Directory Enquiries Discussion Area

Former_MSE_Dan

This discussion relates to the updated Directory Enquiries article. Click reply to discuss.

Paul_Varjak

In your article, Martin you say that you have to make Onetel your main service provider to get free DQ calls. Is this correct?

Onetel have recently offered all their call plans via override (rather than CPS). I have not heard anything about them now charging for DQ on the override service.

MSE_Martin

Hi Paul

I've had long and detailed conversations with the powers that be at One.Tel about this. New customers will not be set up on overrides nor given the numbers. I also blind tested customer services and couldn't persuade it.

When you say 'they offer' overrides - what do you need?

zzzLazyDaisy

This won't apply to most MSErs, but those who who suffer from a disability that makes using a phonebook difficult can register for free 195 DQ. (For example this could be sight, memory loss, or physical difficulty, and ME is included on the list of qualifying conditions). You have to complete a form and get it countersigned by your GP, or some other professional person who is familiar with your disability. More info below:

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Blind or otherwise disabled people who are unable to use Phonebooks can apply for exemption from charges for calls to Directory Enquiries. Customers wishing to register for free Directory Enquiries, or those who would like to make enquiries, should dial 195 free of charge anytime.

People with a hearing or speech impairment and who use textphones can also register for free Directory Enquiries. For more information, customers should call BT free on 0800 838363 (textphone using CCITT standard) anytime, or dial 195 to make voice enquiries.

Paul_Varjak

MSE_Martin wrote:

Hi Paul

I've had long and detailed conversations with the powers that be at One.Tel about this. New customers will not be set up on overrides nor given the numbers. I also blind tested customer services and couldn't persuade it.

When you say 'they offer' overrides - what do you need?

When I use the term 'override' I use it in the same sense as your article on phone services. (i.e. 18866 is an override service).

Onetel used to provide most of their phone service via CPS only (except the InternationalTalk option which was only available as an override). However, all OneTel's call tariffs are now available via override - this is via an 0800 on my Kingston Exchange (not sure if they have a short code on BT lines).

OneTel do supply a 'box' for you to plug in your socket - thereby more or less ensuring you use their service exclusively. But I do not use the 'box' - it only dials the 0800 access number anyway!

So, when I want to use OneTel, I just dial the 0800 access number followed by the number I wsih to dial. So, for free DQ, I just dial the 0800 access number followed by 118111. Have not been charged to date!

Paul_Varjak

Marigold123 wrote:

I'm not certain on this, but I THINK you can't have the Onetel CPS on non-BT lines, so you would have to dial the override, either manually, or via the phonepal plug in, and hence have the choice about whether you used Onetel for every call or not.

Can any current Onetel customers confirm this?

You cannot use OneTel CPS with Kingston even though Kingston are legally obliged to make it available. The thing is, none of the CPS operators want to provide their service to Kingston customers!

If Onetel supplies it services as an override you can plug in the 'box', this simply prefixes your call with the OneTel access number. Or you can dial the override yourself. OneTel supply a freefone number to access their services from non-BT lines like Kingston.

I prefer not to plug in the box - so my default provider effectively remains Kingston. But, when I call during weekdays I use 18866 (0.5p/min) evenings and weekends I use Onetel (free) and for DQ I use Onetel always (free). I use free minutes on mobile for calling other mobiles.

The only time I use Kingston is if I have a long local call to make on weekdays (since all local calls are untimed on weekdays) or if I want to contact Kingston themselves on 150!

Paul_Varjak

Marigold123:

Free DQ is available to all OneTel customers, irrespective of the OneTel Talk plan or the method of access (whether that be override or CPS) and irrespective of whether their line supplier is BT or anyone else.

BT customers can certainly use OneTel's International Talk plan via override (and get free DQ) but I do not know if the other OneTel talk plans are available to BT customers via override or not.

JayS_3

Paul_Varjak wrote:

Marigold123:

Free DQ is available to all OneTel customers, irrespective of the OneTel Talk plan or the method of access (whether that be override or CPS) and irrespective of whether their line supplier is BT or anyone else.

BT customers can certainly use OneTel's International Talk plan via override (and get free DQ) but I do not know if the other OneTel talk plans are available to BT customers via override or not.

Paul

You have a pm

JayS

Paul_Varjak

I would give them a ring marigold123. They have only just introduced override on most of their service plans and they may be able to give you an override service if you do it via phone rather than online. That may mean you do not get the £20 account credit though!

Gadgetnutter

As an aside, I have found a much cheaper way of making DQ enquiries from my mobile.

Access the BT DQ WAP service.

Just create a WAP bookmark to http://wap.bt.com/wap/dq/dqws.jsp

It's been a bit flaky lately, but has saved me £££ in the last year or so!!

Paul_Varjak

That is a very good point gadgetnutter, that Martin failed to mention in his article.

I used to use the DQ WAP service, but ceased using it when I found out about OneTel's free DQ service being available to Orange contract customers.