Tesco Internet Phone Service Stopping -April 27th 2010

jazzy

Just received an email from Tesco Internet Phone services. The service is going to stop from 27th April 2010.

"We are writing to let you know that from 27th April 2010, we will no longer be providing Tesco internet phone and Talk Wi-fi services. This is due to a number of factors that impact the service we provide to you, so we have decided to discontinue this offering.

From this date your Tesco internet phone account will be closed and the service will not be available. You will no longer be able to access your online account or be able to make calls using your Tesco internet phone.

This does not affect any other services provided by Tesco Telecoms.

We apologise for any inconvenience and will be happy to assist you with any enquiries you may have.

The Tesco internet phone team"

claire_parker

Yes that is a shame. I find it a very useful service, particularly as you get a local phone number with it.

Anyone know of any other VOIP services which provide a local phone number?

I have used voip.com quite considerably in the past and found that to be a good service. So probably will go back to that unless I can find anything better.

croggyboy

The big question is can you transfer the number Tesco allocated you

I have all my business stationery printed with that number on, and clients know it, having to change everything will be a right royal PITA.

The service was always excellent as well, better than my experience with skype TBH

I'm ringing them as soon as I can, I will report back

AndyRaybould

I too have this problem...I use the number for my business.

Just as you think you are embracing new technology to assist your business this happens...it does make you stop and think that maybe we should stick to the long established companies like BT who probably wouldn't do this.

I too am waiting for a reply from Tesco via email. I'll let you know what they say...

Regards, Andy

croggyboy

I can't get through on the phone, but I have also emailed them.

They are a member of Otelo the Office of the Telecommunications Ombudsman. However I doubt complaining will do any good as they are leaving the market.

Can't post the link properly but it's otelo org uk I'm sure you can find it. or find them from ofcom's website.

DVardysShadow

croggyboy wrote: »

I can't get through on the phone, but I have also emailed them.

They are a member of Otelo the Office of the Telecommunications Ombudsman. However I doubt complaining will do any good as they are leaving the market.

Can't post the link properly but it's otelo org uk I'm sure you can find it. or find them from ofcom's website.

I think that when it comes to things arising from leaving the market, such as transferring phone numbers to other providers, complaining should do some good. This is really an Ofcom matter, I would think, rather than Otelo - as there is no time to go through the providers own complaints process before the service closes.

AndyRaybould

I managed to get through to customer service but they couldn't hear me properly. They suggested I tried a land line. The irony was that I was using their own internet phone through on of their own adaptors.

I don't suppose they will buy these back off us??

They did manage to suggest I tried vonage - "look it up on google" and they may be able to transfer your number.

Does anyone know if anyone else can do this e.g. skype

Thanks, Andy

LeeSouthEast

Free local number provided with all accounts from https://www.sipgate.co.uk

I've been using them for over a year now.

AndyRaybould

Thanks for suggesting sipgate. Yes they do have local numbers but I really would like to keep my existing number I use for my business and they don't seem to be able to do it.

LeeSouthEast

sipgate will port numbers, but it isn't free and there is an ongoing monthly charge to service it as well. You can probably find a cheaper alternative if you want to keep the same number.

AndyRaybould

Thanks for that but who who can transfer the number....even ofcom can't help...they suggested i call bt to see if they will port the number to them then go back to sipgate to see if they can port the number to them from bt.....! Surely it can't be this difficult. What will Tesco do with all the numbers they have?
Regards, Andy