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Main Forum >> Geographical Numbers Chat >> Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers https://www.saynoto0870.com/cgi-bin/forum/YaBB.cgi?num=1175720862 Message started by Dave on Apr 4th, 2007 at 9:07pm |
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Title: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Apr 4th, 2007 at 9:07pm
Useful Information & Say no to 0870! Hot Topics » Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers
Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Some companies have changed to more expensive telephone numbers. Many are switching from 0870 due to the changes which are due to take effect on 1 February 2008 whereby companies will not be able to profit and will probably have to pay for incoming calls. They tend to be moving to 0871 numbers charged at 10p/min at all times, with some going to 0844s charged at 5p/min at all times. From 0870 to 0871 Going Places - Each branch had an 0870 number, now replaced with 0871 numbers. First Choice Holidays - Sadly it is commonplace that many holiday companies choose to charge above geographical rate and First Choice is no exception. It will cost 10p/min to call the reservations and customer services numbers shown on the website. 1&1 Internet 6p/min at all times from a BT landline Alpharooms Bristol City Football Club Kwik Fit Although a freephone number is provided for contacting the nearest branch, and the company's website lists geographical numbers for branches, Kwik Fit lets itself down by providing 0871 numbers on directory enquiries services. National Express Nildram P&O Ferries Picturehouse Cinemas Rugby League Super League - Ticket line now 0871 TalkSport Tiscali - Broadband customer services and technical support Travelbag Travelodge - All hotels have changed numbers. From 0844 to 0871 Home Delivery Network Limited has switched from 0870 to 0844, and then changed its mind again, settling on a premium rate 0871 number. From 0870 to 0845 Laithwaites Wine Club Also operates other clubs such as Sunday Times Wine Club From 0870 to 0843/0844 AirMiles AMF Bowling - Numbers changed for all bowling centres. BAA - Healthrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Glasgow, Edinburgh Aberdeen and Southampton Airports have changed numbers. British Airways Budget Insurance Services Limited (BISL) City Link Comet CPP - Provider of HSBC CardGuard, M&S Card Safe and others. DHL Europ Assistance Eurostar Firebox.com - Replaced 0870 with 0844 costing 4p/min at all times. Fitness First branches now have 0844 numbers. House of Fraser Lex Vehicle Leasing Match Recruitment Mercury Direct - Travel agency National Railway Museum Parcelforce Worldwide Pavilion Publishing Simon Jersey From 0845 to 0844 Next Directory - Mail order enquiries numbers now changed. Cahoot [url=http://www.saynoto0870.com/cgi-bin/forum/YaBB.cgi?num=1144935225]Discussion here[/url] - 0845 numbers replaced with 4 pence per minute at all times 0844 numbers. Co-operative Bank Smooth Radio (part of Guardian Media Group) From Geographical (01/02) to 0844 Bridgewater Hall - Box office was 0161, now 0844 Ink2U ITV Plc - Switchboards and direct numbers for staff throughout the country are being changed to 0844 @ 5p/min. Maplin Electronics stores now have 0843 numbers The Football Association (The FA) - Now based at Wembley Stadium, its 0844 number is published and its "local" 020 numbers are apparently a closely guarded secret. Wembley Stadium From Geographical (01/02) to 0845 Thomas Cook - All brances now have 0845 number. The 01/02 numbers now have messages redirecting callers to branch's new "lo-call cost number". eXpansys Vauxhall - Customer Care is now 0845 From Geographical (01/02) to 0871 Shrewsbury Town Football Club - One 0871 number for all departments at the club. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Apr 2nd, 2008 at 8:05am
From freephone (0800/0808/0500) to 0844
Aviva Insure.co.uk Philips Consumer Electronics From freephone (0800/0808/0500) to 0845 E.ON Energy Services (formally Powergen) Capital One |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Apr 2nd, 2008 at 8:06am
Hall of Shame: Other 084/087 rip-off number users
Benjamin Scott helps businesses save money on their mobile phone costs. Even though it publishes its proper 01698 number online, it has chosen to use a maximum price (g6) 0844 number in local radio advert which it says is "local rate". Would you deal with a company that specialises in analysis of the cost of telephone calls, but doesn't know the cost of ringing it? |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by farci on Apr 5th, 2007 at 3:47am Dave wrote on Apr 4th, 2007 at 9:07pm:
Thanks, Dave - this is what I had in mind in yesterday's post. I think a table might work better |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by bbb_uk on Apr 8th, 2007 at 4:28pm
I also think a table would look better. However as there is only a few listed on it, it's not really needed yet but would nice as a table. ;)
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by GrahamH on Apr 14th, 2007 at 2:45pm
BMW Dealers (why am I not surpised?). If you look for cars on the Autotrader website, their dealers nearly all use an 0871 number to max out their revenue over the weekend, which is when I guess they get most enquiries
Luckily www.bmw.co.uk (mostly) still has the geographic versions;D, If someone feels like harvesting the 0871 numbers, I've made a spreadsheet with the geographic ones to match them against |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Apr 14th, 2007 at 2:55pm GrahamH wrote on Apr 14th, 2007 at 2:45pm:
I have found that with car dealerships, the manufacturer may give them an 084/087 number which is shown on the manufacturer's page for that dealership. The dealership will show geographical or a different NGN on their website, but in many cases geographicals are shown on BT Phonebook. I think that this is more for statistical purposes, although we cannot rule out revenue being earned. I have not looked at Autotrader, but from what you're saying, I suspect that it is Autotrader who have implemented these numbers. This is like the various restaurant review sites that give 0871s for the restaurants and Rightmove.co.uk that gives 0845 number for estate agents. This is discussed here. One clue that this is the case is that the 084/087 numbers begin with the same few digits. If you find one garage has 0871 1234567 and you Google a nearby number, such as 0871 1234568, and you find it brings up a page on the same site to a garage that is not connected to the other (i.e. not part of the same group), you can be sure that these numbers have not been put into place by the outlets themselves. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by idb on Apr 27th, 2007 at 12:34am
http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/headlines/display.var.1348940.0.changes_to_cab_advice_service.php
<< THE West Wilts Wide Citizens Advice Bureau is making changes in a bid to create a more efficient service. From May 1 there will be a new telephone service with a new number (0844 499 4106). Clients will be able to speak directly to a trained adviser who will be able to give them advice. Where it is necessary to see the client face to face, the adviser will then make them an appointment. [...] >> |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Heinz on Apr 27th, 2007 at 12:23pm idb wrote on Apr 27th, 2007 at 12:34am:
0844 499 xxxx - 5p/minute at all times from a BT landline. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by glennal on Apr 28th, 2007 at 12:58pm
I say 'hit them where it hurts' if people voted on mass & refused [wherever possible] not to do business with these companies - they'd soon start changing their policies.
Alternative get them to call you back & quite often this will reveal the real geographical number behind the 0844/5 or 0870/1. Also some companies advertise an 0800 number for new customers like Halifax etc - these can still be used after you've become a customer! 8-) |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by gdh82 on May 1st, 2007 at 8:01am
Hall of Shame - excellent idea! :)
I know from previous posts there are misgivings about this idea but why not devise a template complaint letter that those of us interested could tweak (e.g add a paragraph stating how long we've been a customer) inorder to express our dissatisfaction with these shameful acts! Maybe also, especially if this hall of shame grows, do a email to all SayNo members highlighting this trend and encouraging others to complain/boycott the companies concerned. This could lead to more media attention, particularly timely with the premium rate compeition line rip-off being so prominent. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by talkamon on May 16th, 2007 at 3:39pm
I think you should put all benefit services into category. You used to be able to get through to the benefit services in your area via a geographical number. This has all been centralised now and is part of job center plus, available via an 0845 number.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jim.orrell on May 19th, 2007 at 11:07am
I'm pleased to see others have noticed the move from 0870 to 0871 numbers. I have been "stung" myself. My O2 package is inclusive of 0800,0845 and 0870 numbers, so I was off guard when I rang an 0871 number. Helpful email from O2 "You'll not be charged for making calls to the phone numbers starting with 0800, 0845 and 0870. Calls to all 0871 numbers are charged at 35p per minute, The phone numbers starting with 0871 are premium rate numbers". Allowing 0871 numbers to be premium rate is surely an open invitation for dubious businesses to make a "killing".
I noticed on another forum that there was supposed to be a move away from this confusion such that 0871 and even 0870 numbers would disapear or be charged at national rate only. Does that mean it costs the same as 01/02 numbers (i.e. inclusive with many providers) or like the old 0870 numbers, up to 10ppm. All very confusing. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by trubster on May 22nd, 2007 at 12:26am
another one for the list is Traveline, was 0870 xxx xxxx but going to be 0871 xxxxxxx
Not sure on the number, but I think its a joke! I wont be ringing the premium rate number |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by britters191 on May 22nd, 2007 at 10:02am
Consumers do have power, and we can change this. Whenever I'm forced to use an 0878 number, and when I eventually get through, I ask for an alternative number to dial. If there is no alternative offered, I make sure that the person I speak to notes the fact that 1) I will never call that number again, 2) I shall seek a competitor that does not force customers to use 0870 numbers. This strategy, however, is probably no good when contacting governemt departments, although I believe that those using this prefix have been instructed to change it. We can but hope. ::)
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jimjim on Jun 2nd, 2007 at 7:42pm
Just been reading the Digital Spy radio forums, and noticed that Talk Sport are changing from 0870 to 0871 this coming Wednesday 6th June. This is not confirmed by the website yet, still showing the 0870 number and stating that calls cost up to 10p per minute for BT customers.
This site gets a few honourable mentions as well. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by derrick on Jun 3rd, 2007 at 4:10pm jimjim wrote on Jun 2nd, 2007 at 7:42pm:
Another money grabber moving sooner rather than later re revenue sharing ending on 0870 numbers, so now it will be 10p per min at all times to call Talk Sport from a BT landline, without the reduction at weekends and evenings with 0870. Don't forget it also costs 50p plus normal sending charges to text this station. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by parttimepar on Jun 4th, 2007 at 12:32pm
Just had a flyer popped through my door from Sky, advertising its 3 for £26 offer and for the first time I notice they are using an 0871 number! Welcome to the Hall of Shame Sky, It says in the small print calls may cost up to 8 ppm from a BT landline! There is also a paragraph saying some prices may change from1/9/07 but I think that applies to TV subs.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by derrick on Jun 4th, 2007 at 1:01pm parttimepar wrote on Jun 4th, 2007 at 12:32pm:
That can be referred to the ASA, new.complaint@asa.org.uk as it is an advert and contains misleading information, 0871 costs up to 10p per min from a BT landline, and you can rest assured that Sky will be charging the highest rate. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Heinz on Jun 4th, 2007 at 1:16pm derrick wrote on Jun 4th, 2007 at 1:01pm:
It depends on the actual number - there are plenty of 0871 rates lower than 10p/minute so the statement may be truthful. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by derrick on Jun 4th, 2007 at 1:24pm Heinz wrote on Jun 4th, 2007 at 1:16pm:
True, but knowing Sky, do you not think that they will be using the highest charged number? Maybe parttimepar should supply the full number, after all it is not a secret. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by parttimepar on Jun 4th, 2007 at 2:41pm derrick wrote on Jun 4th, 2007 at 1:24pm:
Apologies to all I have misread the number, it is 08701 942 024, I have'nt noticed an 0870 laid out with a 1 like that before, I will be more obsevant before posting in future! :-[ |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by allegro on Jun 5th, 2007 at 7:01am
The Southbank Centre (Royal Festival Hall etc) seems to be moving from 0870 numbers to 0871 for most purposes. I haven't needed to phone them lately so I don't know if the geo numbers still work.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jimjim on Jun 6th, 2007 at 4:31pm jimjim wrote on Jun 2nd, 2007 at 7:42pm:
UPDATE!!! 6/6/07 Checking Talk Sports website and they are now using an 0871 number. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Jun 6th, 2007 at 7:42pm jimjim wrote on Jun 6th, 2007 at 4:31pm:
I've added this to the list. How many people are likely to call this from a mobile? Do they call people back? |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by derrick on Jun 7th, 2007 at 3:24pm Dave wrote on Jun 6th, 2007 at 7:42pm:
I don't think they call people back, unless they get cut off whilst on air. however they do keep people hanging on for ages, although I was under the impression that from early next year 0871 numbers are to come under ICSTIS regulation and they cannot keep you on hold, or is that another U turn by OfCON ? |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Jun 7th, 2007 at 3:47pm derrick wrote on Jun 7th, 2007 at 3:24pm:
Or, if they answer the call and take the person's name, discussion topic etc, and put them on hold, then is that acceptable? Has the person 'agreed' to being put on hold? |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Heinz on Jun 7th, 2007 at 4:56pm
"I'll just pop you on hold for a second. OK?"
No immediate protest from caller. Agreement assumed. Money rolls in. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Jun 8th, 2007 at 1:24pm
Amended with a "Hall of Fame".
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by non-geo on Jun 22nd, 2007 at 2:26pm
Is this the first time anyone has realised what's going to happen with non - geo numbers!!!
All that will happen, (and is already starting to happen), is callers will end up paying more to make calls than on 0870. Did lobbyists and Ofcom really think that businesses wouldn't just move to another revenue generating number! The regulator, Ofcom has made a complete balls up of the whole thing. They clearly do not understand the telecoms industry or consumers issues. It really is a farce! And will someone please answer me this - how do ICSTIS propose to enforce supposed refunds of telephone call charges to consumers who feel they have been on hold too long! What is too long? Are Ofcom/ICSTIS really going to pay millions of pounds for resources and man hours to hear cases where people feel they have been overcharged what in effect is pennies! The rules they are making up are in reality simply unenforcible and only serve to create more and more overpaid Ofcom and ICSTIS jobs! Paid for by you and me - the taxpayer. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jim.orrell on Jun 22nd, 2007 at 2:42pm
Perhaps we need another campaign to "Name and Shame". the 0870 got good coverage a few months ago. I'm sure BBCs Money program, You and Yours etc would be interested.
Perhaps a publicised boycott of these firms |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by benthewolf on Jun 22nd, 2007 at 3:05pm
yes agree with you, changing to 0871 is just going to make it worse for all of us.
People need to be educated on this. It doesn't seem that companies changing to 0871 is going to give us 'Joe Public' what we want. It seems that Ofcom have failed to see this coming. what a mess as per non-geo above. They try and change things so the costs go down, the result, companies move to 0871, making it more expensive than before. A total joke. But how do we get some coverage on 0871 - who do we blame - the businesses or Ofcom!? |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Tanllan on Jun 22nd, 2007 at 4:53pm benthewolf wrote on Jun 22nd, 2007 at 3:05pm:
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by dennyblair on Jun 22nd, 2007 at 5:46pm
>:( Can anything be done to overcome Virgin Media's latest "improvement" to introduce 090 numbers for Broadband customer helpline calls? Their cheery message reads:
"Hello, From 1st July, our broadband helpline number is changing and from then on it'll cost 25p per minute to call from a Virgin home phone, plus 10p to connect. Mobiles and other networks may vary. The new number is 0906 212 1111. Over and above this, we want to make it quicker and easier for you to find the information you need. So when you need help, here's what to do: Step 1 If you're having trouble with your broadband service, for example if it's running slower than it should be, or you're having trouble seeing certain pages, the first thing to do is switch off your computer and modem, then restart it again. This may repair any basic faults right away and get you back up and running quickly. Step 2 If that didn't work, the next thing to do is call our service status line on 0800 561 0061 to find out if there's a problem in your area. It's absolutely free. Or if you still have access to the internet, you can visit our help site. It's at http://www.virginmedia.com/help If you have questions about things like how to set up your email account or how to sort out your internet security, you'll find the answers online too. Step 3 If you can't find what you're looking for online, or you can't look online, then you can call our new broadband helpline. We have over 200 Virgin Broadband experts ready to help if you're having issues with your Virgin Broadband modem or service. So they can help you faster, you'll need to have your account details to hand and be at your computer. If you have a question about equipment that hasn't been supplied by Virgin Media, like your computer or your Blackberry, then you'll need to get in touch with your manufacturer or you can call the PC helpline on 0906 991 0001. It costs £1 a minute plus 10p to connect. Mobiles and other networks may vary. We hope that helps and that you continue to enjoy the same great service! The Virgin Media team" |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by fleksys on Jun 22nd, 2007 at 8:25pm
Virgin Media is discontinuing its free 151 technical support line on 1 July - to be replaced by 10p connection charge, plus 25p/minute!
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Jun 22nd, 2007 at 8:34pm fleksys wrote on Jun 22nd, 2007 at 8:25pm:
It seems that NTL/Virgin Media can't decide what it's doing. IIRC it introduced 0845 customer services and 10p/min 0871 technical support last year and then reverted back to free 150/151. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jenniferfh on Jul 17th, 2007 at 12:04pm
My local Benefits Agency in Totton Hants. have phased out the Geo. number over the last 2 weeks and are using 0845.
It cost me £1.16 yesterday to phone them about their mistake. This is a Government Agency! JH |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by GrahamH on Jul 23rd, 2007 at 12:21am jenniferfh wrote on Jul 17th, 2007 at 12:04pm:
Has the old (geographic) number become unobtainable? Or have they just started publicising the 0845? If it's the latter, just carry on using the old one - it will almost certainly still work (08 numbers are just like a forwarding service - they still "point" to a proper number, which can still be used) |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by GrahamH on Jul 23rd, 2007 at 1:07am benthewolf wrote on Jun 22nd, 2007 at 3:05pm:
A total joke indeed - but OFCOM of course clearly saw this coming - they deliberately set the changes up so that exactly this would happen. Allegedly, according to their website Quote:
The above section is obviously deleted from all their job descriptions and operating procedures, to be replaced with something like Quote:
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jenniferfh on Jul 23rd, 2007 at 7:12am Quote:
They are answering the Geo. number and refusing to connect me to an extension. Only the 0845 is given as an alternative and that's after some solid questioning. JH |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Cruz on Jul 27th, 2007 at 7:18pm
Travelodge - they're all (10p/minute at all times) 0871 numbers now!
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Jul 27th, 2007 at 7:31pm Cruz wrote on Jul 27th, 2007 at 7:18pm:
That's spooky. I was just about to post the same message as I'm checking out an entry for one of their outlets and was looking on the Travelodge website. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jgxenite on Jul 27th, 2007 at 7:44pm
I think they're a bit slow on the uptake - one or two are still 0870s. I guess it is now pretty clear that Travelodge want to keep the revenue stream from their 0870 numbers when the change takes place next year... [smiley=shocked.gif]
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Cruz on Jul 27th, 2007 at 7:57pm Dave wrote on Jul 27th, 2007 at 7:31pm:
In which case, do the (quite a few) geographical numbers on the database just transfer to the new 0871 numbers? |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Jul 27th, 2007 at 8:27pm Cruz wrote on Jul 27th, 2007 at 7:57pm:
Don't know, I haven't tried them but I imagine that the geographicals have stayed as they are. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jgxenite on Jul 28th, 2007 at 9:08am Cruz wrote on Jul 27th, 2007 at 7:18pm:
It is probably unsurprising to find that in Ireland, the US and Canada, Travelodge uses normal geographic numbers. However, it is perfectly fine to charge us to call Travelodge here in the UK... |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by derrick on Jul 28th, 2007 at 11:30am
Just tried the Gatwick one 01293 533441 and that worked OK
Tried switchboard head office,(unverified lists), 01844 358500 that took me to a voice mail, probably because it is Saturday afternoon |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Jul 31st, 2007 at 7:35pm
Of course, all of these companies who choose to go to 0871 and opt for 10p/min are ripping their customers off even further. They could have opted for an 0871 charged at the same (or more or less the same) rate as 0870.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by firestop on Aug 1st, 2007 at 6:40am
Tiscali have now changed to 0871 at 10p/min.
The porkers are really getting their noses in the troughs now!! Perhaps we've shot ourselves in the foot with this campaign against 0870??!! Now it's turning out even more of a profit-maker for businesses. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Aug 1st, 2007 at 6:42am firestop wrote on Aug 1st, 2007 at 6:40am:
There will come a time when everyone wakes up to this rip-off. The more they bite off, the sooner this will be when people realise the cost of these calls. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by firestop on Aug 1st, 2007 at 7:33am
I sincerely hope that people do 'wake up' to the new threat that is 0871 - but considering the length of time we've been banging on about 0870 (with only little success it seems) that wake-up does not seem too imminent.
But we must carry on trying! |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jimjim on Aug 3rd, 2007 at 11:17am
Capital Gold
Another one to add to the Hall of Shame. It is changing it's name to "Gold" and replacing the 0845 35 60 70 80 number with a brand spanking new 0871 number 0871 2222515 , probably to enhance the service. ::) |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Aug 3rd, 2007 at 1:53pm jimjim wrote on Aug 3rd, 2007 at 11:17am:
Where is this 0871 shown? The website, here, shos the 0845 and consider it to be "charged at national rate". The 0845 is infact wrong as it's 1 digit too long, and is therefore, presumably 0845 356 0708. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jimjim on Aug 3rd, 2007 at 3:27pm
Dave, The "new" station starts tonight at 7.00 PM under schedule you will find the new 0871 "National Rate" numbers.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Aug 3rd, 2007 at 3:32pm jimjim wrote on Aug 3rd, 2007 at 3:27pm:
I see. It's here: Quote:
A complete bunch of liars then. Would you believe it, the 0871 2222515 number is 10p/min at all times from a BT landline. Call, whilst you're out and about, from your mobile and you're likely to be charged anything upto 40p/min. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Aug 3rd, 2007 at 3:51pm jimjim wrote on Aug 3rd, 2007 at 3:27pm:
Contact GCap Media's chief executive, Ralph Bernard, about this. Email addresses are firstname.lastname@gcapmedia.com |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jgxenite on Aug 3rd, 2007 at 4:30pm
Atleast one radio station has made a somewhat good move in reference to 0870 numbers - Galaxy Yorkshire (and presumably all the other Galaxy stations, although I haven't checked) have now moved "down" to an 0845 number for phone-ins. The new Galaxy Yorkshire number is 0845 14 82200 (which, incidentally enough, matches their text number 82200).
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by idb on Aug 3rd, 2007 at 10:53pm
http://www.bcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10327~1083772,00.html
Bristol City FC Can't copy and paste text, at least not without disproportionate effort, so: 0870 number being replaced with 0871. New number described as 'national rate' See url above. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by vinylweatherman on Aug 7th, 2007 at 3:52pm
This just shows OFCOM is "not fit for purpose". OFCOM stated that they did not expect to see companies mass migrating to 0871 as they assured us that it was the facilities they were interested in, which would not change.
A table of companies making the change between the OFCOM announcement and the changes next February will be useful in demonstrating how big a snub UK Business has delivered to both OFCOM and citizens. So far, only Tiscali has come to my attention, but it seems that together we will find many more. I have already tried complaining about mis advertised 0870 numbers, but it gets me nowhere, the company simply claim ignorance, and promise to "look into it", but nothing changes. One dodge is to phone the free or geographical number, and claim you have tried without success to phone the preferred 0845 or 0870 number, and have found/been given, "this number". This should get you put through rather than told the preferred numbers to call. I have even claimed my "phone provider seems to have blocked 0870...., and the only other alternative would be to write in". Any complaint needs to be supported by evidence, so many complaints about this topic fail because they are put into general terms. One example would be 0844, I would have to demonstrate an actual instance of a rip-off, or failure to get through, in order to pursue a complaint. Virgin Media - they still have 150, and all it takes is a threat to cancel and they will "cut a deal". I was able to get £20 off a month over the loss of SKY ONE, and this was before the change to Broadband phone support. I previously complained when they changed from 151 to 0845, and they changed back to the 151 service a couple of months later. Broadband support is not even worth the geographic charge, let alone the 0906, half of it is done from India, where they are graduates, but totally clueless outside of their script of tests and responces. They completely misdiagnosed my problem TWICE, and when the engineer finally came a different problem was found. They will make a lot of money from the new 0906 broadband number when there is an "area fault", this is because they only declare one if a given number of customers call to report a problem. This means that nothing will be done UNTIL they have enough "volunteers" on their 0906 number, after which the service status line will be updated and a fault declared. All engineer bookings will then be cancelled, not that they let you know, and this can be confirmed by phoning 0906 after you have waited in all day and no-one turns up. With the change to Virgin Media, they have resumed the NTL habit of each change being detrimental to the customer. I spoke to TalkTalk about their "free" broadband and asked about the cost of technical support. They told me this was free from a TalkTalk landline (I have not verified this - I never trust such statements from a sales rep, but I will use this against Virgin Media at the first opportunity). |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jgxenite on Aug 7th, 2007 at 4:06pm
I can vouch that from a TalkTalk landline, the calls to their 0870 support numbers are free. Even if the people on the other end are inept at doing anything outside their scripts (like every other broadband provider it seems), atleast it is free from our landline. That said, there are geographic equivalents in the database for TalkTalk (one that gets you straight through to second line, who are a damn side better than first line!)
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Bluetack on Aug 10th, 2007 at 1:12pm
Hello All :)
I am a retailer and am always very frstrated by companies using NGN's that cost me £££££££'s I recently had a large problem with Barclaycard Merchant Services and was forced to use their premium rate 08706060060 number for several calls. I ended up getting a reasonable refund for the calls :) after complaining bitterly at the cost. The girl informed me that it won't be a problem for me in the future because they are in the process of changing all their 0870 numbers - yippee I thought. Big Mistake They are all going to be 0844 now she said. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHH!!! |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jgxenite on Aug 10th, 2007 at 1:20pm
You should be grateful that they are switching to 0844 numbers - the vast majority of companies that use 0870 numbers are migrating to more expensive 0871 numbers.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by derrick on Aug 11th, 2007 at 2:01pm idb wrote on Aug 3rd, 2007 at 10:53pm:
I e-mailed them yesterday, pointing out the misleading description of this number, and lo and behold they have removed the reference to "national rate". At least some people listen, even though they did not actually reply to me. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by simond001 on Aug 13th, 2007 at 11:29am GrahamH wrote on Apr 14th, 2007 at 2:45pm:
Excuse my intrusion, but the use of 0871's is to eliminate canvas calls and provide accurate feedback on volume of calls recieved per advert. I am sure anyone requesting their 10p back would get it if they asked the dealer! |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jgxenite on Aug 13th, 2007 at 11:40am
Why would anybody canvas call a BMW dealership? I'm sure as soon as they heard "Hello, BMW blah blah blah" they would be "sorry, wrong number". And are you willing to see if BMW will refund you the money from your call? Hardly likely I think.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by NGMsGhost on Aug 13th, 2007 at 12:09pm simond001 wrote on Aug 13th, 2007 at 11:29am:
So why not historically use an 0845 number and going forward an 03 number that costs no extra. Where is the need for a covert Premium Rate soon to be ICSTIS controlled 0871 number? As to suggesting they will give you your money back you know this won't happen any more that it will at an NEG's doctors surgery. The reason they use 0871 is because they want to steal money from their callers for calling them. I don't how they think this will work? Even my most mobile addicted friend who has an old O2 contract that includes 0870 numbers in bundled minutes knows never to call an 0871 number if he wants to avoid financial ruin. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Aug 13th, 2007 at 4:41pm simond001 wrote on Aug 13th, 2007 at 11:29am:
Yes, but this does not mean it has to be 0871 and it does not mean, if it is 0871, that it has to be at 10p/min. You can receive calls on 0844/5 numbers for no charge and it costs callers less than 10p/min, although more than 01/02 numbers. Did the nice salesman from the telephone company not explain this to you? ::) |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by NGMsGhost on Aug 13th, 2007 at 5:03pm Dave wrote on Aug 13th, 2007 at 4:41pm:
How do we know that NEG doen't act as its own telecoms company given the number of UK calls it now generates? If not which bunch of unprincipled so and sos is it currently in bed with? |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by simond001 on Aug 13th, 2007 at 5:13pm Dave wrote on Aug 13th, 2007 at 4:41pm:
I have learnt in the one day i have been on this forum, (and only then because one of your esteemed member decided to lie about me and misrepresent me on it) that reality has no place here. In response to your pathetically sarcastic mail above i will explain. A 0871 number can cost between 6ppm and 10ppm depending on the number range used, and the carrier can then apply to have the range rerated at a higher or lower rate. The benefit of 0871 numbers (and 0844 numbers) is that the cost of the call is the same 24/7. This means that any rebates that are paid can be applied to all calls, not just calls between 8am and 6pm (the working day as defined by BT). There is a cost involved in generating and managing NGN numbers, nothing in life is free. That may be a suprise to you but it is a reality. It also needs to be considered that these numbers have a very short life, and need to be constantly re terminated as adverts change. I also find it interesting that you have highlighted the 0871 numbers that are used in car ads, but not the 070 numbers that are also used. Either this shows a lack of understanding with the pricing structure of NGN's or you are supporting the more expensive, but less lambasted services. As a little lesson i will advise that the 070 ranges cost up to 50ppm, and some cost 50p per connection. Suddenly the 0871 at 10p or less looks like value for money. I welcome some of the cost saving benefits that sites like moneysaver.com promote, where they are a true value for consumers, and the number search side of this website (that i have used previously and promoted to my clients). I however feel that the bigotted attitude shown against anybody who tries to justify NGN's devalues the benefits that this site offers. It is a shame that you let down what is on the whole a valuable site. If anybody would like to discuss, please mail me. I do not hide behind a mask, my name is available to anyone who has the manners to use their own. I feel however that as with my offer to NGM'sghost, this will not happen as those that shout loudest, do it from the mask of the internet. S J Simmons |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by bbb_uk on Aug 13th, 2007 at 5:17pm
The last few posts were more suited on the thread specifically for NEG here and as such have been moved.
This specific post shall be removed shortly. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Aug 13th, 2007 at 6:40pm simond001 wrote on Aug 13th, 2007 at 5:13pm:
This "benefit" is the service provider's (receiving party's) and not the callers. The reason for Say No To 0870 being is because the price of a call to a UK landline should be just that. Anything above this is a premium, and that is going by the dictionary definition of the word. This means that the price of a telephone call connecting party A to party B is for just that. Putting a revenue-sharing NGN in between the caller and receiver is like charging the caller for the receiver's telephone system. This cost should be met by the receiver and this is what we stand for on here. There is a free market with telecoms. In this case, the person/party making the choice is the call receiver, but this is paid for by the caller! Therefore, there is nothing driving down the price of the service. Indeed, it's not in a NGN provider's interest to reduce the amount the caller pays, but rather, the opposite is true. Which is most probably the reason most 0871s and 0844s are at the highest pricing point permissible. simond001 wrote on Aug 13th, 2007 at 5:13pm:
I didn't ever say that telcos should provide such services (statistics, call routing etc) for free. But as I said, the cost should be met by the receiving party, else it is, by definition, a premium number. simond001 wrote on Aug 13th, 2007 at 5:13pm:
That's a problem for marketing people. The cost of changing numbers is a marketing expense and is in no way connected to the provision of telecommunications. simond001 wrote on Aug 13th, 2007 at 5:13pm:
The members of this website stand for price transparency. The technical benefits of NTS are not in doubt and that's where 03 numbers come in. However, the current use of 084/087 numbers has been built on misleading descriptions like 0845 being "local rate". To this day, telcos market these numbers to companies using these terms and those service providers incorrectly identify how much their customers pay. Coming out with the truth that this is not the case is like shutting the stable after the horse has bolted. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by trickyd on Aug 25th, 2007 at 8:10am
One for the Hall of Fame- Emap magazine Country Walking has now reverted to listing geographical Peterborough (01733) numbers instead of 0870
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by NGMsGhost on Aug 25th, 2007 at 8:15am trickyd wrote on Aug 25th, 2007 at 8:10am:
Surely they should be mentioned in a Thumbs Up to Companies Who Have Got The Message thread. Hall of Shame is confined to those adopting 084/7 numbers for the first time or switching from 0870 to 0871. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Ricardo on Aug 25th, 2007 at 10:26pm
I see that Currys have changed their numbers to 0844 both on their website and in their adverts. These are charged at 5p/min at all times. Still I suppose it's better than 0871.
Ricardo |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jgxenite on Aug 25th, 2007 at 10:44pm
PC World (unsurprisingly) have also changed to an 0844 number (in the same range as Currys).
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Tanllan on Aug 25th, 2007 at 10:45pm
But not, of course, as good as being honest and using normal, non revenue-sharing numbers.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Ricardo on Aug 25th, 2007 at 10:49pm
Let's just hope that they haven't altered the geo numbers listed for the stores on this site. Someone is going to have a great job altering all the numbers from 0870 to 0844!!
Ricardo |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by NGMsGhost on Aug 26th, 2007 at 6:45am Ricardo wrote on Aug 25th, 2007 at 10:49pm:
I'm sure this was part of all OfCoN's original deceitful plan, even though perm haired former Ofcom Competitition Director Sean Williams alleged at my November 2005 meeting at Ofcom that one of the key advantage of NTS numbers is that they were portable and businesses could keep them for life. Strange how businesses are now quite prepared to give up those so called advantages of number portability for life and all that alleged great difficulty of changing numbers if it means them hanging on to more money. ;) ::) >:( [smiley=thumbdown.gif] [smiley=thumbdown.gif] [smiley=thumbdown.gif] |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by rhubarb on Sep 4th, 2007 at 3:46pm
On 20 August 07 I sought to tell you how great you were. I had found easyJet from 087*** on 01582525001 who disposed of an error in booking in a flash. Today 04 Sept.07 all changed. Call that number and a recorded message directs one to easyJet's premium rate numbers 09*** saying the agents cannot respond to the landline number. Sharking of the worst order.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by derrick on Sep 22nd, 2007 at 12:15pm
Not sure if this belongs here, but here goes, LBC radio are using 0870 9090973 to contact the on air show, for the last couple of days the presenters have been saying the number is changing from Monday, but have not given out the new number, however looking on the website, http://www.lbc.co.uk/Article.asp?id=226022
LBC 97.3FM On-Air, it gives out a different number:- 0845 6060973, so assuming this is their new number they just do not learn! But better than using 0871 or 0844. |
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Title: BBC start using 0871 Post by Heinz on Oct 3rd, 2007 at 10:05am
And now the BBC start shifting from 0870 to 0871 - no real surprise there!
http://www.saynoto0870.com/cgi-bin/forum/YaBB.cgi?num=1191403363/0#0 |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jgxenite on Oct 3rd, 2007 at 10:41am
Actually, this is not the first time the BBC has used an 0871 number (I've discovered). If you do a search on Google for 0871 site:bbc.co.uk, it returns a whole host of 0871 number results (mainly for tickets, cinemas and air travel - no surprises there). However, one result that comes up is in relation to the Restoration program that was shown a while back. People could pledge money to "The Restoration Fund" by calling an 0871 number - details are at www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2003/09_september/11/restoration_finalvote.shtml.
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Title: Precision Print - Swansea Post by taffy812 on Oct 9th, 2007 at 11:09am
Hi,
Here is a new one, not very useful for people out of Swansea to be honest, but their excuse sucks! Just another money making scam for this company that probably does 95% of their work in this area. They have lost me as a customer anyway! By the way their real number is: 01792 414040 Precision Print & Design Rear of 1 Pentrepoeth Road Morriston Swansea SA6 6AA http://www.precisionprint.co.uk/ Dear Customer, As a result of our increasing UK-wide market and company expansion, Precision Print has a new telephone number: Tel: 0845 884 4040 Fax: 0845 884 4050 Our old number will forward to our new number for a short period of time, however please can you update your records and use our new number from this moment onwards. One other thing to note. We have a menu system in place on our new number, to enable our customers to be routed easily through to the correct department. We hope this will speed up customer waiting times and improve our level of service. |
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Title: RE: Precision Print - Swansea Post by taffy812 on Oct 9th, 2007 at 4:55pm
Hi,
Had a reply from a Peter Lewis regarding the 0845 number - he was kind enough to provide geographical number for this - so the reply to my email and number is below: Thank you for your email. Our 0845 number was setup to give us a National presence, and not to generate revenue for our company. Indeed, we turned down an 0844 number initially because we felt that we wanted the lowest possible rate for our customers. The 0845 number is mapped to the following number, so you can reach us directly on the following geographic number: 01792 349847 Best wishes Peter Lewis |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jgxenite on Oct 9th, 2007 at 5:09pm
My advice would be to write back to Peter Lewis, thank him very much for his honesty and for providing the geographic. Advise him that you don't need an NGN to establish a national presence, but if they decide to continue using the 0845 number, to give equal prominence to the geographic as to the 0845 number.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by bbb_uk on Oct 9th, 2007 at 5:20pm jgxenite wrote on Oct 9th, 2007 at 5:09pm:
Quote:
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by taffy812 on Oct 9th, 2007 at 7:13pm
Hi,
I have already done so, its nice when companies listen to customers views, something all to often missing in today's world. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by trickyd on Oct 19th, 2007 at 2:54am
>:(With respect, Mr Ghost (reply #70), there is a "Hall of Fame" section beneath the Hall of Shame. That's why I posted the entry about Country Walking magazine in this thread.
Another one for the Hall of SHAME, the National Railway Museum in York, moved from 0870 to 0844. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by idb on Oct 19th, 2007 at 10:49pm
http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1123378.php
<< Holiday Taxis abandons premium rate numbers Transfer provider Holiday Taxis is switching to a local call rate telephone code from the end of the month. The company will not use 0870 numbers from the end of October and is moving to 0844 numbers. These offer local call rates per minute from across the UK rather than premium rates aligned to 0870. The transition will be fully complete by December 1, according to the firm. The move comes ahead of the February 2008 change in charging structure for 0870 numbers by telecoms regulator Ofcom. Holiday Taxis' sales and marketing director Russell Parr claimed: "We are the first transfer company to make this move and it continues our commitment to providing quality service to the travel trade. "We want to be ahead of the game before the February change comes into play to give our trade partners time to get used to the new numbers." by Phil Davies >> |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Precision_Print on Oct 23rd, 2007 at 8:34am
Hi,
I would like to make a point on Behalf of Precision Print, whom I work for. We are indeed a Swansea based company, however in recent years we have increased our UK-wide work so that now, 80% of our work is for companies outside of Swansea. I am disappointed with taffy812`s speculative accusation that "Just another money making scam for this company that probably does 95% of their work in this area." Simply not true. Indeed, we do not make a single penny out of telephone calls made to our company. I cannot comment on what our Telephone provider makes, I suspect we are being compared here to 0870 and 0844 telephone numbers, which I think is unfair. Our telephone number change was for the following reasons. 1. We have moved to a VOIP system for our telephones. Since our old number 01792 414040 was an NTL number, we were advised that we were unable to migrate this number to our new platform because the new service provider does not have a contract with NTL to do so. The current setup of the industry means that large companies such as NTL have a monopoly over smaller companies and can choose not to release numbers to certain companies. This results in an unfair competitive advantage in localised areas. 2. Given the migration problems, we had to consider a new telephone number, and we took the opportunity to gain an 0845 number so that we would not appear to be localised in the Swansea Area. This was purely a business decision which took into account our future expansion plans throughout the UK. I take the point that we should give prominence to our alternative number, and following the comments we have received, I will be publishing the following alternative number on our website and other places where possible. 01792 349847 Thank you for your comments, and feel free to continue the discussion. We have acted in good faith in this case. Peter Lewis Precision Print |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by sherbert on Oct 23rd, 2007 at 9:18am
Well it looks if you were badly advised in the first place, as all 01, 02 & 03 numbers are free on a lot of packages and 08 numbers a'int. So anyone telephoning an 08 number is going to be rightly miffed. Also any 08 number, whether it is a 'local' call or not, costs an arm and a leg from a mobile.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Precision_Print on Oct 23rd, 2007 at 10:14am
I just wanted to clear up the fact that we`re not making money out of this, even if the Telephone companies are.
Just an update, we have published our 01 number on our website contact page. as an alternative to 0845. http://www.precisionprint.co.uk/index.php?page=contact |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by ms01 on Oct 23rd, 2007 at 10:43am sherbert wrote on Oct 23rd, 2007 at 9:18am:
Bang on! That really sums up this whole industry scam. >:( |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by beanoni on Oct 29th, 2007 at 9:28am
Add AOL to the list. This is a quote from an email received by a customer as posted at HotUKDeals:
Quote:
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Barbara on Oct 29th, 2007 at 7:27pm
In view of my latest post under National Trust (article in magazine) I think this organisation should be added to the Hall of Shame forthwith!
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by idb on Nov 12th, 2007 at 3:34pm
http://www.hardens.com/articles/article_details.php?type=blog&id=566
<< FIFTEEN JOINS THE 0871 RIP-OFF An emissary of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen N1 calls the Harden’s office. You’ve published the wrong website, she says, and the phone number’s wrong too. Well, it all depends what you mean by wrong. It does seem that the website and phone details have been changed in recent times. Quite why the website has changed – from fifteenrestaurant.com to fifteen.net is a bit of a mystery – but there it is. Why might it be, though, that the official telephone number has changed from the relatively catchy 7251 1515 – now disconnected – to 0871 330 1515? Perhaps it has something to do with the new number being one of those premium numbers, which those of us not au fait with the nuances of the telecom business refer to as a ‘rip-off’? Reference to the excellent saynoto0870.com confirms that there is an alternative number, which is 020 7702 5511, which does indeed seem to work. Those of you who think it’s outrageous to be charged for the privilege of booking a restaurant table might like to use that instead. >> |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Nov 12th, 2007 at 3:48pm Quote:
Good on Harden's for not changing either the web address or phone number. The page for Fifteen's London restaurant is here. Quote:
Perhaps the premium number is paying for the purchase of the domain fifteen.net which was presumably not available when they got the unmemorable fifteenrestaurant.com. ::) Quote:
I've moved that number to the verified list. Note how they give +44 870 for calling from abroad. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jgxenite on Nov 13th, 2007 at 9:22am
It would appear that we aren't the only country to use premium rate numbers for contact...
From http://www.fifteen.net/contact/Pages/default.aspx: Fifteen Amsterdam: 0900 343 8336 (premium rate - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_numbers_in_the_Netherlands#Overview_and_history) Fifteen Melbourne: 1300 799 415 ("local rate" - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_numbers_in_Australia#Other_non-geographic_numbers_.2800.2C_1.29) However, in those countries, the real geographic number is given as the alternative. Someone will be rolling in the cash somewhere... |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by mikeinnc on Nov 14th, 2007 at 2:45am Quote:
1300 numbers in Australia are charged at a single price regardless of the length of the call. Typically, it is 25c (which IS more than a 'local' call, which will usually cost 17c) - but local calls and calls to 1300 numbers are untimed. This means that if it is a "quick" call, it can be seen as expensive, but if you are hanging on for 40 minutes or so, the cost is quite reasonable. In addition, 1300 numbers are generally charged the same as a 'normal' call on most cell phone plans. They are expensive if VoIP is used, as many plans include all normal calls in the monthly plan cost, but continue to charge extra for a 1300 call. In addition, they are almost impossible to call from outside Australia (as I have found out!). Luckily, most organisations will happily give you a 'normal' alternative. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jimjim on Nov 18th, 2007 at 3:53pm
Probably the first of many Sky number changes, Sky Travel has changed from an 0870 number to a 0871 number.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by crabtree on Dec 7th, 2007 at 1:55pm
The SIA (Security Industries Authority) now changed from an 0870 to an 0844 number.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by analyst on Dec 21st, 2007 at 1:14pm
Just for your common interest.
I have a claim with Liverpool Victoria (Frizzell) Insurance who have referred it to Independent Inspections as assessors. They keep calling and leaving their stinking 0871 number on my answering machine to call them back. I don't call them back. Today, after 3 messages, I called LV to complain (gave them real hell actually) about this company's practices. Short version - I said if LV didn't stop using such companies they would lose my business at next annual review and mentioned that there is a petition of 21000+ others who think the same way as me (and that represents only the "few" who are so motivated to find it and do so). Told them to pass my feelings up to senior executive level. So 5 mins later, Ind Inspections calls me (as instructed to LV). So off I go on another rant now, calling them cheating, conniving, dishonest, shameful and a whole host of other words of that ilk. Strangely enough, the lady I was speaking to seemed genuinely concerned and interested in my viewpoint, but she was just the "phone girl" but she did say she'd relay it to the top. Now then, please tell me that I am not alone in making an idiot of myself in this way. I do believe if EVERY TIME we spoke to these companies (using the alternative number of course) we ranted at them and threatened to withdraw our business, it would wear them down. I am no longer satisfied with just passively using the alternative number strategy against an ever increasing heap of 0870/0871 shïte being forced upon us while the smug bar-stewards laugh their way to the bank, or Bermuda, or the Seychelles or their yacht in Monte-Carlo. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jgxenite on Dec 26th, 2007 at 6:57pm
National Express has now jumped on the 0870 -> 0871 bandwagon. Their numbers have all changed from 0870 to 0871 numbers (08717 818181 for their main contact).
See http://www.nationalexpress.com/utilities/contact.cfm for details. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jgxenite on Dec 26th, 2007 at 7:00pm
Oh, it should also be pointed out that they are lying about the cost too! It doesn't cost 7.91ppm, it costs 10ppm (probably 8ppm if you don't pay the VAT).
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Heinz on Dec 26th, 2007 at 8:04pm jgxenite wrote on Dec 26th, 2007 at 7:00pm:
No, 0871 781 xxxx are charged at g7 rate - 8.51p/minute at all times excl. VAT (10p/minute at all times incl. VAT) from a BT landline The 7.91p/minute rate they appear to be quoting is the old (un-discounted) rate for calls to 0870 numbers - so is their supplier telling them porkies? |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Dec 26th, 2007 at 8:18pm jgxenite wrote on Dec 26th, 2007 at 6:57pm:
I have updated the database entries and added National Express to the hall of shame. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Dec 26th, 2007 at 8:35pm
Kwik Fit centres now have 0871 numbers listed on BT Phone Book which presumably replaces the 0870s. The geographicals have always been shown on the website and still are shown.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jgxenite on Dec 26th, 2007 at 10:11pm
Apart from the revenue aspect (obviously!) it seems logistically much more work to have 0871 numbers only listed in the phone book for Kwik Fit centres, and then have the geographics on the website. Why not just use the geographics for all?
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Title: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers.Tiscali Post by moneysavin on Dec 27th, 2007 at 12:26am
I notice Tiscali Customer Service have switched from 0870 to 0871 .
They are also using 0845 for cancellations which they claim is a local call. See: http://www.tiscali.co.uk/aboutus/contact/contact-details.html |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jimjim on Dec 30th, 2007 at 4:58pm
TV licence has changed from 0870 to 0844 .
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jgxenite on Dec 30th, 2007 at 6:13pm jimjim wrote on Dec 30th, 2007 at 4:58pm:
Well, I can't say I'm surprised that Capita wouldn't give up their NGNs, but at least they have opted for lower cost NGNs (rather than 0871s). However, they are still a rip off to call! |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by irritated on Jan 9th, 2008 at 10:37pm
When I logged in to Alliance & Leicester today they proudly announced a change from 0845 to 0844 for telephone banking. That still makes it impossibly expensive from a mobile phone. Add to hall of shame please.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Jan 9th, 2008 at 10:48pm irritated wrote on Jan 9th, 2008 at 10:37pm:
Alliance & Leicester are well known rip-off merchants when it comes to 0870 et al numbers. See this thread: http://www.saynoto0870.com/cgi-bin/forum/YaBB.cgi?num=1105813121 |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Keith on Jan 10th, 2008 at 2:43pm
I went on to the A&L web site. Not only are all the numbers 08xx but there isn't an email address for contact.
I called A&L Head office on 0116 201 1000 and pointed out that i wanted to open an account and substantial deposit but I won't do so unless I can contact them easily. The person I spoke to went away and came back and said write in. I pointed out that instead of writing in I, like everyone else, in such a position won't write in but simply go elsewhere. People can't be bothered with this. It was suggested I visit a branch. I gave the same reply which was if I can't sort it out now I simply will go elsewhere to deposit my money. I want to do this online or on the phone. I was then put through to Global Customer Services. I told them the story and pointed out that if I was using my mobile this call would now have cost me £6 and therefore I'm not going to transfer my money to an account that will lose me this amount of money. I was told that the issue would be escalated and that if I wished to be put through to the appropariate department to call the HO number 0116 201 1000. This final instruction seems contary to that reported on here before so it would be interesting to hear if any existing customers have success with this. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by beanoni on Mar 6th, 2008 at 10:54am
From Betfair today:
Quote:
(my emphasis) Scumbags! |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jimjim on Mar 24th, 2008 at 7:46pm
Two more for the list, both computer related
Dell - 0844-4444699 Was 0870 Mesh - 0844-360440 was 0870 Funny, I seem to remember companies complaining about changing numbers, cost, inconvenience etc but when there was a chance that they would loose their revenue share, no problem ::) |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by reggie on Mar 26th, 2008 at 11:59am
I don't whther this has already been posted but I discovered today that Standard Life Healthcare no longer answer on any of the geographic numbers listed or if they do answer a machine directs you to the 0845 number!
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by blutak on Apr 9th, 2008 at 9:48am
"Airmiles" travel company have changed from 0870 to 0844 numbers. The Geographic numbers listed against 0870 still work.
I telephoned them last night at 18:10 on BT 'free evening call to Geographic numbers' tariff. The call lasted 27 minutes: the ticket agent offered to call me back after I mentioned the cost of the call using the 0844 number. Thanks for saving me pounds! |
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Title: Hall of fame Post by Dave on Apr 11th, 2008 at 10:32pm
Relate has switched from 0845, which it described http://www.relate.org.uk/aboutus/contactus/]until recently[/url] as "lo-call" to a 0300 number. This proves that charities can change and stand to any costs of 03xx numbers, so why do corporates not do the same?
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by evilmcwoo on Apr 14th, 2008 at 6:12pm
A big Boo and a bigger Hiss to E.ON, who are currently changing all of their customer telephone numbers (apart from sales, funnily enough) from 0800s to 0845s due to 'customer demand' (quite where they got this from I do not know). 01268652100 is still the number I would recommend you use to call them, any changes and I will let you know.
All freephone numbers are still in use, until one day when a recorded message will play offering the 0845 numbers. No specific date for this though. Information on this to follow: "Customer Service telephone numbers move to 0845 From Monday 4 February 2008 we started to change our 0800 (free phone) numbers to 0845 (lo-call rate) numbers for handling customer enquiries. We’ll continue to operate our 0800 (free phone) numbers for acquiring new customers. Research has shown that a freephone number is not a service valued by our customers. Many of our customers don’t call us at all, so the majority are subsidising the high cost which is several £million of providing this service. The practice of 0800 sales and 0845 servicing numbers is widespread across the energy sector and more broadly across customer service organisations. We’re also changing our opening hours to Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 8am to 6pm and closed on Sundays. Currently we receive around 7% of our inbound customer service calls outside of these hours. By changing our opening hours we’ll be able to provide a better level of service at the times when the majority of our customers want to talk to us. Many colleagues within Customer Service will also benefit from the change and see an improvement in their work life balance as they will have more time available at weekends to spend with their family and friends." 'LO-CALL'... Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooo |
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Title: Re: Hall of fame Post by NGMsGhost on Apr 15th, 2008 at 5:37pm Dave wrote on Apr 11th, 2008 at 10:32pm:
Surely this isn't a Hall of Shame post though Dave but a "congratulations for seeing the light" posting? The difference is surely that Relate actually genuinely want to help the people who call them and don't want to put any obstacles in the way of callers whereas the other customer service departments we are actually talking about don't want their customers to contact them at all. ;) >:( |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by toomanysues on Jun 7th, 2008 at 4:06pm
i recently found that BT have changed all its 0845 number to 0800 free phone numbers good for them
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by NGMsGhost on Jun 7th, 2008 at 4:43pm toomanysues wrote on Jun 7th, 2008 at 4:06pm:
But unfortunately BT still appears to be earning hundreds of millions a year in revenue share from all the unsuitable 084 and 087 numbers their NGN number vending division has sold to almost everyone else through a plethora of outrageous lies about the cost of calls to these numbers by the consumer. One of the most atrocious examples is the sale of an entirely unsuitable 0845 number to NHS Direct by BT Global Services. :o >:( |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by AP on Jul 27th, 2008 at 11:19am
Capital One - The freephone number 0800 9525150 is no longer working. There is a message telling you to ring 0845 8400400.
Please add Capital One to Hall of Shame From Freephone to 0845. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Jul 27th, 2008 at 1:47pm AP wrote on Jul 27th, 2008 at 11:19am:
Thanks. I've removed this 0800 number and replaced it with one of the other freephone numbers which was shown as an extra number. I've also added Capital One to the Hall of Shame. Also note that Capital One lies about 0845 supposedly being "local rate" on its contact page. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by derrick on Jul 28th, 2008 at 10:57am Dave wrote on Jul 27th, 2008 at 1:47pm:
I am in the middle of complaining to them about this, they also make the same claim on their monthly bills, I am waiting for a call from someone at Corporate affairs, as I have already emailed the vice president and he has passed my emails on |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Aug 12th, 2008 at 5:07pm
I am in the process of redoing hall of fame and hall of shame.
I think it will be useful to keep the public and private sector separate so it will be easy to see which public sector organisations are good and which are bad. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by irrelevant on Sep 9th, 2009 at 5:55pm
One for the hall of shame. Quality Repair Centres, owned by RSA, have moved from 0870 to 0844 numbers. I've been trying to find the Stockport one with no success so far. (0844 544 4123 from 0870 067 0760.)
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Sep 9th, 2009 at 9:13pm
The courier firm City Link has earned its place in the Hall of Shame as it is changing its number from 08700 007 007 to 08444 930 930.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by derrick on Sep 10th, 2009 at 10:19am
Yep, notice how they are all keeping their greedy snouts in the revenue sharing trough! And how a while back companies like these said one of the reasons they could not change from 0845/0870 numbers was the cost!
Funny how the cost doesn't matter when the 0870 stopped revenue sharing! |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by kasg on Sep 10th, 2009 at 11:51am Dave wrote on Sep 9th, 2009 at 9:13pm:
Bizarre. I should have thought that the value of a number like 08700 007 007 would exceed its cost. Highly memorable and cheaper for most customers to call. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by derrick on Sep 10th, 2009 at 1:06pm kasg wrote on Sep 10th, 2009 at 11:51am:
A company like this will receive hundreds of calls per day, 0870 numbers now cost the recipient a charge, whereas 0844 cost the caller a premium and the recipient gets a cut, (revenue share), of each and every call, companies like this, using premium rate revenue sharing numbers, do not care about their customers, hence why they use this type of number! |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by mert on Feb 5th, 2010 at 10:27am
You don't mention Flybe. They have 0871 numbers charged at 10p per minute. As you have to hold on for at least 20 minutes (I have had to wait 50 minutes to change a flight) this mounts up. I tried using the numbers listed on "Saynoto0870" (01392 268529 for instance) only to get the same recorded announcement saying calls would be charged at 10p per minute. How can they do this with an 01 number?
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by jgxenite on Feb 5th, 2010 at 10:34am
Welcome to the forum Mert. While the recording may say it is costing 10p a minute to call the 01 number, this is not the case - the call can only be charged at the price you pay for 01/02/03 numbers (which may be inclusive of your phone bill). The recording will be aimed at those using the 0871 number.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Feb 5th, 2010 at 10:39am mert wrote on Feb 5th, 2010 at 10:27am:
This "Hall of Shame" is intended for companies changing their numbers and I don't know what Flybe used to use. I know that a number of the airlines, including the folded FlyGlobespan use(d) 0871 numbers. On the subject of the message about being charged at 10 pence per minute, don't worry about that; you will be charged as per a call to a geographic number. What happens is the 0871 points (or diverts if you like) to a geographic number. That number has the recording on of the call rate so when you ring the 0871 number, it tells you the cost. So if you ring it directly, you will still hear the message even though it doesn't actually apply. The fact that it does tell you the price suggests strongly that it gets to the same place as ringing the 0871 number, which is what listing the alternative is about. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by mert on Feb 5th, 2010 at 11:58am
Thanks jgexenite and Dave for your replies. That's a relief - and thanks also to "Sayno" as always for supplying the alternative numbers!
Just as an aside: Flybe ought to be on some Hall of Shame (even if not yours) because they also charge £6 to pay by DEBIT card (on top of their change-a-flight fee)! |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Tolkny on Mar 31st, 2010 at 6:54pm
Hall of Shame, http://www.leytonorient.com/page/ContactsDirectory/0,,10439,00.html Became 0871 from 02089261010(Office) and 02089261111(tickets) I have a sense that calls to the 0871 numbers are answered first!
They made this change several years ago. I am sure there are many more organisations deserving of a mention here! |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Jun 7th, 2010 at 2:36pm
Maplin Electronics has long charged customers a premium to ring up its head office for customer services and orders. It has now given its branches 0843 numbers. :-X
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by CJT-80 on Jun 7th, 2010 at 8:46pm
Dave, nothing surprises me... I need to return something to the, so will be voicing my opinion to them!
On a side note, does any one know if there was a "ruling" about calling 084 numbers Local Rate? Cheers, |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by derrick on Jun 8th, 2010 at 9:14am CJT-80 wrote on Jun 7th, 2010 at 8:46pm:
It is an offence under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 (partIII), Misleading Price Indications. some examples of the ASA informing companies not to describe them as such;- http://www.asa.org.uk/asa/adjudications/non_broadcast/Adjudication+Details.htm?adjudication_id=40724 http://www.asa.org.uk/asa/adjudications/Public/TF_ADJ_43684.htm The following are from East Suffolk TS, read under "Law and Penalties" http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/735C4641-4E0A-48DA-BA19-8A5007CE0AB6/0 /BSN0800numbers.pdf http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/business/tradingstandards/detail.aspx?ref=180805&date=01/03/2007%2000:00:00 And one from Hereford TS;- http://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/business/trading_standards/detail.aspx?id=180805&classification=Eng;Busi;Adv;FT |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by CJT-80 on Jun 8th, 2010 at 10:15am
Thanks Derrick,
Ironically East Sussex (the link you provided for them) is my local MAIN council. I will have a look into it :-) |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by CJT-80 on Jun 8th, 2010 at 10:30am
Just to advise I have put a number on relating to Maplin Electronics Eastboune
0843 227 7416 - 01323 507157 |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Jun 8th, 2010 at 1:40pm CJT-80 wrote on Jun 8th, 2010 at 10:30am:
Thanks. I've verified this entry. :) |
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Title: 0844 is a "free" number!! Post by blutak on Jan 19th, 2011 at 8:58pm
St. Modwen property developers trading as Wembley Central (www.wembley-central.co.uk) publicise their sales telephone number for their new development in Wembley High Road as 0844 371 1301 I spoke to their sales manager who was adamant that this was a "free" number to callers. She denied that it was a Revenue Share. How do I counter this argument?
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Title: Re: 0844 is a "free" number!! Post by CJT-80 on Jan 19th, 2011 at 10:31pm blutak wrote on Jan 19th, 2011 at 8:58pm:
Welcome to SayNoTo0870.com, Who is your current telephone provider and it is a mobile or landline? Whoever it is, should have a copy of their current price list for "non geographic" numbers which 0844 is, and you can direct him to this. Should point him squarely in the right direction, ;D |
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Title: Re: 0844 is a "free" number!! Post by sherbert on Jan 20th, 2011 at 8:42am blutak wrote on Jan 19th, 2011 at 8:58pm:
Report them to the trading standards officer or the Advertising Standards Authority |
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Title: Re: 0844 is a "free" number!! Post by Heinz on Jan 20th, 2011 at 12:30pm sherbert wrote on Jan 20th, 2011 at 8:42am:
The website doesn't make that ridiculous claim so, regardless of what the ignorant sales manager said, neither will do anything. |
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Title: 0844 is a "free" number!! Post by blutak on Jan 20th, 2011 at 3:11pm
Thank you, Heinz, for your reply. Unfortunately you are correct: Trading Standards are powerless in this case because no call cost was stated in writing. I am contacting Brent Council (who are partners in the development) to take the matter further.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by CJT-80 on Jan 20th, 2011 at 10:24pm Dave wrote on Jun 7th, 2010 at 2:36pm:
Dave I have recently "e-mailed" Maplin over it's incorrect statement regarding calls costs to it's 0844 head office number, which it states are "local rate" - here I have also asked them for an explanation as to why they have changed all their store numbers to 0843. I am awaiting a response. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by derrick on Jan 28th, 2011 at 4:55pm CJT-80 wrote on Jan 20th, 2011 at 10:24pm:
I also emailed them pointing out the error and informing if they did not change the wording I would report them. They responded 3 days later with;- " Thank you for your email i apologise for the delay in replying to you. I apologise as it seems the information is incorrectly stated on our website, i have passed the information over to our web team to amend where necessary. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have anymore queries. Kind Regards Mrs Jamie Parker Customer Care Department Maplin Electronics Ltd " I emailed on the 21st, and as of today they have changed the wording so as to remove the "Local Rate" term, although no explanation as to why they have changed the numbers! But we know why don't we |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by CJT-80 on Jan 28th, 2011 at 9:49pm derrick wrote on Jan 28th, 2011 at 4:55pm:
Nice to see you got a response, I am still waiting. I voted with my feet anyway, I shop else where! :) |
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Title: eXpansys joins the Hall of Shame Post by Dave on Mar 7th, 2011 at 12:01am
I am disappointed to have to report that online retailer eXpansys has decided to jump on the 0845 bandwagon, after having published a 0161 number for many years.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by CJT-80 on Mar 17th, 2011 at 7:01pm
I am disapointed to see Ink2U has changed from a geo number to an 0844 number having moved premises.
I have e-mailed them to voice my discust. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Mar 17th, 2011 at 7:03pm CJT-80 wrote on Mar 17th, 2011 at 7:01pm:
...and they say 0844 is "local rate"... ::) |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by CJT-80 on Mar 17th, 2011 at 7:09pm Dave wrote on Mar 17th, 2011 at 7:03pm:
Yup I have pointed that out as well ! :-( |
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Title: SIKKENS Post by derrick on Mar 18th, 2011 at 9:37am
Sikkens are changing from 0800 052 2121, to 0844 4817818, this message is said when calling the 0800 number but there is no time scale.
. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by blutak on Mar 23rd, 2011 at 8:00pm
At the beginning of January AA Car Insurance changed their customer service helpline from a 0800 number to 0844 412 4684. The Policy Renewal number also changed to 0844 412 4622. Nowhere in the literature is shown the cost of the call.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by sergeant121 on Mar 24th, 2011 at 10:12am blutak wrote on Mar 23rd, 2011 at 8:00pm:
0844 412 xxxx numbers are g6 rate, the most expensive 0844 numbers (surprise, surprise), and cost 5.105p/minute to call (at all times) from a BT residential landline. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by japitts on Mar 25th, 2011 at 1:57pm
Just checking through the "contact us" section of AA:
Quite a few of the breakdown numbers still have 0800 & 01x, but then an 084x to call from mobiles. Que? Breakdown cover for existing members - 0843 or 0161. <Rhetorical question> Are the AA trying to introduce some 084x numbers "on the sly" and "test the water" of what reaction/complaints they get? </Rhetorical question> We've got AA breakdown cover, and have been quite pleased with their service compared with rival firms. I've used their 0800 number via the 020 call-through, and the 0121 number... I can't understand why an orgnisation that upto now has been "better than most" where their phone numbers are concerned, is now going down this route. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Mar 25th, 2011 at 2:08pm japitts wrote on Mar 25th, 2011 at 1:57pm:
That is for Member/Customer Services and previously used a 0870 number. This is the first time I have seen this 0843 number and I've added it to the database. Interestingly, there are a couple of 0800 numbers for Member Services which find there way onto renewal notices. Calling either 0800, 0161, 0843 or 0870 number goes through to the same IVR. japitts wrote on Mar 25th, 2011 at 1:57pm:
The emergency breakdown number is still 0800 887766 or 0121 275 3746. Yet it says "From mobile phones: 0844 873 0087"... ::) |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by blutak on Apr 7th, 2011 at 6:29pm
The majority of ticket issuing offices at central London theatres have migrated to the 0844 gravy train (e.g., Apollo Hammersmith 08448444748, the O2 arena 08448560202, South Bank centre 08448479910). Is this a way to claim "no booking fee"? >:(
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Apr 7th, 2011 at 6:41pm blutak wrote on Apr 7th, 2011 at 6:29pm:
I think one of the main explanations for this is that they are using outsourced providers such as Ticketmasters and See Tickets, as opposed to getting 0844 numbers for their own local box office. Evidently they do not stipulate as part of the contract that customers should not have to ring a Service Charging or premium number. |
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Title: Automobile Association "TheAA" Post by blutak on Apr 18th, 2011 at 3:04pm
Further to my posts above, I have had protracted correspondence with The AA's CEO's office. At first they tried to fob me off with the usual excuses about using 0844 numbers, then they stated that had they not used Revenue Share, it would have led to "severe consequences". They had considered the use of 0300 numbers, but it was a "Business Decision" to use 0844.
Another case of "rip-off Britain". Needless to say, I will not be dealing with them again. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Nita on May 15th, 2011 at 2:48pm
I note that TFL Transport for London has changed from the 0207 number to an 0843 number they say it costs 5p pe minute from a BT land line, they don't mention tthe call set up fee of 12 and a half pence nor do they say what it costs from a mobile. Given that one often needs info while out and about given the frequent disruptions to service this is a very unfair charge. Should we email Boris ?
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on May 15th, 2011 at 4:11pm Nita wrote on May 15th, 2011 at 2:48pm:
There is an extensive thread in the Government and Public Sector area of the forum about TfL's decision to switch to a premium number. |
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Title: Insure.co.uk added to Hall of Shame Post by Dave on Jun 8th, 2011 at 7:34pm
Insure.co.uk's contact page now lists 0844 879 3015 for contact regarding car, van, home and motorbike policies. Google cached it a couple of days ago with 0800 numbers on and they now redirect to the new rip-off numbers.
The help page still shows those 0800 numbers. |
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Title: Re: Automobile Association "TheAA" Post by speedy on Sep 17th, 2011 at 3:45pm blutak wrote on Apr 18th, 2011 at 3:04pm:
Of course it was a Business Decision bluetak - the AA as we used to know it is being asset stripped by several private equity firms - 3 firms I think to date although I have just heard that it has been sold again very recently - also their Insurance run by Saga since 2007 is through their Call Centre which is not Dedicated but manned by Temp. Agency staff who wouldnt know one end of a policy from the other - All this was inside info. I once did 2 days at an unrelated Call Centre and was given a script and list of Products of which I knew nothing and told to get on with it - because I felt I couldnt be the sort of help I wanted to be I asked the Agency to withdraw me, which they did after admiting they had to withdraw several other people for the same reason, so we cant entirely blame the people on the end of the Phone. Incidently I have just last Friday the 16th left AA after 60 years of Family involvement because of their 0844 Breakdown Number and have sent a very strong email pointing this out on their Complaints Section also saying that I Dare Them to Reply I also pointed out that Members were leaving in droves and stating AA would be dead in 3 years - so far I have had an auto out of office from the Holding Company and will update this post if and when I get a proper reply. If bluetak had protracted corresp. I wouldnt hold my breath - or we might not be around to see it ::) |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by trickyd on May 21st, 2012 at 12:59pm
Bridgewater Hall Manchester has changed its box office number from 0161 907 9000 to 0844 907 9000. I rang the switchboard (still an 0161 number but no access to box office) - first person came up with the scripted "it's the standard rate" and when I protested the chap said it was changed to "provide a better service and more features". He did not know why an 03 number had not been used instead. Also, he could not say who had made the decision to make the change, but said it was the company that owned the Bridgewater, which is SMG Europe Holdings Limited http://www.smg-europe.com/, a supposedly "independent charitable trust" who also run London's Barbican and some other venues. I was invited to register a complaint, which I shall do. I would urge others to do so. The Bridgewater was part funded by Manchester City Council (i.e. mine and others' council tax). The venue charges hefty booking and postage fees (compare, say The Brindley at Runcorn or Preston's Guild Hall) so I object to this stealth tax.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on May 21st, 2012 at 1:07pm trickyd wrote on May 21st, 2012 at 12:59pm:
Thanks trickyd. I've added this to the Hall of Shame. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by speedy on Jun 5th, 2012 at 1:29am
On 2nd June I was going to phone Carphone Warehouse to ask a question - looked up my nearby store's number in 2012/13 local phonebook - this was 0870 XXXXXX - this was answered by a short message saying this number has changed Please redial using 0843 XXXXXX - the rest of the number was the same only the 0870 had changed to 0843 and so will the cost and now not included in my BT Anytime Plan. >:(
I presume this hold true for all their Branches as they were all prefixed 0870 in the new Phonebook. >:( Needless to say I didnt phone them, I got the bus into Dartford and went to a T-Mobile Shop and got the answer to my question, and had a quick walk round the shops and got a few bargains - so had a good day thanks to Carphone Warehouse greed !!!!! ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by SilentCallsVictim on Jun 5th, 2012 at 8:12am speedy wrote on Jun 5th, 2012 at 1:29am:
This is a very sensible move by the Carphone Warehouse Group, which uses its own (Talk Talk) 0870 and 0843 numbers. Since 1 August 2009 it has ceased to benefit from inflated termination rates on calls to the 0870 numbers, even though many callers continue to pay premium rates. Its stores have indeed now switched to type g6 0843 numbers which provide the highest termination rates available without being subject to "Premium Rate Service" designation and regulation. Where a telephone network provider is using its own 084 numbers, this is not simply subsidy of external costs, but direct revenue at the expense of callers. This is more "shameful" than is the case for most of those listed in this thread. It may be noted that Carphone Warehouse Group is the provider of 82% of the 084 numbers used by NHS GPs in the UK (97% of the 0844's). Where call cost information for 0843 numbers is provided on the Carphone Warehouse website (for mobile phone networks - not its own stores) it is as follows: Quote:
I would be interested to hear a justification for use of the word "may" in this context. It is true to say that telcos will have lots of information about their services - but not one of them will be able to advise that calls to 0843 numbers are free, on any call plan. speedy wrote on Jun 5th, 2012 at 1:29am:
Were it not for the fact that a personal visit is worthwhile, one can call T-Mobile on 0845 412 5000 - this is "charged at local rate" (see Phone Us). According to the T-Mobile Check a Call Cost page, its "local rate" is 40p per minute for pre-pay and 33.3p per minute for post-pay. The T-Mobile Dartford store has a geographical number. Somewhat surprisingly, it is cheaper than "local rate" to call this, or indeed the store serving Dartmouth, from anywhere in the UK! As the other high street presence of "Everything Everywhere", one may also look at the Orange shops - which have 0845 numbers. I think it may be truer to say that they are "all over the place"! |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by speedy on Jun 8th, 2012 at 11:59pm
I was going to Dartford on another errand and had been dialing the geo. T-Mobile number from the same book all the previous day but it was just ringing - so we wondered if it was still live and I said I would have a look for her as I passed.
It was still Open and when I told how I had been dialing all the day before - It turns out that they had been closed for Refit and the previous day had been receiving stock at the back and couldn't or wouldm't hear the phone. anyway question answered and substitute sorted - job done. ;D Just to make a point I went into the Carphone Warehouse opposite and told them that I wouldn't be phoning them ever again because of their 0843 new number and that I had my question answered at T- Mobile -didnt tell them it was a T-Mobile query anyway ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Jun 22nd, 2012 at 4:43pm
Discussion about Co-operative Bank's shameful move from 0845 numbers to 0844 numbers has been split off from this thread and can now be found here.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by CJT-80 on May 9th, 2013 at 9:45pm jgxenite wrote on Nov 13th, 2007 at 9:22am:
Any update on this, having noticed the Hall of Shame, and clicking on the entry for Fifteen Restaurant it now appears to have a UK 020 contact number. See: http://www.fifteen.net/ and click Contact :) |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on May 10th, 2013 at 7:28pm CJT-80 wrote on May 9th, 2013 at 9:45pm:
Thanks for pointing this out. I've removed the entry from our Hall of Shame and added the 020 number to the database. |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by CJT-80 on May 11th, 2013 at 5:05pm
No problem Dave,
I was a bit bored, and was looking through them.. and spotted that.. At least Fifteen have decided to ditch the overly expensive "premium" rate number. :) |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by rfctabs on Aug 14th, 2013 at 11:00am britters191 wrote on May 22nd, 2007 at 10:02am:
I have obtained my own 0844 number and have it pointing to my home number. If I ever find a company that doesn't have or give an alternative to a non-geographic, I give them my 0844 as a contact for me. ;) Does that make me as bad as them? I don't know, but it sure makes me feel goooood! |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by Dave on Sep 5th, 2013 at 2:26pm
Off-Topic replies have been moved to this Topic.
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by trickyd on Aug 20th, 2014 at 7:19pm
The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester has happily reverted to its 0161 number. :)
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by CJT-80 on Aug 27th, 2014 at 10:44am trickyd wrote on Aug 20th, 2014 at 7:19pm:
Thanks Tricky D, I have updated the database :) :) |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by isdoo on Sep 27th, 2014 at 1:01pm
Quite surprised that British Airways (BA) still list 0844 numbers
https://www.britishairways.com/travel/ctclist/execclub/en_gb/_gf/About_Country=GB :( |
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Title: Re: Hall of Shame: Companies changing numbers Post by CJT-80 on Aug 22nd, 2022 at 12:00pm isdoo wrote on Sep 27th, 2014 at 1:01pm:
Hi isdoo As far as I can see from the link provided they are ALL 0344 numbers. Can you specify which wasn an 0844? |
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