Signing up for call1899/18866/18185

joe134

Heinz wrote: »

The 3 links above show the costs via the 0808 numbers. If you compare them with the 3 links below, you'll see what I mean (no, calls to Spanish landlines are not dearer - 1p/minute either way - and that's one of the strange things about their pricing structure).

The best example of that is that one of them (18185, IIRC), used to offer cheaper calls to UK mobiles via the 0808 number than via the prefix at weekends.

Calls via the 0808 numbers should, of course, be more expensive because the firm is having to cover the cost of the freephone call the customer is making to gain access.

http://18185.co.uk/index2.php

http://www.call1899.co.uk/index2.php

http://www.call18866.co.uk/index2.php

Thanks very much Heinz, lot clearer:beer: now.

joe134

Heinz wrote: »

The 3 links above show the costs via the 0808 numbers. If you compare them with the 3 links below, you'll see what I mean (no, calls to Spanish landlines are not dearer - 1p/minute either way - and that's one of the strange things about their pricing structure).

The best example of that is that one of them (18185, IIRC), used to offer cheaper calls to UK mobiles via the 0808 number than via the prefix at weekends despite the obvious fact that calls via the 0808 numbers should, of course, be more expensive because the firm is having to cover the cost of the freephone call the customer is making to gain access.

http://18185.co.uk/index2.php

http://www.call1899.co.uk/index2.php

http://www.call18866.co.uk/index2.php

Hi, update, my daughter has now got vm installed, Does anyone know if 18185 is the best deal available for Vm users? As she has evening and weekend only free, unlike myself ,I only get the 5p charge, no ppm.Cheers

Shah79

joe134 wrote: »

Hi, update, my daughter has now got vm installed, Does anyone know if 18185 is the best deal available for Vm users? As she has evening and weekend only free, unlike myself ,I only get the 5p charge, no ppm.Cheers

I started using cheapcall1689 recently and think it is cheaper - Spain landine - 0.8p/min from an 020 access. UK mobiles 6p/min E&W. Their ppm rates is also from 0.8p/min. It comes with a 7p connection fee though whilst 18185 is only 5p connection fee. If she is a heavy user cheapcall1689 might be a better choice.

Stephen-k

I have been trying to sign up with 18185 but could not do so as my number is 0203 ! I wonder why ?

Contact is impossible in the regular way. I had to go via the Reaction to the site link. I am having second thoughts signing up due to the fact they are so hard to contact before sign up. If they were reputable then contact would be easy.

Blue_Max

I have been keeping a spreadsheet of call charges that I incurred since Ocotber 2009.
When using the type of providers such as 18866 and 18185 my monthly average was £91.50 per month
After I started using VoIP providers, in May 2009, my average monthly cost is £5.29p

I don't pay connection charges, minimum charges or charges for engaged or any such unsuccessful calls.
And with many VoIP service providers such as LocalPhone, PokeTalk, etc you do not need special equipment.
Though I must admit that I love using Siemens Giagaset S685IP, a dual purpose DECT phone :-)

Some of VoIP service providers will call you back on your landline or give you a specific local call number for each number you wish to call.
That means you don't even need a PC when making a call.

I am currently with Rynga.com, one of the Betamax group. I pay about 1p per minute; the lowest I could find to India that I call a lot.
I can also call all UK landline numbers free of charge; anytime. Calls are free, also to Mobile and landline numbers in many European; Far Eastern and American countries. A word of warning though! Do not expect any replies for support from them!

Many of these providers have applications that allow you to make calls from your cellphone. All you need is a wireless BB connetion to your router at home or to one of a W-Fi hot spots spread around all over the UK and abroad.

VoIP is a nil brainer. Check it out!

toepazz

1899 emailed me to warn of Visa card expiry but when I tried to update details online there was no Visa option, only American Express, DinersClub and Solo. Only other choice was Direct Debit so clicked on that and next page asked for bank account info, address, etc - which they already have and which has not changed. Now, due to expiry of card and being unable to update info online, they have blocked my account and am unable to make any calls!:mad:

Heinz

Beware using a credit or debit card in that way.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/7485#Comment_7485

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/moneybox/2099270.stm

toepazz

Heinz wrote: »

Beware using a credit or debit card in that way.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/7485#Comment_7485

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/moneybox/2099270.stm

I followed earlier advice and sent them a message online, which was acknowledged immediately. Just got a response:

helpdesk10-10-2010Dear Customer,
There was a slight issue with the website over the last few days. For customers who's credit card has expired, you should be able to change it again from Tuesday onwards, sorry for any inconvenience caused,

Kindest Regards
Customer Service

So I was going to wait until Tuesday, go online and put in new card details, etc BUT are you now advising me not to do this? If so, having read other info, how do I cancel the previous arrangement and set up an alternative - presumably a proper Direct Debit?

I would add that having been with them for several years, I have not previously had a problem over payments ... my last bill in Sept was only for £1.55 and accounted for calls over approx 12 mths!

chexu

I have similar problems. They must have taken small amounts of money from my account without my notice for a while by direct debit. I haven't used it for a long time so try to logon to check why it has been used but was not able to logon. Recently I managed to logon once and found they artifically created call items, e.g. text from my mobile to my daughter's old mobile which has not been used for a while. On top of that, they added 50p from no where. As the amount was small, I normally wouldn't be able to notice until it is now so obvious. Sent them an emails, no reply. Then I tried to unsubscribed from this company, but I cannot logon since. The only thing I could do was cancel direct debit and send them an email to unsubsrcibe - no single reply.

Keep away from this dodge company.

Imnoexpert_2

Oh dear.

I have just signed up for this before reading the thread and wish I hadn't.

I also didn't notice the 4p a call connection fee.

I put in my credit card number without thinking, or realising it was a mistake and I should have used a debit card.

What to do?