UK's Cheapest Home Phone Calls Provider/MoneySavingExpert.com Discussion

pricefighter

Savvy13 wrote:

Thanks for the responses. I was hoping for a "one-size-fits-all" deal, does one exist?

I'm trying to keep things simple for the family.

Currently on BT Option 1

No such thing i am afraid ,if you do nothing else use 1899 for your 01/02 calls and mobile calls.This will bring your costs down a bit.Not as much as the whole total suggested package though.

However if you got the Orchid dialler set up.The family would dial as normal. The dialler would do the rest.

Curry_Queen

Apologies if this has been covered elsewhere in the thread, but I haven't had time to read through it all

I've just been reading Martin's tips email and discovered that by using Discount Dial we can call mobiles from a landline for just 1p per minute!!!

What I am wondering, however, is who are actually charging us for this ... would the costs appear on our BT bills? ... as there is no sign-up required or fees payable to this company for the discount.

How do we know we're not going to get stung by excessive charges using this service, and has anyone else been using it or sussed out how we can check the cost of calls we're making?

Cheers


Edit: I've now had chance to look around the board for more info about this and think I understand a bit better how it works now, as well as kicking myself for not finding out about it sooner :doh: ... but one thing I'm still uncertain about is how much I am being charged by Primus for dialling an 0844 number ... does anyone know please?

kaydee

Regarding the excessive charges - I guess the only way is to regularly visit the DiscountDial web site and check, look at the MSE updates that Martin sends out, and check your phone bill regularly too!
With that in mind I have asked Orchid for information on the way that their Diallers route 08444, 08445 and 08448 calls if you have not set up any special case.
I have also asked Just Dial for information on their charges for these calls in case the dialler routes the calls through my CPS rather than BT!

I hope I don't have to wait too long for a reply.................!!

pricefighter

Curry_Queen wrote:

but one thing I'm still uncertain about is how much I am being charged by Primus for dialling an 0844 number ... does anyone know please?
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As far as i am aware both Primus and J D S, charge the same as BT to call 0844 numbers.This will range from 1p to 5p depending on the particlular 0844 numbering range you are calling.

If you have any doubt you can always place your 0844 calls through BT using the 1280 override facility.(Its most unlikely that anyone will be cheaper then BT to deliver these particular calls).

I know of only one company that charge more to call them then BT, thats Onetel who charge 10% more.

Curry_Queen

Ok, one last question ... say I made a 30 minute phone call to a mobile using DD's 0844 number, will I be charged by BT/Primus at their rates for the duration of that call as well as the 1p per minute or would they only charge from dialling the 0844 number until my call is connected? (if that makes sense LOL!)

I'm just worried that I'm going to get stung with extra hidden charges as I usually use 18185 for mobiles but at least I know where I am with them!

Savvy13

Primus told me 0844 to discount access numbers would be charged as advertised with no additional cost.

NGNs are as follows:

0845 = 4ppm daytime 1.5ppm evenings 1ppm weekends
0870 = 8ppm daytime 4ppm evenings 2ppm weekends

pricefighter

Curry_Queen wrote:

Ok, one last question ... say I made a 30 minute phone call to a mobile using DD's 0844 number, will I be charged by BT/Primus at their rates for the duration of that call as well as the 1p per minute or would they only charge from dialling the 0844 number until my call is connected? (if that makes sense LOL!)

I'm just worried that I'm going to get stung with extra hidden charges as I usually use 18185 for mobiles but at least I know where I am with them!

You will only be charged by the company that you make the call through eg BT or Primus Saver. The dial through provider EG Discount Dial does not charge you anything. So a 30 minute call of say 30p will appear on either your BT or Primus bill.However its worth noting that a min call charge of approx 5p applies on these calls,as BT/Primus will start charging as soon as you hear recorded announcement.So if you hit voicemail,engaged,unobtainable,or make short call you will pay min call charge.Unlike 18185 who dont chargeing until you connect.

If you speak with Primus Saver they have a product which they havent started promoting yet.Its a free bolt on, called Penny mobile.It allows you to make a mobile call of up to 20 minutes anytime for just 20p.Ideal for the longer call.

pricefighter

Savvy13 wrote:

Primus told me 0844 to discount access numbers would be charged as advertised with no additional cost.

NGNs are as follows:

0845 = 4ppm daytime 1.5ppm evenings 1ppm weekends
0870 = 8ppm daytime 4ppm evenings 2ppm weekends

So for calls to 0845/0870 if you cant get alternative number its worth Primus Saver users using the BT override service and putting your calls through BT as they are cheaper. Except on 0845 weekends when they are the same.

Or alternatively use 18185 for cheapest 0870 peak calls(4p a min),and https://www.dialaround.co.uk for cheapest 0845 peak calls(2p a min),and use BT rest of time.

Curry_Queen

I think I need to update my call chart then as I've currently been using 18185 for 0870/0845 numbers too and wasn't aware there was an even cheaper option LOL! :rolleyes:

Thanks for the help everyone, I think that's cleared everything up now and I can confidently start using the 1p per minute service for mobiles :j :T

pricefighter

18185 is the current cheapest option for peak rate 0870 calls only!