TalkTalk stop allowing use of prefix numbers

dannyboy1_4

TalkTalk have just informed me that, because of their recent "upgrading", they do not support the facility of using of "Prefix Numbers" or "Override Providers" any more.
At the moment, this applies to anyone who has taken out their combined landline and broadband package.
In my case, whenever I try to use the prefixes, 1899 or 18185, a recorded voice tells me that the number has not been recognised.
When I originally joined TalkTalk a couple of years ago, I asked for and received an email from one of their staff confirming that prefix numbers could be used with their system. I was never informed that this facility has now been terminated and only found out a couple of weeks ago when I telephoned their customer service department to report the so-called "fault."

Heinz

They started doing so over a year ago.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=153625

With the spread of LLU (that's what they mean by 'upgrading') though, they can now do so without having to pay BT - so it will increasingly become their norm.

1882

I'm sure they do see it as upgrading - upgrading your bills and their revenues

cazmeg

I was upgraded a couple of months ago and cannot use 18185 with talktalk anymore. How are other people managing to reduce calls to mobiles now? My last months bill with talktalk was for £60! My son is home from university, but I need a cheaper option.

Heinz

cazmeg wrote: »

I was upgraded a couple of months ago and cannot use 18185 with talktalk anymore. How are other people managing to reduce calls to mobiles now? My last months bill with talktalk was for £60! My son is home from university, but I need a cheaper option.

Unless you go back to BT for line rental, you're now at the mercy of Talk Talk and whatever they want to charge for calls.

You could try some of the gateway (dial through) providers in the MSE UK Callchecker for your calls to UK mobiles - but you may find TT have barred those numbers too.

moonrakerz

Another option:-

There are also some good "money back" offers available on mobiles with quite large free minutes allowances.
But be VERY careful to read the Ts & Cs first and to comply with them when claiming your money back !

BexTech

Heinz wrote: »

You could try some of the gateway (dial through) providers in the MSE UK Callchecker for your calls to UK mobiles - but you may find TT have barred those numbers too.

Plus it was in their terms (I'm sure it would still be in their terms) that if they don't block these numbers, they will either charge more than the usual rate for calling these numbers, charge more for line rental to cover the loss to them or to terminate your service.

cazmeg

I do feel that Martin should update his advice when he recommends Talktalk, as the article is still recommending TalkTalk with 18185/1889. it is a bit misleading.

I have found that I can use the prefix 0808 no and can call mobiles for 10p. This is cheaper than TalkTalk's 12.5p daytime rate but more expensive than the 7.5p evening rate. Do TalkTalk charge a connection fee?