Kitz Forum
Announcements => News Articles => Topic started by: UncleUB on January 08, 2009, 01:02:36 PM
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http://tinyurl.com/86v46p
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Telecoms giant BT announced it was scrapping charges for 0870 and 0845 numbers,
/snip/
Charges will be free from January 16, depending on which package customers are on, ranging from weekend, evening and any time calls.
Thats good news considering some 0870 numbers are 10p per minute.
It could make some customers reconsider which package they are on, since a lot of organisations use these type of numbers.
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Oops,wrong section,soz :-[
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I wonder how that will affect people on PAYG dial-up services using 0845 numbers. Presumably, if there's no cost to the customer then the dial-up provider won't have an income either.
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That's an interesting comment Eric,I wonder if they will change dial-up accounts to say 0844 numbers?
I must admit those numbers are one of my big hates.I always look on www.saynoto0870.com to find an alternative if possible ;)
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I must admit I use www.saynoto0870.com all the time and it works superbly. I think it is a great service. This move by BT seems an interesting one though and must reflect an increasing number of customers on all inclusive packages which makes these premium rate phone numbers stand out like a sore thumb when they read their bill.
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I must admit I use www.saynoto0870.com all the time and it works superbly. I think it is a great service. This move by BT seems an interesting one though and must reflect an increasing number of customers on all inclusive packages which makes these premium rate phone numbers stand out like a sore thumb when they read their bill.
Yes,I'm one of them. >:(
We have the 'free' evening and weekend package.I make most landline calls via my mobile.(being hard of hearing I find mobiles much clearer than landlines,and that includes the 'dect' ones)
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Slightly OT so sorry for that, but.
One of the things that is starting to get me angry now are the companies that do not have a phone number beginning with 01 or 02. (A proper phone number)
0845 etc numbers had their benefits in the past, but are now not that beneficial to some "possibly most" people.
With a lot of phone providers having various packages available such as "Talk Any time" or "Talk Unlimited"
Obviously they usually do not include premium rate numbers or calls to mobiles.
But most of them only cater for numbers starting with 01 or 02.
If we take Virgin Media's Talk Unlimited package as a example, it not only costs me 7p "just to get connected" I also have to pay for the call to the company of which could be, Gas, Water, Electric or even government offices.
In my particular circumstances this defeats the object of initially paying for Talk for free, with "Talk Unlimited"
Warning - while you were typing a new reply has been posted. You may wish to review your post.
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Yes OF,the 7p charge just to connect the call is an absolute disgrace. >:(
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http://www.saynoto0870.com/
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http://www.saynoto0870.com/
Already posted(twice) ;)
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Oops, didn't notice
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I think dialup uses 0844 and not 0845.
Orange: 0844 0564000
Tiscali: 0844 0529009
Oh
Virgin: 0845 4550280
ZEN: 0845 6000194
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Is there a price difference between 0845 and 0844 numbers ?
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Judging by the VM "Tariff" sheet, there are even different prices even for 0844 and 0845 numbers, the prices are dependant on the suppliers/s.
The list actually contains every single supplier (It's **** huge) but sorry i don't have the link to it any longer as I had already DL the pdf sheets, and I don't think Kitz would be very happy if I C&P it here.
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I have my own 0844 number and I give it to firms who will not give me a 01, 02 or 03 contact number.
Customer revenge I call it and the number was free.
First it tries my home 01 number and if that is busy it tranfers to my VOIP.
Reminds me I must change the greeting tune from the christmas theme.
And it gets even better, you know when people withhold their number, well if they do the system sends me an Email with the number that called and its location.
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That's quite clever. Can you tell if an incoming call has come via the 0844 number and answer accordingly?
I could use something like that myself - who is the service provider?
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Judging by the VM "Tariff" sheet, there are even different prices even for 0844 and 0845 numbers, the prices are dependant on the suppliers/s.
Yep the prices do seem to vary across the 0845/0844 range. so interesting point about dial-up and if there will be some sort of exclusion for them.
BT's price list is http://www.serviceview.bt.com/list/public/current/Call_Charges_boo/1632_d0e5.htm#1632-d0e5
My memory may also be playing tricks on me because Im going back about 10years ago now - but I seem to recall that on a certain tariff back then 0845's were cheaper.. but dialup nos where treated differently somehow.
One other important thing to remember also it's BTretail that are reducing their call cost.. and they will still have to pay their supplier (BT Wholesale) the going rate.
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ooh very quick response from a query I just raised.
Internet dialup numbers are unlikely to be included as I believe that there's a different charging code for these.
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If anyone is interested this is the link to the download page of Virgin Media's charges.
There are 2 downloads, one for residential and the other for Non Geographical call 08, 09 etc.
But you need to download the PDF pages to view them. Scroll down to almost the bottom of the page.
http://www.virginmedia.com/help/telephone/
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and further investigation which gives more information
It is not all 0870 and 0845 numbers
BT scraps charges on 0870 and 0845 numbers for calls to banks and GPs (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1109028/BT-scraps-charges-0870-0845-numbers-calls-banks-GPs.html)
BT is making some calls to controversial premium rate 0870 and 0845 numbers - used by banks, Government departments and the NHS - free of charge.
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and further investigation which gives more information
It is not all 0870 and 0845 numbers
BT scraps charges on 0870 and 0845 numbers for calls to banks and GPs (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1109028/BT-scraps-charges-0870-0845-numbers-calls-banks-GPs.html)
BT is making some calls to controversial premium rate 0870 and 0845 numbers - used by banks, Government departments and the NHS - free of charge.
>:(
Unless you are on the 'anytime' package you will not benefit much.I am on the evening and weekend package and although I can call my bank during this period,I cannot call my GP (unless its an emergency) during those hours.
Its disgraceful money is being raised in this way because you are sick. >:(
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>> because you are sick.
Don't rub it in - the amount Ive spend at the chemists and on prescription charges the past couple of weeks has cost me a fortune.
If I'd have known earlier how many meds I'd need I would have got one of those 1/4rly pre-pay thingies :(
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>> because you are sick.
Mm, yes that's one of the criteria that is missing of the list for people qualifying for free medication.
But like I have said in the past, even if you only get 1p in any form of benefit, then you qualify for free medication.
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>> because you are sick.
Don't rub it in - the amount Ive spend at the chemists and on prescription charges the past couple of weeks has cost me a fortune.
If I'd have known earlier how many meds I'd need I would have got one of those 1/4rly pre-pay thingies :(
Oops sorry,didn't mean to 'rub it in'
Its another thing thats not right,when Scotland and Wales have free prescriptions and England have to pay the full amount. >:(
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It starts on 16th January, and:
"Fair use policy applies max. 1,000 mins or 150 calls a month. If either of these limits on free calls is exceeded, BT will charge for these calls until further notice."
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>> Oops sorry,didn't mean to 'rub it in'
lol I didnt take offence .. slaps self at taking subject OT :/
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"Fair use policy applies max. 1,000 mins or 150 calls a month. If either of these limits on free calls is exceeded, BT will charge for these calls until further notice."
Thanks for that info.
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>> Oops sorry,didn't mean to 'rub it in'
If you want a volunteer "I'm Free"
Sorry my apologies also.
slaps self at taking subject OT :/
(massakist)
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Like most respondents I have an intense dislike of 0870 etc numbers, I fail to see why I should pay a company to ring them for whatever reason. Fortunately a land line number can be found on saynoto0870 but not always. If one isn't found I use the landline number for ringing from overseas you always end up with same automated answer system.
If I have to ring a company for product information when specifying for building contracts, and the only point of contact is a premium rate number I will find an alternative product.
I can ring my son in New Zealand for 1p/min why should I pay 10p.min to speak with someone in UK.
The sooner premium rates numbers are removed the better.
gom
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One of the first questions I try to ask people when phoning them is "What's your Freephone number"
You will be surprised at the amount of companies who do have one.
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Press release:
http://www.btplc.com/News/Articles/Showarticle.cfm?ArticleID=e501c5ef-11a2-4779-a932-177450ecd870
*excludes ISP dial-up numbers and indirect access numbers. Full details at bt.com
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I'm not sure if this needs clarifying or not.
Are they (now) saying that you need to be on the "Anytime" tarrif to qualify for the free calls?
(because that's the way I read it)
At £4.85 per month you could make a lot of 08 calls, so it's not really free is it!
An Anytime customer will now get their calls to these numbers for free as well as all their calls to UK landlines and great rates on mobile calls for just £4.85 a month.......
...........
All of our 14m calls customers have free calls included in their package
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Yes you do have to have the relevant package depending on what time you make the call
eg if you want the free calls 24/7 then you need Anytime
or if you have Evening and w/e package then the free 0845s are only at those times.
An Anytime customer will now get their calls to these numbers for free as well as all their calls to UK landlines and great rates on mobile calls for just £4.85 a month, which works out at less than the cost of a second class stamp a day.
A customer who is on the Evening and Weekend package will get their 0870 and 0845 calls for free, as well as their UK landline calls, after 6pm every day and all weekend.
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> if you have Evening and w/e package then the free 0845s are only at those times.
So basically not as good a deal as it's being portrayed as.
As it is said that most of these type of numbers are mainly used by businesses, (especially Banks and Hospitals) so after 6PM and week-ends is not much good.
Unless people really study the fine print they could be paying for a package that is not all that useful to them..
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You can usually phone your bank after 6pm,but you usually can also find an alternate number.I am with First Direct and as well as having 0845 you can use the 0113 (Leeds) number to call them.I have the 0845 on my landline and the 0113 on my mobile.
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And by now you're probably all aware of the "sting in the tail"....... :(
Significant price rises from 1st April - like £1/month on rental. :o
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And by now you're probably all aware of the "sting in the tail"....... :(
Significant price rises from 1st April - like £1/month on rental. :o
:o >:(
And they are scrapping the "Friends and Family"scheme.
http://tinyurl.com/4boxqr
8p call set up charge and 4.5ppm in the dayime.1minute call = 12.5 pence. :no:
Only 8ppm on Asda Mobile.
http://www.asda-phones.co.uk/
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And by now you're probably all aware of the "sting in the tail"....... :(
Significant price rises from 1st April - like £1/month on rental. :o
Friends & Family
From 1st April 2009 The current discount scheme which reduces the cost of calls to a small number of telephone numbers will no longer apply.
Not a nice sting in the tail at all. :-X
I dont like the way which they are doing the 12/18 month contracts either. They are not a true 12 month contract once your year is up then you can cancel, but if you dont, then youre automatically signed up for yet another year. That shouldnt be allowed. :mad:
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So all the hype with regards to "Free Calls" basically is just a smoke screen to avert people away from what is really happening.
It will be nice to see what sort of information will be sent out along with their bills!
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once your year is up then you can cancel, but if you dont, then youre automatically signed up for yet another year
I don't like it either but from what I've read they are supposed to contact you to find out whether or not you want to renew, so it's not totally automatic.
When (if) they do that I will just ask them to put all the terms in writing including the benefits and downsides (including cancellation charges) and see what happens.... ;)
If I read the terms correctly, having been a customer for some time, the most they could realistically ask me for as a cancellation charge would (should) be £8. I certainly wouldn't pay any more.
PS I'm on "paperfree" billing and got an email yesterday about the changes.
Edit. This is what the BT web site says about the 12-month contract (if you choose to take it and save about £1 per month):
12 month renewable contract. This means you have a 12 month minimum renewable period. So, after 12 months, your contract will be automatically renewed for another 12 month minimum renewable period unless you tell us otherwise. We'll write to remind you when your contract is nearing the end of a renewable period.
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BT's new motto............"Give a little,take a lot"
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1127090/BT-nets-250m-hanging-Friends-amp-Family-discount-scheme.html
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The figure dwarfs the savings being introduced by BT as part of the changes.... /snip/... estimated to be way in excess of £250million.
Yes I did wonder about that and how much it would save them.
Something that crossed my mind the other day was this would certainly affect those users still on dial up. I know I had my dial-up ISP as my 'best friend' which saved 20% - which was quite a lot.
In these times when economists are talking about price falls, it is extraordinary that BT is imposing inflation-plus price rises on millions of people.
Exactly! I think its appalling. Shame on you BT.
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Switching over to the Post Office is looking increasingly tempting.
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Its only pure laziness on my part in the past thats stopped me from taking mine to Plusnet which is £9.75 pm for eve + w/ends.
Just had a look at the post office (http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/content1?catId=19300217&mediaId=19800178) prices- also seems a good deal @ £10.72 for eve + w/ends, but I can see anything if that includes caller display?
Plusnet doesnt inc caller display but you can add it on so that brings it to about £10.72, but the bonus is that PN is only a one month contract.
Both of these packages will now save me £3.20pm on Bts new pricing so now BT are mucking about its about time I gave it serious consideration.
Just as an aside and worth mentioning - you cant order PN home phone online unless you have your adsl with them.
However even if you dont use them for broadband it can still be done at that price - contact one of the reps via this forum mentioning my name and they will process it manually for you.
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Good point about caller display. You can have it with the P.O. but it costs an extra £1.71 a month. (http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/content1?catId=68600711&mediaId=19800179#29600249)
Thanks for the hint about PN.
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At the moment I am with BT and have that free evening and weekend call 12 month renewable contract.So I pay £10.27 a month rental by DD with paper free billing.I also get free caller display,1471 and 1571.IMO thats not bad.It states that they will contact you before your 12 months is up and ask you if you want to continue,if you don't reply back they will automatically renew it for another 12 months.
Rental is going up £1,but what guarantee's do you have that others will not follow suit.
Just a quick question,can I still continue with my BT BB if I decided to switch my landline.?
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>> Just a quick question,can I still continue with my BT BB if I decided to switch my landline.?
Yes, because the line and exchange equipment are still owned and managed by BT Openreach and BT Wholesale. BT Retail is just the retail marketing company, and you would simply be switching to a different marketing company.
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So, basically what we all seem to be saying is this is not a customer friendly deal at all.
I'm not even a BT customer (for phone or broadband) and they've just written to me to ask if I'd like to come back to BT because of this amazing deal. No thanks.
Side issue for anyone who might know : how do you stop companies like Sky and BT writing to you with these amazing deals ?
I have already registered with the MPS
My name and address is not on the publicly available Electoral Register (and never has been)
I have previously written to both Sky and BT and told them that I am not interested in receiving any marketing mailings from them. I received a letter back from Sky saying that they had taken steps to remove my name and address from their records - 3 months later another lot arrived. In the case of BT, i received no letter, but a call from the Indian subcontinent telling me that they had done the same around September last year. New year, new load of carp from BT. Incidentally both of these companies keep spouting on about being Carbon Neutral - I don't think so somehow, but I'm trying to do my bit to help them in their attempt.
Any ideas gratefully received
TTFN
toulouse
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I am with BT and have that free evening and weekend call 12 month renewable contract.So I pay £10.27 a month rental by DD with paper free billing.
I'm also on dd and paperfree discounts.
TBH I dont like how BT have introduced some of the things they have done over the past year.
Earlier last year they
- Sneakily withdrew the free evening calls from the £10.50 package - I didnt find out until I had to pay for some calls I'd made :mad: As a result I had to upgrade to the next package at additional cost making it about £14.50 minus £1.25 for paper free billing.
- Introduced the rolling annual contracts. I really dont like rolling annual contracts - its ok to sign up for a year but when youve done your year, you should then be free and not tied again.
and now they are going to
- Increase costs again
- Get rid of friends and family which normally saves me a few pennies
It seems to me like they want to get everyone on the Anytime package and rolling contracts.
Yes I could pay a bit less for a rolling contract but I havent as yet.... and I am so glad I didnt - because I'm now going to vote with my feet and Im off elsewhere.
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because I'm now going to vote with my feet and Im off elsewhere.
Well our 'rolling' contract expires at the end of May,so I will see whats available then and probably do what your going to do.
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Just as a warning to anyone looking and comparing price costs - it looks like wholesale prices may also increase.
According to this (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/01/23/bt_monthly_rises/)
Ofcom has reviewed the costs for [Openreach] lines and as a result are proposing an increase in line rental charges.
This hasnt yet come in and could further increase costs for all retail providers.
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Interesting,I thought that others might follow suit.
Also anyone on the paperless billing,direct debit option will be worse off.
Although some customers can negate this increase by opting for paperless billing and paying by direct debit, the millions of customers who already do this will be worse off."
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>> Interesting,I thought that others might follow suit.
That looks like its going to be an enforced increase. If Wholesale costs go up then all retail costs are obviously going to have to go up too.
How BT retail will handle this I dont know - BTretails costs are going up before the proposed wholesale costs..
So if wholesale costs do also go up.... I suppose that will mean that will give BTretail will likely hike their prices yet again within the next year.
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New T&C on the 16 January.
You have to make one chargable call to get free privacy option. i.e. Caller display and that thing you should not even be using the answering machine (1571).
I use Primus Saver option 2 CPS (no monthy charge).
18185
And BT option 1 (The weekend plan)