Does this mean and end to the business use of 0844/0845 numbers ?

OldGreyFox

See Article 21 of Directive 2011/83/EU on Consumer Rights, which says:

"Member States shall ensure that where the trader operates a telephone line for the purpose of contacting him by telephone in relation to the contract concluded, the consumer, when contacting the trader is not bound to pay more than the basic rate."

poppasmurf_bewdley

If it means what it seems to mean, it would be the first time I've been in favour of something from Europe. But there again, I wouldn't expect this government to implement it.

JohalaReewi

0844 and 0845 numbers will just be renamed as basic rate numbers just like 0870 and 0871 numbers are "national rate". There is already guidance issued by the government about calls to 0844 and 0845 numbers not costing the consumer more than the equivalent call to a local rate number. And these are ignored by GP surgeries etc. Can't see what an EU directive will do other than some creative marketing by the telcos to maintain the status quo. Ofcom aren't about to do anything about it.

adindas

Is it only applicable to Busnisess or also to public services .....

I am asking this question because, many (if not all) of EU country embassies in the UK require people who need to apply to use their premium rate which is about £1.00 per minute if they want to enquire VISA as well as to Apply for Visa,etc ....

The only thing come to my mind that could macth this premium rate is personal services. offered by an exclusive escorts :mad:

One of my friends have to pay about £10.00 - £15.00 (due to the duration of the call) just to arrange an appointment to be seen for interview for a VISA. I do not understand why they could not do this for free using online appoiment system

EU governments need to abolish using premium line prior to asking the businessees to abolish premium rate....

JohalaReewi wrote: »

0844 and 0845 numbers will just be renamed as basic rate numbers just like 0870 and 0871 numbers are "national rate". There is already guidance issued by the government about calls to 0844 and 0845 numbers not costing the consumer more than the equivalent call to a local rate number. And these are ignored by GP surgeries etc. Can't see what an EU directive will do other than some creative marketing by the telcos to maintain the status quo. Ofcom aren't about to do anything about it.

System

Has this directive been implemented into UK law and if so where?

System

!!!!!! wrote: »

Has this directive been implemented into UK law and if so where?

Not yet. The Department for Business Innovation and Skills intends to incorporate it in a new Consumer 'Bill of Rights'.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=421254&NewsAreaID=2

jhp

JohalaReewi wrote: »

0844 and 0845 numbers will just be renamed as basic rate numbers just like 0870 and 0871 numbers are "national rate". There is already guidance issued by the government about calls to 0844 and 0845 numbers not costing the consumer more than the equivalent call to a local rate number. And these are ignored by GP surgeries etc. Can't see what an EU directive will do other than some creative marketing by the telcos to maintain the status quo. Ofcom aren't about to do anything about it.

0871/0872 are premim rate numbers regulated by Phone Pay Plus (PPP),and have been for a few years.