18185 not working - reply from 18185

bluewater

I get the familiar message "the number you have dialed has not been recognised". I've checked my account and everything seems normal. And I've tried to report a fault to 18185 via their website without success - the form doesn't like my phone number!

Mobile doesn't work either, but no message just silence.

Any suggestions?

notbritishgas

Do you get the message after dialling 18185 or after dialling the required number.
If the former then the fault lies with your calls provider eg perhaps BT .
If the latter then it is faulty with 18185.

Silly me, just seen the mobile does not work either, so looks like the fault is with 18185. I used it last night so working then.

Heinz

18185 (auto-dialled by my Orchid V4) worked here this morning.

bluewater

If I just dial 18185 I get nothing. Message only after number dialed as well.

Coincidentally, my land line provider (I have a Tiscali line and broadband package), Talk Talk, have just written to me saying that they have installed the 'latest technology' in my local exchange which may result in brief disruptions to service. The work to be completed on 22/09/10. I have noticed no problems with either broadband or landline.

But as you say - same problem with mobile suggests fault is with 18185

Since writing the post I have had another go at reporting the fault to 18185 and have managed to get it through using the mobile number. Have had an acknowledgment email so will wait and see. I wonder how long for a reply - will let you know.

utilitybroker

Talk Talk Proper dont allow indirect access to 18185 on unbundled exchanges.

They have possibly unbundled your exchange thus barring 18185 indirect access.

Does it work from your landline via the 0808 Freephone Access Number.
http://www.18185.co.uk/mobilerates.php

Heinz

I agree. That TT letter probably explains what has happened.

You can no longer use the 18185 prefix and, to get reduced costs (although not so much), will now have to use the 08081703703 freephone access number.

bluewater

You were quite right. The upgrade of the exchange by Talk Talk is the reason. This is the reply from 18185 customer services:

Dear Customer,

Please be aware that when you switch from a BT phone to a non BT based number that you will no longer be able to use the 18185 access code. Instead you will need to use our non-BT access number, which can be found along with all relevant information at: http://www.18185.co.uk/mobilerates.php

While you may have been able to use the 18185 access code for some time after changing over any changes made at your local exchange will prevent further use of this access code.

Please be aware that this access code operates under a seperate set of rates to the normal BT one.

Kindest regards,
Customer Services.