MSE News: Sky to block cheap calls 25 June 2010 at 4:59PM in Phones & TV 24 replies 4.3K views

Former_MSE_Guy

This is the discussion thread for the following MSE News Story:

"The satellite firm will no longer allow customers to override its system and use prefix numbers to cut costs from July ..."

Read the full story:
Sky to block cheap calls

Heinz

We're talking about Sky here. Is anyone surprised at this news?

I've already re-written my daughter's Orchid program but she'll still end up paying more than if she'd left her line rental with BT.

OldGreyFox

Heinz wrote: »

Is anyone surprised at this news?

I doubt it. It was posted on here in April and has been discussed a couple of times since.;)

Heres the link to the 18185 service you can still use http://www.18185.co.uk/mobilerates.php
via their 0808 freephone number. ( different rates apply).

Karmacat

"Virgin Media says, like with the upcoming Sky policy, you cannot access 18185 via its lines unless you dial its 0808 alternative number. For other prefix numbers, it recommends you call to check."

The above is a quote from Archna's article (so thats what she looks like! Love the free games, Archna, I wish they weren't so addictive tho )

Anyway .... I'm with Virgin, for my sins, and I didn't know anything about this 0808 alternative number of theirs. Hands up who else is surprised. Anyone? Anyone? Can anyone enlighten me how to muck about with getting a discount number? Tho I have been able to dial a discount number to speak to France, I've not been able to do it to get a discount to a mobile number in this country.

Heinz

Karmacat wrote: »

Anyway .... I'm with Virgin, for my sins, and I didn't know anything about this 0808 alternative number of theirs. Can anyone enlighten me how to muck about with getting a discount number?

Sign up online for a 18185 account.

When it goes live, dial 0808 1 703 703 and listen for instructions on how to proceed.

Dial the UK mobile number you want to contact.

The cost will be 5p connection + 6p/minute at weekends or 5p connection + 10p/minute during the week.

Karmacat

Thanks Heinz!

stoneman

I wonder if this is considered as Sky substantially altering the T&C so allowing you to cancel (or negotiate)

Ypaymore

stoneman wrote: »

I wonder if this is considered as Sky substantially altering the T&C so allowing you to cancel (or negotiate)

Only BT have to provide access to indirect access codes the fact that Sky did was bunce.

Although you probaly had a chance to get out of your contract recently when Sky changed evening calls start time from 6 to 7pm.

buglawton

Recent OFCOM ruling means it will cost 70% less to cancel any landline contract - you only pay a small proportion of the remaining term rental instead of the full contracted amount. Wonder if this can apply to whole Sky package too?

This news just reconfirms for me, stick to BT for landline, though I am now looking at Primus too as they do allow 18185 prefix. Then again, how long for I wonder?

Stuart_W

For short UK calls or daytime mobile calls, Telesave's 0800 override service beats 18185's 0808 override number.

http://www.telesave.co.uk/athome/national.htm
To join up: 0800 066 4000 from the phone you want to register
A £10 credit/debit card top up necessary
To make a call: 0800 066 2266

UK National Daytime 1.5p/min
UK National Evening 1p/min
UK National Weekend 1pmin
UK Mobile * (any time/any day) 9.5p/min
No connection fee, 4p min call charge.

moonrakerz

Lot easier and cheaper, and more options to stay with BT for line rental !