0300 numbers Bt rip off

Heinz

I knew it (but had to look up the precise exchange names for the 01x00 codes)

Pincher

It's a cat and mouse game.


The Anytime tariffs used to include just 01, 02 and 03 numbers, but then the BT Anytime started to include 0845 and 0870, so Talktalk etc. followed suit. I assume they must have changed the kick back deal for the retailer customer support lines, because they started using 0844, so I had to pay, despite paying £7 a month for Anytime.


Some rule changes means the customer support lines can't use 0845 any more, which is rather amusing, since I would LOVE them to use 0845, because it's FREE (up to 60 minutes) for me.




I am already getting notifications of changes to customer service numbers, which is a nuisance because I have to update my calendar/diary/notebook. The number change means the retailers have to update their stationery, web site, etc. All for what? If everybody move to 03 numbers, I'll bet BT will quietly drop 03 as free for Anytime, and I'll start paying again.

oldharryrocks

Pincher wrote: »

Some rule changes means the customer support lines can't use 0845 any more, which is rather amusing, since I would LOVE them to use 0845, because it's FREE (up to 60 minutes) for me.

They can still display a 0845 number if they want, but they must offer a 01/02/03 alternative. Calls to them are hardly FREE as you normally pay for them in your call package,and what about the mobile customers should they not be able to call at a reasonable rate or out of inclusive minutes.

BT cant drop 03 from from inclusive bundles Ofcom have ruled they must be dealt with the same way as 01/02 numbers.

Pincher

oldharryrocks wrote: »

They can still display a 0845 number if they want, but they must offer a 01/02/03 alternative. Calls to them are hardly FREE as you normally pay for them in your call package,and what about the mobile customers should they not be able to call at a reasonable rate or out of inclusive minutes.

BT cant drop 03 from from inclusive bundles Ofcom have ruled they must be dealt with the same way as 01/02 numbers.

Would you believe that I have a dial-up ISP 0845 number that still works? Despite 0845 is "FREE" as part of my Anytime tariff, BT charges me per minute anyway. It just shows up as "SPECIAL" on the bill. Oddly, the ISP changed the access number from one 0845 number to another 0845 number in 2013, so it's not a legacy issue, because they could have just changed to something other than 0845 and 0870. If they can have a SPECIAL exception on 0845, why not on a 03 number?


I just know I will end up paying, one way or another.


I keep the Pay As You Go dial-up just in case the broadband fails, so I have minimum e-mail capability.

iniltous

Pincher wrote: »

Would you believe that I have a dial-up ISP 0845 number that still works? Despite 0845 is "FREE" as part of my Anytime tariff, BT charges me per minute anyway. It just shows up as "SPECIAL" on the bill. Oddly, the ISP changed the access number from one 0845 number to another 0845 number in 2013, so it's not a legacy issue, because they could have just changed to something other than 0845 and 0870. If they can have a SPECIAL exception on 0845, why not on a 03 number?


I just know I will end up paying, one way or another.


I keep the Pay As You Go dial-up just in case the broadband fails, so I have minimum e-mail capability.

BT T&C's are quite clear about 0845 calls to ISP's and indirect/call thru numbers being exempt from 0845 calls that are an inclusive part of their calling plans

oldharryrocks

Pincher wrote: »

Would you believe that I have a dial-up ISP 0845 number that still works? Despite 0845 is "FREE" as part of my Anytime tariff, BT charges me per minute anyway. It just shows up as "SPECIAL" on the bill. Oddly, the ISP changed the access number from one 0845 number to another 0845 number in 2013, so it's not a legacy issue, because they could have just changed to something other than 0845 and 0870. If they can have a SPECIAL exception on 0845, why not on a 03 number?


I just know I will end up paying, one way or another.


I keep the Pay As You Go dial-up just in case the broadband fails, so I have minimum e-mail capability.

You need to read the BT terms and conditions about your inclusive 0845 minutes to see why you have been charged.Dial -Up 0845 internet calls are not inclusive and never have been.

"Inclusive calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers. Inclusive 0845 and 0870 calls of up to 60 minutes duration (excluding Calling Card and Dial-through access numbers and dial-up internet access) available dependent on your Calling Plan: weekends only (with the Unlimited Weekend Plan), evening & weekends (with the Unlimited Evening & Weekend Plan), or any time (with the Unlimited Anytime Plan)."

Where as 03 numbers must always be included in inclusive minutes.

" Calls to 03 numbers cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and must count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls."

http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/2009/09/what-are-03-numbers/