18185 problems, anyone else?

Sue-UU

Hi all. I signed up with them (on the internet) a couple of weeks ago. Then I tried it out when needing to make a call - BUT on trying to place the number that's used when you're on a BT line (but with SWEB) then putting the person's number in it rang only twice then a voice came on telling me to put in the number I wished to dial - well, I'd done it hadn't I?

I then dialled the number I'd set out to ring without the code and it worked perfectly, but obviously at the basic SWEB rate. Later when wanting to make another call in a different area, same thing happened! The next day I had an e-mail from 18185 asking why I hadn't used their service (??) and if I was having problems to get in touch and they'd sort them out.

I did exactly that and have never heard anything from them! Has anyone else had similar problems?

Thanks.

Sue

jhp

If you have moved your line rental to SWEB they are probaly blocking the indirect use via the 18185 access code. Only BT have to allow access. You can probaly use it via their 0808 freephone number but the tariffif is different.See:

http://www.18185.co.uk/mobilerates.php

This is one of the reasons its not considered a good idea to move your line rental from BT.

PS. I didnt know SWEB had a phone service

Heinz

Sue-UU wrote: »

Hi all. I signed up with them (on the internet) a couple of weeks ago. Then I tried it out when needing to make a call - BUT on trying to place the number that's used when you're on a BT line (but with SWEB) then putting the person's number in it rang only twice then a voice came on telling me to put in the number I wished to dial - well, I'd done it hadn't I?

Let's establish the status of your line first.

Do you still pay line rental DIRECT to BT - but you use SWEB as your CPS (Carrier PreSelect) calls provider/?

If so, you dial the five-digit prefix 18185 followed immediately by the number you wish to call (incl. STD code, even if it's a local call).

The 0808 1 703 703 access number is for use by those on cable or whose line rental is with a firm which blocks the five-digit prefix (i.e. a firm other than BT).

Sue-UU

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If you have moved your line rental to SWEB they are probaly blocking the indirect use via the 18185 access code. Only BT have to allow access. You can probaly use it via their 0808 freephone number but the tariffif is different.See:

http://www.18185.co.uk/mobilerates.php

This is one of the reasons its not considered a good idea to move your line rental from BT.

PS. I didnt know SWEB had a phone service

Heinz wrote: »

Let's establish the status of your line first.

Do you still pay line rental DIRECT to BT - but you use SWEB as your CPS (Carrier PreSelect) calls provider/?

If so, you dial the five-digit prefix 18185 followed immediately by the number you wish to call (incl. STD code, even if it's a local call).

The 0808 1 703 703 access number is for use by those on cable or whose line rental is with a firm which blocks the five-digit prefix (i.e. a firm other than BT).

Hi jhp and Heinz. Thank you both so much for repling. Yes, we've switched both calls and line rental to SWEB, so thinking on it now, I suppose we don't need to use the other number, just the 18185 number first followed by the one we wish to ring. However, I guess if that doesn't work that it's SWEB who are blocking the calls. I think I've got it right now and will give it a try tomorrow to find out for sure.

Thanks so very much for your help, it's very much appreciated.

Sue

Heinz

Sue-UU wrote: »

Yes, we've switched both calls and line rental to SWEB, so thinking on it now, I suppose we don't need to use the other number, just the 18185 number first followed by the one we wish to ring.

I think you have misunderstood Sue.

You can try the 18185 prefix (you may be lucky and SWEB have not [yet] blocked it) but only BT has to allow such access. Many other line providers do block that type of prefix and, as explained, the 08081703703 gateway number, intended for those on cable, may be a viable (but more expensive) workaround for you if SWEB have. However, line providers other than BT can block access to such gateway numbers too.

If you have to use the 08081703703 gateway, what you heard was correct - you dial that, wait for the audio prompt and then dial your target number in full.

Sue-UU

Thank you again Heinz. To be honest I was a little confused the other night as, the way I read the posts, it appeared that jhp was saying one thing and you another. So I replied and hoped you'd put me right.

Well, the 18185 doesn't work and as I already said in the OP neither does the 08081703703 so I can only think that SWEB are blocking any calls. I've just re-read your last paragraph and can see what you mean now! Yes, honestly I can though I think I was getting mislead by the audio prompt. So (again) if I'm reading you correctly, I dial the 08081703703 then wait for the audio prompt and follow on by putting in the number I wish to ring and if I'm lucky, I may just get through. I'll try it again tomorrow and - hope for the best.

Very many thanks indeed for all your advice.

Much appreciated, Sue.

Heinz

Sue-UU wrote: »

So (again) if I'm reading you correctly, I dial the 08081703703 then wait for the audio prompt and follow on by putting in the number I wish to ring and if I'm lucky, I may just get through.

Correct Sue.

I use an Orchid auto-dialler and, when I use the 08081703703 way of accessing 18185's service occasionally, I use a routing rule which inserts a 5 second delay (i.e. my Orchid dials 08081703703, pauses for 5 seconds* and then dials my target number in full). I think you'll be successful doing that manually.

* The automated audio prompt is played during this pause.

Don't forget to dial the full STD code as the first part of your target number though.