ntl / 18866 / 1899

Edinburghlass_2

No problems using 18866 via BT all day

bbb_uk

BT, Telewest and NTL have facilities to block any time of call they want and also block any access code. The difference between BT and the cable operators is that BT CANT block any access numbers (OFCOM rules) but the cable companies are NOT subject to these rules therefore if they find out a lot of people are using access codes of some kind on their network they may block them.

If OFCOM ordered both telewest & NTL to open their network to other providers as BT has to do then they would reduce their tariffs to match those of CPS carriers, etc. From a legal point of view, I don't think OFCOM can order the cable operators to open their network as they don't have significant market share (monopoly rules) unlike BT who have a significant market share.

We're currently on Telewest but are moving to BT as there is a LOT more telephone providers out there available to us whilst using a BT line. The main example is Call18866 (0ppm for calls, 2p connection charge). Using Call18866 from a non BT line the charges are 0.5p per minute (still cheaper than tariffs available from Telewest/NTL) but for long calls, using Call18866 from a BT line would only cost 2p (the connection charge).

I'm aware BT are expensive on their calls but we wont be using them for calls except 0845 which is cheaper on BT than OneTel & TalkTalk!!

Anon

I cannot remember which one, but either 18866 or 1899 is only connection charge then 0p/min on NTL, therefore should be the same on Telewest. It is worth logging in to both, switching on the tariff message, then trying out a few local and national numbers.

Anon

Edinburghlass_2

For cable companies to call UK number on 18866 the call charge is 0.5p per minute and on 1899 its 1p per minute, at the moment!

hansi

That's why I'm switching back to BT

Anon

I stand to be corrected but when I used this service on Friday (one or the other) on NTL is clearly said that this is a free call. Now the puzzle - I have a Onetel dialler permanently on the line and never bother to change from that to NTL to dial - could this result in the difference?

Anon

esalan

edinburghlass wrote:

For cable companies to call UK number on 18866 the call charge is 0.5p per minute and on 1899 its 1p per minute, at the moment!

NTL: calls via 1899 are 3p connection + ZERO p per minute!
NTL: calls via 18866 are 2p connection + 0.5 p per minute