Warning If You Use 18866 On Ntl

jon_r_2

just discovered that the 0808 1 701 701 access number is chargeable if you are on say the ntl 3 2 1 tariff, not sure about the other tariffs. 0800 & 0500 numbers are free. But does anyone know why this is the case ? ...ie 0808 is charged as a standard number any suggestions ?

bbb_uk

Have you double-checked with them to see if its not just a glitch?

As far as i'm aware NTL/Telewest and mobile companies are not under a obligation not charge for freephone calls - they can set their own rates. Worse still with this being an access number they could make it a chargable call. Only BT are obliged not to charge for freephone calls and not charge nor block any access to other telephone providers.

Have you tried Call1899.com as they are actually cheaper for geographical calls from non BT lines. They only charge 3p per call (0p per minute) to a geographical (those beginning 01 or 02) numbers but Call18866 actually charge a 2p connection charge and 0.5p per minute.

Can anyone else confirm NTL (on the 3-2-1 tariff) are charging for Call18866 calls?

Edinburghlass_2

Have you been charged this on your NTL bill?

jon_r_2

Yes I Have Been Charged... I Spoke To Cust Services Before Posting,they Said 0808 Numbers Are Part Of Standard Calls, QUOTE ONLY 0800 & 0500 NUMBERS ARE FREE

RachelD

I have been using 18866 for over a year and have seen the call per min charge go down to zero from 2p. Although the website says 0.5p per min on top of the connection charge of 2p I am still getting a message saying 'zero p per minute'
Their FAQ says the voice message is the correct one.

Is anyone else still on zero. I don't mind 0.5 p when it comes, as I have been wondering how long the good times could last.

Rachel

bbb_uk

Tell them that calls to 0800, 0500 and 0808 are free according to OfCOM. Also mention that BT, Telewest and other landline telephone providers don't charge for calls to 0808. Say that you have just spoke with OfCOM to confirm this and you would take this further if necessary. It may scare them?

bbb_uk

RachelD wrote:

I have been using 18866 for over a year and have seen the call per min charge go down to zero from 2p. Although the website says 0.5p per min on top of the connection charge of 2p I am still getting a message saying 'zero p per minute'
Their FAQ says the voice message is the correct one.

Is anyone else still on zero. I don't mind 0.5 p when it comes, as I have been wondering how long the good times could last.

Rachel

How are you accessing Call18866? Is it from a BT line or a non BT line like NTL? The difference is that from a BT line you can access Call18866 via their access number, 18866, but from a non BT line (NTL, Telewest) you have to access it via a freephone 0808... number. It is this freephone 0808.. number that jon_r is saying he is getting charged for and not the charge incurred by using Call18866.

jon_r_2

yeap thats correct i am on ntl . bbb ARE YOU 100% SURE ABOUT THIS ? have sent an e mail to 18866 as well

bbb_uk

I know that 0808 calls are classed as free and I know that BT and Telewest don't charge for dialling them. What I'm not sure of (as indicated in my first post) is if NTL can charge for these calls even if they are classed as free as NTL are not under the same constraints as BT. If you rung OfCOM and just clarified with them that calls to 0808 are free they'll probably say yes from a landline (they may be specific and say BT) but calls from non BT networks (mostly mobiles) they are chargable.

So yes they are classed as free but NTL may (you would need to check with OfCOM) charge what they like for calls within reason like mobile companies do.

Just mention to NTL that you have spoken with OfCOM who confirmed they are classed as free calls and that BT and Telewest don't charge for them and see what they say. This is just to scare them possibly.

If they call your bluff then ring OfCOM for advice but yes 0808 are generally classed as free.

jon_r_2

i rang ntl again just a while ago, spoke to someone different ' 0808 numbers are chargeable at our discretion', the plot thickens, but soon as i have a written reply i will post the response...this is hopefully a glitch in my local area (Berkshire) i apologise if it is !

pricefighter

0808 is just an additional range of Freephone Numbers, that were issued for amongst other things to accomodate growth in the UK Freephone Market.Every other carrier allows access to them.

What you have got to be careful here is, if due to the amount of traffic going over it they have sussed out its an access code to an alternative carrier and started charging for it.They can block, or charge for calls to alternative carriers.

18866 have no control over this.Its just like the Mobile Overide Situation.Every time its charged or blocked the alternative carrier issues another no.So if this is the case try (0808 1 702 702) not 701 701 and see if you get charged for this access no.

Lets keep our fingers crossed its only a hiccup!!!!!!!!!!