Say no to 0845 numbers

This is not strictly a computer item but you might be interested. So often, when you want to phone your bank etc, the number quoted starts with 0845 or similar. These are premium rate lines costing you up to 8 or more pence a minute for every minute you are kept waiting in a queue. However the companies still have their normal (cheaper) numbers. All the telephone exchange does is look up the normal number and then connect you to that, but charge you the premium rate. If you knew the normal number you could have rung it yourself.

http://www.saynoto0870.com/

Try the above site. Click on 'Search to find an alternative number' at the top left. If you look up your bank, you will find the 0845 number but also the normal number and very often an 0800 (free) number as well. My advice is to ring any 0800 number that the bank has and then ask to be transfered to the appropriate department. I get a perverse pleasure in beating them at their own game. :D :D

 

Cheers Peter very informative thanx.

 

Thats what i do when i call bt 500 number its free, what if they transfer you to say just for instance, bt broadband which holds a premium number are you then charged accordingly

 

I am pretty sure Rosa that you are charged for the number that you dial. Any transfer is done internally within the company. You are just transfered from one internal number to another internal number.

 

Thanks for that Pete - amazing! I shall be looking on that list every time before I phone now

 

That rate is for the 0870 numbers. 0845 are local rate.

 

You are quite right michaelmasdaisey. I had always read the site as refering to 0845 but it is 0870. My apologies. The BT rates are here.
http://www.switchnumbers.co.uk/faqs.asp

 

Let's put you right on this.
0845 is lo-call not local
0870 is national
But neither are true, the rate you pay for normal calls are lower than both, they are in effect premium rate calls.

I have now registered with www.call18866.co.uk for all normal UK calls (geographical). They charge 5p connection fee and nothing per minute however long you are on the call.

 

If you join talktalk(formerly onetel) you can opt to pay about �£13.99 per month and make ALL 01 and 02 (and of course 0800 and 0500) free at all times of the day or night and as many as you need>

JUST FYI

 

One of the reasons I am with the ISP I'm with, is because when I phone up, the phone rings, and a person answers. I don't mind ringing an 0870 number if thats what happens. No hanging on interminably listening to at best music, and at worst in the case of cucina, adverts for the company.

Thanks for the link - I shall use it They (all premium rate phone number companies) already got my money once, I don't see why I should add to their profits when phoning them.

 

nice link.....thanx :D

[ 16. January 2007, 12:36 AM: Message edited by: PCMedic ]

 

Great link, thanks

 

I to hate 0845, 0870 etc. As i get free local and national calls it will be great to use the SAYNOTO0870 site and save money :D
Cheers me dears