0844 numbers..

dazzlin

The ability to use 0844 numbers trumps any other phone/broadband consideration (my wife phones home - abroad - a lot!). Is it just BT that has to allow these numbers, or do the other land line providers have to too? We're still with BT for phone, Be for broadband, but I'm looking for a better deal. I don't want to switch then find my new provider has blocked cheap foreign calls.

Thanks

Heinz

All landline providers allow access to such numbers but some, O2 and Virgin being the main culprits, charge their own excessive rates.

The MSE CallCheckers show the rates from a BT line.

If you have a BT line, 18185 is often cheaper for overseas calls (only BT has to allow access to such indirect access providers).

OldGreyFox

0844 is not the only way. If you have inclusive landline minutes from any supplier you could use someone like www.localphone.com

They will allocate you a uk geographical number that points directly at your wifes home number overseas.

Which means unlike 0844 access you dont pay them until your connected to overseas destination, and their are no connection charges.

PJwashere

dazzlin wrote: »

The ability to use 0844 numbers trumps any other phone/broadband consideration (my wife phones home - abroad - a lot!). Is it just BT that has to allow these numbers, or do the other land line providers have to too? We're still with BT for phone, Be for broadband, but I'm looking for a better deal. I don't want to switch then find my new provider has blocked cheap foreign calls.

Thanks

I'm confused. Are you saying you prefer 0844 numbers? Most people hate them because of the expense. Companies don't "allow" the numbers - they deliberately use them (and love to) because for most people it makes it difficult to phone customer services, especially if you have to phone from a payphone or mobile.

Heinz

PJwashere wrote: »

I'm confused. Are you saying you prefer 0844 numbers? Most people hate them because of the expense. Companies don't "allow" the numbers - they deliberately use them (and love to) because for most people it makes it difficult to phone customer services, especially if you have to phone from a payphone or mobile.

I think you missed the point.

The OP is referring to his GL's use of the type of 0844 gateway numbers such as those that appear in the MSE Callcheckers, not the rip-off use typical now by companies and numerous NHS GPs' surgeries.

shadowspy24

Other companies allow them too and charge similar rates. These companies include talktalk, sky and other minor ones. The old call checker only included BT prices but there is a new prototype callchecker which might be able to help you out here: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2708597

dazzlin

Thanks for the responses folks.

With the 0844 gateway numbers we pay 2 or 3p / minute rather than BT's 18-30p / minute - a hefty saving.

My broadband intro rate with Be has expired, and BT's price-gouging on the line-rental is winding me up, so am looking at my options. Still haven't decided what I'm going to do, but at least I have a bit more info to base a decision on.