks must be making a lot of money from unsuspecting callers.

Edinburghlass_2

Use 1899/18866/18185 and you will only be charged for a connected call

Jays

I've read the article and note it recommends 18185, but cannot see any discussion to compare it with 1899.

I cannot work out if 18185 is cheaper than 18185 or not, I have checked 1899's website and they are still charging 3p connection fee to and landline and free minutes.

Anyone worked it out, have I missed something?

Heinz

From a BT landline, 1899 charges 3p connection. 18185 charges 4p connection.

Their 'per minute' charges vary but both offer 0p/minute for calls to UK 01/02 numbers.

However, 18185 is cheaper for calls to UK mobiles (4p connection and 5p/minute during the week, 2p/minute at weekends).

There appear to be a few anomalies in The Cheapest 'Phone Alone' Solution article but, when the goal of making 'a 2-provider recommendation' is taken into account, the logic shows through.

1899 isn't mentioned despite its connection charge being 33% cheaper - because 18185's charges for calls to UK mobiles are cheaper so, apart from the 1p higher connection charge, offers better overall value.

twarner

Jays wrote:

I've read the article and note it recommends 18185, but cannot see any discussion to compare it with 1899.

I cannot work out if 18185 is cheaper than 18185 or not, I have checked 1899's website and they are still charging 3p connection fee to and landline and free minutes.

Anyone worked it out, have I missed something?

I assume that you mean "if 18185 is cheaper than 1899". The way I see it is that 18185 charge 4p connection as opposed to 1899's 3p. This makes 18185 the same as 18866. Where 18185 really scores is their unbeatable overseas calls rate and their cheaper 0870 rates at certain times. I am still very dubious about changing to TalkTalk line rental though because of the unknown factor that I mentioned in my first post. Will it be easy to change back to BT if they move the goal posts later? Anyone any ideas on this?

Terry

MSE_Martin

Hi folks,

18185 is picked as it says in the article as the 'overall' cheapest overrider provider. While a little more expensive for landlines (4p per call compared to 3p when contrasted to 1899) is it much cheaper for calling mobiles and over-numbers - therefore if you want just one additional provider (as most people do) its the winner. If not the winner for individual call types if of course at https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/callchecker

Important: Please do read the extra talktalk article that's linked to. In it you'll see you WON'T be able to use 18185 or 1899 with TalkTalk in the long run - only the Simply Dial type providers.

creddish

MSE_Martin wrote:

Important: Please do read the extra talktalk article that's linked to. In it you'll see you WON'T be able to use 18185 or 1899 with TalkTalk in the long run - only the Simply Dial type providers.

Have I missed something here? Does the "in the long run" restriction on using indirect providers such as 18185 and 1899 also apply to Talk Talk CPS service or does this refer only to their line rental deal?

Colin

Heinz

AIUI, CPS providers cannot stop you using 1899 and the like because inputting the prefix bypasses the normal CPS routing at the BT exchange (i.e before the call reaches the CPS provider's system).