Website for alternative numbers for 0870, 0845, etc.

[abstibus]

I came across this website address in the DT Technology section (Rick Maybury) today and thought it would be worth sharing:
www.saynoto8070.com
I'm sure he won't mind.

[grasscarp]

I have used this for a long time. Even today when I wanted to call the bank helpline. Very useful.

[Buenchico]

However, unless your phone provider excludes such numbers from any inclusive package, any alternative number might well only cost you the same (or even possibly more).

0845 numbers are charged at 'local rate' (whereas an alternative number might be charged at 'national rate'). Most 0870 numbers are charged in line with 'national rate' anyway.

Prior to January 2009, BT excluded such numbers from the free calls within their various call packages. Since then they've been included, so using an alternative number saves nothing for BT customers.

Chris

[MichaelZZ]

Further to Chris's reply, it's probably worth pointing out that many of the alternative numbers you find on saynoto... are actually Freephone (0800) numbers, so it's often worth a look.

[johnny37]

I used to use Say No To when my Talktalk package gave me free calls to landlines. They now give me 0845/0870 free as well so there is no need to use it. I still get irritated by companies who use 0844.

[madmaggot]

Yes, it's a very useful site.
Another tip is to look for a 'from overseas' number which will be a normal '01' call.

[dave80]

QUOTE: "0845 numbers are charged at 'local rate' (whereas an alternative number might be charged at 'national rate'). Most 0870 numbers are charged in line with 'national rate' anyway."


Since 2005, or earlier, 01 and 02 numbers are charged at the same rate irrespective of distance. There is no discount for "local" calls.

"Local rate" hasn't existed in any form since 2005. That term cannot be applied to any UK number range, not least a NON-geographic number range and the ASA has been taking action against such false claims since 2006.


Since 2005, or earlier, callers from landlines are mostly on "inclusive" packages where calls of up to one hour are free to all numbers beginning 01 and 02.

0870 call prices have not been tied to "national rate" since 2005.

0870 numbers were revenue share numbers until 2009. Revenue share has been suspended since 2009.


Ofcom removed revenue share from 0870 numbers in 2009 and made them inclusive in call packages. BT expected Ofcom to announce the same for 0845 numbers and hence made both 0870 and 0845 numbers inclusive in 2009. Ofcom changed their mind on 0845 and didn't proceed, so BT now subsidises calls to 0845 numbers - having to pay out the 2 p per minute revenue share even when the calls are given away as "inclusive".

Changes coming soon will likely:
- return 0870 to revenue share status,
- remove 0845 and 0870 from inclusive minutes,
- align the call rates for 0845 numbers with those for 0844 and 0843 numbers,
- align the call rates for 0870 numbers with those for 0871 and 0872 numbers.


Many businesses have already swapped from 084 and 087 numbers to 034 and 037 numbers and the Consumer Rights Directive will force very many more to make that change over the next couple of years.

Ofcom's proposals for "unbundled tariffs" will also reveal both the revenue share level and the profit margin split within the prices for 084 and 087 calls. This will lead to lower call prices from mobiles, and leave no doubt that 084 and 087 numbers are "revenue share" numbers and are not "local rate", "lo-call" or "national rate" numbers.

Businesses will have to declare the revenue share level attached to their 084 and 087 numbers, and will no longer be able to hide behind vague marketing messages such as "calls cost 5 p from a BT landline, other providers may charge more" - especially when "more" can mean as much as "45 p per minute" from mobile phones.


Whenever you see an 084 or 087 number, replace the 08 with 03 and try calling that. It will either connect to the right business or will end with a "this number is not yet in service" error message.

All 034 and 037 numbers are reserved for migration from the matching 084 and 087 numbers.

03 numbers are charged at the same rate as 01 and 02 numbers. Inclusive minutes from both mobiles and landlines can be used for calling 03 numbers.

In the coming years it will become commonplace to call businesses on 03 numbers and to call 084 and 087 numbers much less frequently.


Recognising that many 084 and 087 numbers cannot be called from overseas, or are incredibly expensive from overseas, many businesses now advertise an alternative UK 01 or 02 number that can be called instead. Always call this number or an 03 number if you can.