MSE News: Calls to 084, 087, 09 and 118 to be clearer, but prices vary wildly

and.why.not

If you have inclusive calls to 01/02/03 numbers try 03300330300 - unfortunately if you only have inclusive off-peak/weekend calls it only works Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.

Grouchy

Thank you for that.

I looked up that number you gave and it appears to be these people
https://www.telng.com/callthrough_03.html

I have a BT unlimited anytime calls package. Does this mean that I can call the 0330 number you mentioned for free and the call is free? Seems to good to be true, or have I misread something?

It appears the number can only be used Mon-Fri 8-6 regardless of what BT package I have. Am I reading this correctly?

EDIT: have just noticed on my BT bill:

Your free calss inlcluded within your calling plan
*Calls up to an hour to 01 02 03 numbers (except Channel Is and ISPs) , 0845 and 0870 numbers (except Calling Card, Dial-through, ISPs). Charges apply if fair use limit exceeded.

So, does that mean only 0845 and 0870 Dial-though numbers are excepted?

Seems a bit unclear.


Thanks

billsavings

Calls to 0845/0870 dial through access numbers are not included in your inclusive minutes.As you have inclusive 01/02/03 minutes. You could use https://www.callsdiscount.com 020 access number. No time restriction applies.

and.why.not

Grouchy wrote: »

I have a BT unlimited anytime calls package. Does this mean that I can call the 0330 number you mentioned for free and the call is free? Seems to good to be true, or have I misread something?

Yes it should work that way - until BT cotton on to the fact that it is a dial-through number and start charging for it anyway!

Grouchy wrote: »

It appears the number can only be used Mon-Fri 8-6 regardless of what BT package I have. Am I reading this correctly?

That's how I understand it. I tried the number some time ago during the weekend and if my memory serves me well I got a recorded message saying that this service only works Mon-Fri 8am - 6pm or words to that effect.

Grouchy wrote: »

EDIT: have just noticed on my BT bill:

Your free calss inlcluded within your calling plan
*Calls up to an hour to 01 02 03 numbers (except Channel Is and ISPs) , 0845 and 0870 numbers (except Calling Card, Dial-through, ISPs). Charges apply if fair use limit exceeded.

So, does that mean only 0845 and 0870 Dial-though numbers are excepted?

Seems a bit unclear.


Thanks

I think what this means is that on your package you should be able to dial 0845 and 0870 numbers as inclusive calls unless BT have specifically identified the number as a dial-through service.

EDIT: See billsavings post above this one for an alternative number.

Grouchy

Thanks for both of those optional numbers. As you say, it may just work until BT realise they are dial-through numbers. Is there a way of finding out pronto when/if does that so as to not run up a big bill?

Also I was wondering how was this change notified to customers? I have a package with BT so really don't look beyond the total monthly cost, which up till now varies not too much.

Thanks

and.why.not

Grouchy wrote: »

Thanks for both of those optional numbers. As you say, it may just work until BT realise they are dial-through numbers. Is there a way of finding out pronto when/if does that so as to not run up a big bill?

I suppose you can always view your recent calls online if you have registered on 'My BT' - although there seems to be a delay of a couple of days or so before your recent calls are shown.

Grouchy wrote: »

Also I was wondering how was this change notified to customers? I have a package with BT so really don't look beyond the total monthly cost, which up till now varies not too much.

Thanks

I don't actually recall BT notifying me of this change, but as I was aware of it prior to July (thanks to MSE!) I was prepared for it in advance.

Ian011

BT will not be able to charge for the 03 number. That would breach Ofcom rules. All 03 numbers must be charged the same as calls to 01 and 02 numbers and count towards inclusive allowances in the same way.

The 03 service works because the 0.56p per minute termination fee is greater than the cost of onwards call forwarding to the international destination. The service is available only on weekdays because termination rates are under 0.2p per minute off-peak and weekend that's not enough to cover the international forwarding costs.

Usage of 084 numbers makes funds of up to 7p per minute available. For 087 numbers, up to 13p per minute. Services using these numbers can offer a far greater selection of destinations and are available all day, every day.

and.why.not

Oh, thanks for that!

Presumably, they can still start charging for specific 0845/0870 numbers once they realise that they are dial-through numbers?

trf0412

Ian011 wrote: »

030, 033, 034, 037 - calls cost the same as calling 01 and 02 numbers and count towards inclusive allowances on landlines and mobiles

I was just wondering why you list 030, 033, 034 and 037 as costing the same as 01 and 02, rather than simply stating all 03 numbers, which is much easier to remember? It makes me worry that there might be some reason and that we should all memorise those four sets of 3-digit prefixes...

MothballsWallet

Even more evidence that OFCOM is less useful than a chocolate teapot:

a) This new rule.
b) Leaving the financial sector to be told to do the same thing by the FCA.
c) 118 for directory enquiries.
d) Poor quality consultation processes.

Have I missed anything out?