Where Is 18866 / 1899 ? Gone For Good?

andy88_2

Thanks for the info. I did email 18866 to ask about this some weeks ago but no reply.

I was trying to access a callback service in another country that would call back the caller if the number was visible or ask you to enter it if not.

18866141... did not work; I think you're telling me 14118866...

In the end I called 14100... from Orange; only 3.5p anyway; 18866 would be 1.43p so I'm not going broke!

A little more experimentation required ... Thanks again

Paul_Varjak

Firstly, I do use One-Tel via its freefone number - I do not use CPS because that is not available in Hull (kingston only). I do not use the phone-pal either - I just dial the freefone access number for more flexibility.

You have to dial 141 to withhold number (or 1470 to release a permanent withhold) before dialling the access number for 18866 or One-Tel. Then dial the number 01482 324848.

That will take you through to an operator on the Kingston exchange. So be polite and business-like. They will assume you are an engineer testing a line! Remember, they will know your number whether you withhold it or not!

I think some calling cards never transmit the CLI (that would show as 'unavailable' on a standard CLI display) - but, I think, telephone operators see a string of zeroes or hashes in this case. If you number is just withheld it will say 'withheld' (or 'private') on a normal CLI display but the operator will always see your number in this case!

andy88_2

Thanks for all the detail, but they disagree - dialled 1899 to check from mobile ie 14102070019696

"You have your number sending switched off. You have to have your number sending on to access this service"

Paul_Varjak

I haven't claimed that this works with 1899 (I don't have an account with them). It certainly works with One-Tel and 18866.

JohnF_3

Is it me, or has this thread wandered away from the original topic? As of this morning, 18866 and 1899 are both working perfectly for me in Somerset. And long may they do so.

andy88_2

JohnF wrote:

Is it me, or has this thread wandered away from the original topic? As of this morning, 18866 and 1899 are both working perfectly for me in Somerset. And long may they do so.

It is you as well, for the title is asking whether it has gone for good. It was not working for 2 hours on Saturday evening and periodically on Sunday.

I think my quoted reference that they had equipment problems is therefore directly relevant.

It's natural that occasionally other aspects of their service may crop up on the most recent thread. The other thread asked rhetorically whether it was becoming crap. At least 90% of people disagreed; are they off subject as well?

andy88_2

Paul_Varjak wrote:

I haven't claimed that this works with 1899 (I don't have an account with them). It certainly works with One-Tel and 18866.

I'm sorry Paul I didn't specify where I was calling from - my Orange phone. Just tried a bit more ...

1411886601...etc works from BT, and presumably 1899 will as well, but it appears that other access as above does not, whether because from mobile or different attributes of the access I don't know, but more likely the mobile in the light of your remarks

So thanks for pointer to retrying 141 landline

koenig

Paul_Varjak wrote:

Firstly, I do use One-Tel via its freefone number - I do not use CPS because that is not available in Hull (kingston only). I do not use the phone-pal either - I just dial the freefone access number for more flexibility.

You have to dial 141 to withhold number (or 1470 to release a permanent withhold) before dialling the access number for 18866 or One-Tel. Then dial the number 01482 324848.

That will take you through to an operator on the Kingston exchange. So be polite and business-like. They will assume you are an engineer testing a line! Remember, they will know your number whether you withhold it or not!

I think some calling cards never transmit the CLI (that would show as 'unavailable' on a standard CLI display) - but, I think, telephone operators see a string of zeroes or hashes in this case. If you number is just withheld it will say 'withheld' (or 'private') on a normal CLI display but the operator will always see your number in this case!

To clarify if ur on a cable phone line and it is set to permanent witheld will it still work with other providers via the freephone number or the PhonePal ?

Also, when u use the Onetel or 18866 freephone numbers do u still have to use the area code even for local calls?

kenshaz

Just phoned my son on 18866 no problem,different message instead of message saying free call reads 0 pence OK in CHESHIRE 2110 HRS