Override provider with O2

dasanderson

Hi

Considering taking my landline with O2, does anyone know if an override provider such as 18185 can be used with this service?

Heinz

Apparently so, at the moment.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/38270314#Comment_38270314

dasanderson

Hi

Thanks for the response.

However just to confuse the matter I phoned O2 customer services this morning and asked in the O2 shop on Oxford Street, both answered no to my original question - no over ride providers could be used. Although in fairness both of them seemed quite unsure when I initially asked.

I would now be interested in hearing from any existing O2 landline users as to whether or not they have successfully managed to use over ride providers successfully.

Thanks in advance for any assistance given.

Pazuzu

Just to confirm that o2 seem to have no definitive statement in their terms and conditions for their Home Phone service regarding 18185 override provider. An email enquiry on this matter resulted in a reply from o2 customer services stating that " I can't help you on this over an email." After a phone enquiry they said that they will get back to me.

Pazuzu

O2 have just emailed a response to my enquiry:

"In reply to your earlier phone call I have found out that 18185 actually provide a different telephone number for non-BT landline users. The details can be found here:
http://www.18185.co.uk/mobilerates.php

As the number starts with 0808 then this is considered a free call by O2 as listed here:" http://broadband.o2.co.uk/downloads/O2_HomePhone_Price_List.pdf

Buzby

A consumer has an expectation to be able to access all valid numbers UNLESS there is prior notice that certain services/codes are unavailable. O2 are not a dominant network (in the eyes of OFCOM) so there is no obligation on them to provide this, as they are a 'virtual' network anyway using BT's circuits and local connections. They key is in their T&C's, if it doesn;t specifically mention you cannot - then the expectation is that you can.

Heinz

The solution is simple. Open a 18185 account online and try using the prefix. If it appears to work (the call gets through), you can confirm it went via 18185 by checking your 18185 calls log online within a few minutes.

If the prefix doesn't work, the alternative (but more expensive) method of using the 08081703703 freephone gateway number is, of course, available.