18185 - problem with 0845 calls

Victor_Delta

Is anyone else have problems making 0845 calls using 18185 via an Orchid dialler box?

I have used 18185 via an Orchid box for ages and it has always worked perfectly (usually using Heinz's recommended settings). However, recently when dialling 0845 numbers, at times of the day when the box routes them via 18185, I keep getting an announcement which says "Welcome to 18185. You have entered an incorrect telephone number". I don't get this with any other numbers (dialled via 18185 or otherwise).

I thought it might be that perhaps the dialler needed to leave a pause between the code and the number so I changed the routing to 18185# (ie short pause after code) but this does not seem to have remedied the problem.

Is anyone experiencing the same problem, and/or can anyone suggest what the remedy might be. Obviously the quick fix is to route 0845 calls via another operator.

Thanks,

V

Heinz

BT is cheaper for 0845 calls except weekday evenings anyway - and then the difference is only ½p/minute.

Victor_Delta

Heinz wrote:

BT is cheaper for 0845 calls except weekday evenings anyway - and then the difference is only ½p/minute.

Heinz

Thanks, yes but I'm still puzzled that 18185 doesn't work with 0845 numbers in the evening!

By the way, Primus have always told me that they charge the same rates for 0845/0870 calls as BT (even though I have never actually been able to obtain precise details of their rates since I signed up with them, and it's not for want of asking...). So if they have a 4p minimum charge as opposed to BT's 3p connection charge, surely Primus should be cheaper (except for very short calls)?

Whilst on the subject, have you ever thought of recommending 0844 566 7 566 as a (slightly) cheaper alternative for calls to mobiles during weekdays and evenings - 5ppm against 18185's 6ppm?

Finally, is there any way to get an automatic notification when you update your very useful 6 step recommendations list? I can't find a way of subscribing to the thread.

V

Heinz

18185's site says they carry 0845 calls weekday evenings - for 5p connection and ½p/minute - so I can't explain why your calls are failing. I'd suggest a 1280 prefix (i.e. use BT).

Primus say they charge BT's undiscounted rates for 0845 & 0870 calls (see THIS POST from about 11 months ago - when BT Together prices were higher than they are now) - so I doubt their prices would be cheaper.

Beware using Primus for 0844 calls - as you'll see, they say they have a single rate for such calls and appear to make no differentiation between ½p/minute 0844 numbers and 1p, 2p, 3p, 4p or 5p 0844 numbers! If (and it's a big if - I've never risked it - those quoted prices are accurate, they'll be overcharging for some calls and undercharging for others.

I do not use any gateway providers in the recommended Orchid program because users start paying halfway through dialling (before they've even started dialling their 'target' number). In fact, they are are charged - even for failed calls - from the moment 11th digit of the gateway number is pressed.

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Victor_Delta

Heinz

Many thanks for your response on the various points.

It's a shame Primus are not a little more forthcoming about their tariffs etc especially for NGNs (I'm surprised Ofcom's 'rules' don't require them to publish their rates for all to see). I'll try 0844 566 7 566 for a while and see what arrives on my monthly bill - I'll let you know! As the number in question is one of the 5/5/5ppm codes with BT, hopefully Primus's rates won't be much different. It's a shame the Orchid dialler can't cope with multiple codes and delays as well - I think it can only take 16 digits in all.

V

utilitybroker

Victor_Delta wrote:

Heinz

Many thanks for your response on the various points.

It's a shame Primus are not a little more forthcoming about their tariffs etc especially for NGNs (I'm surprised Ofcom's 'rules' don't require them to publish their rates for all to see). I'll try 0844 566 7 566 for a while and see what arrives on my monthly bill - I'll let you know! As the number in question is one of the 5/5/5ppm codes with BT, hopefully Primus's rates won't be much different. It's a shame the Orchid dialler can't cope with multiple codes and delays as well - I think it can only take 16 digits in all.

V

If you use the 0844 gateway number your pay as soon as you hit recorded announcement,so your pay a minimum call charge even if your not connected,the mobiles switched off or engaged. Where as using 18185 you dont pay unless your connected.

Heinz

Victor_Delta wrote:

It's a shame the Orchid dialler can't cope with multiple codes and delays as well - I think it can only take 16 digits in all.

I think you're right there.

Remember too that, although it looks like you can input 9 'carriers', No.9 should not be used (i.e. only 8 can be used).