Orchid V4, V4+ and Ranger 400 phone users - Discussion

Heinz

newbuilder wrote: »

Heinz and I have been trialling and looking into the 1280 prefix for weekends since I suggested it to him a few months ago (I hope you don't mind me saying that Heinz).

Not at all. In fact, I have to admit to changing my own Orchid's program as a result but a couple of family health issues since the Spring (now ended) meant I simply haven't had the time (or the inclination) to sit down and wade through the various associated posts which need to be updated whenever I change the program.

The GL is away this weekend so I set about the task this morning and, after a couple of false starts, think I've now finished updating them.

Toby at Orchid has a copy of the revised program and has confirmed he will be sending out the "Force home your diallers on or after Sunday 26-10-08" e-mail to registered users during week commencing 20-10-08.

mbailey

Heinz wrote: »

I have no idea - but they do and, in the best traditions of the site, enjoy!

I am confused by this one still.

I assume you are comparing the rates from http://www.18185.co.uk/rates.php to http://www.18185.co.uk/mobilerates.php

With the Mobile rates I can see the 0870 prices are cheaper in the evenings and weekends.

How ever, on the mobile rates pages it says "Great benefits for Non-BT callers as well! Especially for all NTL, Telewest, other non-BT landline and mobile customers we have dedicated the freephone number 0808 1 703 703* for cheap international calls. "

In which case, can you really use the 0808 number from a BT line as it says this is specicially for "Non-BT callers" ???

Heinz

mbailey wrote: »

I am confused by this one still.

How ever, on the mobile rates pages it says "Great benefits for Non-BT callers as well! Especially for all NTL, Telewest, other non-BT landline and mobile customers we have dedicated the freephone number 0808 1 703 703* for cheap international calls. "

In which case, can you really use the 0808 number from a BT line as it says this is specicially for "Non-BT callers" ???

Yes. Needless to say, I've tested it (from my BT line).

As a point of interest, a practical test was also the way I confirmed that using BT's £1.75/month Call Diversion Calling Feature when you have a CPS calls provider sends the 'diverted part' of a call incoming to your landline via your CPS provider, not BT. I then used it throughout some personally difficult times in the Summer to divert calls to my mobile for 20p a time.

newbuilder

The reason the 0808 number is specially for the NTL and non BT customers is that these networks are allowed to bar 18185 and other carrier pre-select numbers. The only company that is not allowed to do this is BT due to them holding the monopoly.

So if all companies had to allow the carrier preselect numbers there would be no need to make a special number for the others. That ios why it is called a special number.

BT cannot bar any numbers (I think) and as a result BT customer can qualify for these rates too. (Bt customers include anyone getting BT line rental regardless if their calls are with BT or not.

newbuilder

Heinz wrote: »

Yes. Needless to say, I've tested it (from my BT line).

Beat me to it again!

charlieheard

newbuilder wrote: »

As a result I make about 10 calls in the quarter and have never been charged for 1571 or caller ID.

I must have missed this - how do I get free caller ID? We currently use 1571 and Caller ID, and pay for both because it used to be cheaper ages ago - I haven't checked recently.

And why isn't my "embarrassed" emoticon working?

mbailey

I was thinking on the lines of 18185 not allowing this, not so much BT not allowing this.

The way the 0808 number works is that when you dial it your own number is looked up in a database by 18185 to make sure it know's who you are ( and who to charge the calls to), and then if you are a customer it allows the call to be routed.

I would have thought that 18185 would have blocked people with BT using CPS from using this service to make sure they use the slightly more expensive calls through the CPS service.

As you have both said it works, so why now make the most of it, and hope 18185 do not block access to this.

mbailey

charlieheard wrote: »

I must have missed this - how do I get free caller ID? We currently use 1571 and Caller ID, and pay for both because it used to be cheaper ages ago - I haven't checked recently.

And why isn't my "embarrassed" emoticon working?

Apply for BT Privacy (i think that is what is called) and you get Caller ID free (as long as you have some calls each quarter).

Heinz

charlieheard wrote: »

I must have missed this - how do I get free caller ID?

Please see para [6] in the post under the HERE link in my signature below.

charlieheard

Thanks to both of you - I did read about that some time ago, but had forgotten it till you reminded me. That should save some more money :beer: