Could you be getting overcharged for texting?

[Deleted User]

Here's a quick quiz for you:

Say you're on a monthly contract mobile, with free texts included.

If you text these numbers, which won't be free?

A) 07745 835 492
07624 801 423
C) 81199
D) 07924 840 194

Answer: Only A would be free. All the rest would cost you. OK, C (81199) is a shortcode, so you wouldn't expect it to be included in your allowance.

But you'd expect B and D to be included wouldn't you? After all, they start "07"...

But no.

They're numbers on the Isle of Man, run by Manx Mobile.

07624 and 07924 are mobile numbers based in IoM, and so you get charged - in the case of 3, they'll charge you 25p a go.

Consider this:

Even BBC News uses 07624 800 100 to invite texts to News 24, and bills them as "standard network rate".

I've just got hit for a few quid in charges I didn't think I'd rack up, as has my gf. Has anyone had the same problems?

patwa_2

Never seen those numbers apart from on Global SIMs which are of course IoM. I haven't seen them on competitions, etc, but then again I haven't seen many SMS competitions apart from on TV which are all shortcodes and charged at 8p per go (on my bill anyway). Always thought this was a cracking deal, as usually they say it'll cost £1 a go, but I get charged 8p.

gunton10

this is who has the number according to ofcom

A) 07745 835 492 O2 (UK) Limited
07624 801 423 Manx Telecom
C) 81199
D) 07924 840 194 Manx Telecom

so who ever Manx Telecom is the other 2 numbers are theres

EDIT

http://www.manx-telecom.com/

Manx Telecom Ltd, Isle of Man Business Park, Cooil Road, Braddan, Isle of Man IM99 1HX

rickyc_3

personally i think martin should look into this surely IOM is in the UK! So should be charged as a uk number? hmmm its like if they charged you extra to text NI this is simply not on and shows how backdated we are in the UK! In Greece they have loads of islands yet all of the 3 major mobile networks treat them as the mainland! Rip Off Britain Again i am afraid!

diamonds

I agree its disgusting ofcom allowed use of 07 for the islands if our inclusive mins/texts do not include them, more so o2 who own manx !!!!

rickyc_3

at least they should have an country code or a recorded message, however i am sure bt don't charge to more to ring IOM (01624) and their landlines and not by BT are they? It is absolutely disgusting!