The SayNoTo0870 Article Discussion Area

Heinz

vinylmusic wrote: »

Isn't 118118 BT's own directory enquiries?

No, BT's is 118500.

theloft

vinylmusic wrote: »

Sorry but I cant say I'm at all impressed. most numbers I tried came up 0845 or 0870
Isn't 118118 BT's own directory enquiries?
I cant see them giving too much away since I think they get a cut from all non geographical numbers that are purchased through them, and I think thats probably most of them

I have used this on several occasions to find a business telephone number and often it comes up with the 01/02 number. However some companies, the more unscrupulous ones, only publish an 0870/0845 number so any search system will come up with those. I have a relative who works for one of these companies and even the staff do not know the 01/02 number. Try looking up the company on the web, then put in the name & location, this may help. In any case it is a FREE Directory Enquiry Service so be grateful for small mercies!

Jublet

Until recently Government departments still allowed calls on their geographic numbers but my recent call to the DWP in Newcastle only went through on the new 0845 number. I asked why the change and was told "because it's cheaper for you to call us."

Are we living on the same planet as them?

Heinz

Jublet wrote: »

Until recently Government departments still allowed calls on their geographic numbers but my recent call to the DWP in Newcastle only went through on the new 0845 number. I asked why the change and was told "because it's cheaper for you to call us."

Are we living on the same planet as them?

Look, let's get one thing straight. Someone's got to pay for their gold-plated pensions.

Guess who?

OTOH, there are still some people in this country who are outwith TB's 21st century UK 'spin culture' and who retain old-fashioned attitudes - see HERE.

derrick

This one appears to still work 0800 991234

Newbold

"The decision by our company to use 0870 telephone numbers was made so that customers would pay the same price for their call regardless of where they were calling from within the UK. This still applies to customers who use BT as their call provider. We are aware that some customers may have changed to other call providers but by signing up with them they have accepted any restrictions they may impose. We are continually monitoring our telephone traffic and our phone systems but, at present, we have no plans to change from the 0870 numbers."

That's the nonsense reply you get from BSH Appliance Care (who handle NEFF, Bosch, Siemens and Gaggenau repairs) on 0870s. And, believe me, their customer service fully reflects the sort of company that uses 0870 and goes out of its way to conceal its ordinary numbers. The switchboard refuse to put you through for a service call, and if you object there's a charming South African woman who just puts the phone down!

I have an email from their 'Customer Liaison' which reads:

"I AM ON HOLIDAY UNTIL 29TH MAY - PLEASE FORWARD EMAILS TO CL INBOX ALL EMAILS WILL BE DELETED - UNREAD UPON MY RETURN THANKS DAVE"

Using 0870 sends out a very clear message to customers - we want to rip you off when you call us. BSH don't yet care about that, but eventually the message will get across to companies that if they hack enough customers off it will cost them business.


Bear this in mind if you're thinking of buying NEFF, Bosch, Siemens or Gaggenau appliances. When it goes wrong (as it surely will) these people can only be contacted on 0870 (the saynoto0870 number just gets you the switchboard I mentioned above) and if you're looking for customer service - forget it!

Newbold

Government response to petition 'saynoto0870'

The e-petition asking the Prime Minister to "compel all organizations using non-geographic numbers (e.g. 0845, 087* prefixes) to also publicize an equivalent geographic number (e.g. 01* / 02* prefixes) where they can be reached (and which can usually be called more cheaply than an 0845 / 087* number)" has now closed. This is a response from the Government.

Thank you for the epetition about the use of non-geographic telephone numbers.

The first few digits of a UK telephone number are already intended to give a broad indication to the caller of the type of service and/or cost of the call. In general those numbers beginning 0870/0871 are the most expensive, 0844/45 in the middle range and 0800 Freephone free of charge.

There are various reasons why a company may choose to use an 08 number. It is for a company's own commercial judgement to decide what type of telephone number to use.

The independent Office of Communications (Ofcom) which is responsible for numbering policy, cannot dictate to companies what type of numbers they must use. Neither can they demand that they link their non-geographic numbers to a local number.

But Ofcom knows that consumers have concerns that 084 and 087 numbers are increasingly being used by businesses as a higher priced alternative to ordinary geographic telephone numbers. Ofcom undertook a major review of its policy on these numbers and last April published a statement setting out a package of consumer-friendly measures.

These include introducing a new range of 03 non-geographic numbers which will cost no more than geographic rates and restoring the link between the 0870 prefix and the actual rates charged by telecoms companies for national rate calls.

These new measures are being introduced over time so, for instance, the introduction of 03 numbers has already started and the alignment of 0870 costs with national rates will come into effect in January 2008. These measures should result in considerably lower prices for consumers. The website address for the Ofcom document is:

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/nts_forward/statement

Ofcom is also extending the regulation of Premium Rate Numbers to 0871 numbers because of concerns that companies are increasingly using them and charging the caller much higher rates for services such as weather forecasts and sports' information. Consultation will take place this year but the main aim will be to ensure customers know how much it will cost them to call 0871 numbers.

You might also be re-assured to know that the Government advised two years ago all its departments and agencies against their own use of 0870 numbers.

By no means all Departments did use 0870 numbers, but where they did, they should now have been replaced with either geographical, 0845 (local rate) or 0800 numbers.

poorbutrich

Newbold wrote: »

Government response to petition 'saynoto0870'
.

Great minds. I'd just posted the same thing. What a waste of time.

Victors_Bruvver

A caring government - pathetic!

IvanOpinion

What did you want them to say? it appears Ofcom is looking to address the situation starting early next year. Is it right that government should be told to interfere in private business or should business be independent of government? Is that not why we have (indpendent) regulators?

This is one of tose situations that when it is pushed it is going to end up costing the consumer more .. not less.

Ivan