As of 1st July Ntl broadband free call 151 for NTL users (for enquiries re, broadband, tv, phone problems etc) is being changed to  0906 212 1111 and will be charged at 25p per minute + 10p connection fee.  Checked for geographical numbers.  None listed.  This will be costly if trying to fix a problem via phone.  Incidently these calls are being connected to India.

Virgin Media have taken over NTL and are over charging.  
Please can any one give a geographical number for this.

Many thanks

Naz :-[

I might be wrong, but I think that the 151 call from the virgin phone will still be free, but to ring it from another network, as you would do if your virgin phone went down, would have these new costs applied.

To very nice man

Thanks for that.  I'm an NTL customer which is now Virgin Media, today, the voicemail stated these costs will take effect as of 1/7/07.
 
Naz

Having recently had to use the Telewest / Virgin help, and the the subsequent complaint to a customer service rep based over here, it would appear that the broadband tech help is being outsourced to IBM who have sent it to the home of the chicken korma to a bunch of script readers and button pushers who "understand" but then insist on you rephrasing the problem to match their script.

I had a problem with my modem, and it took about 10 mins to explain to the guy and get him to realise what lights were / not flashing, and the fact that I had already done all the usual config/ reboot/ power off option.
He then arranged for an engineer to call for 3 days later. It sorted itself out later. Cancelled the engineer with another script reader, only to get a call while I was out from an english girl to say the engineer was outside waiting to fix my modem.

Customer service now sucks.

AND ONCE AGAIN RICHARD B.......WHERE'S MY 20Mb SERVICE THAT I WAS PROMISED?

Mentioned here:   http://www.saynoto0870.com/cgi-bin/forum/YaBB.cgi?num=1182559654

I've just phoned 150 and they say the charges apply to broadband only, tv queries etc are still 150, but how long will that last? The broadband charges are extortionate.

Bollocks to that, if I ever have a problem with my VM service I'll just ring up the main VM Customer Services number (as listed on here) and detail my problem - and if they ask me to ring another number I'll simply say "no, put me through to the broadband support department" (I believe it's extension 156 from reading on either the cableforum.co.uk or cablehell.co.uk forums).


Paying through the nose (only have a mobile) for support on a product which, if it ever goes wrong, is most likely faulty from their own inaction? I don't think so!

christopher wrote on Jun 25^th, 2007 at 3:50pm:

..if I ever have a problem with my VM service I'll just ring up the main VM Customer Services number (as listed on here) and detail my problem - and if they ask me to ring another number I'll simply say "no, put me through to the broadband support department"...

You will no longer be able to do that apparently.  All other departments within VM have been told not to transfer any bb related calls through and insist customers ring their new 0906 number.  It's been rumoured that other VM departments don't even know the number themselves which if that is true then that means bb tech support have (or will) change their geographical numbers as well to prevent staff been pressured into transferring call to bb tech support.

I doubt VM would do this as the cost would be significant but if they have (or do) then I believe that shows how bad c/s, tech support and VM in general have gotten lately.

Today I have contacted Ofcom (tel: 020 7981 3000) to complain about the Virgin Broadband contact no. being 09
They tell me that they would "frown upon it"  if that is the only number available for this service .
They also say that the usual charge for 09 no's is £1.50 per minute.

Maybe , if enough people contact Ofcom , they will look into it .

Which company would you recommend ?

To add to this .

I contacted VM Customer Service and they have agreed to send me a letter stating that the only way to contact Virgin Broadband is 0906 212 11 11 . There is no other number .

At present , the 151 number is still free and will connect you to all other departments .

151 is the faults line for most of the services, but with broadband bring the most enquired about, they wont just pass you through anymore. Now the 090 whatever number is 25p a minute, 10p connection, however, I do now have proof that they will reimburse all charges at the end of the call, IF, the fault is VirginMedia's. I know this because I have suddenly hit a problem with my modem (which has been on for about 6 years with no problems).

I do frown upon dialing the 09 number, but I praise the idea that they will refund straight away if the fault is indeed theirs. Maybe not the best tactic, but still it should keep away the time wasters and the stupid. Oh and the call is answered within half a ring.

nutellajunkie wrote on Jul 31^st, 2007 at 2:49pm:

I do frown upon dialing the 09 number, but I praise the idea that they will refund straight away if the fault is indeed theirs. Maybe not the best tactic, but still it should keep away the time wasters and the stupid. Oh and the call is answered within half a ring.

What happens if you have 09 calls barred on your line?

Rip-off Rip-off Rip-off! in other words its another scam, we get scamed by every company that exists in this country, its like the mafia.  >:( >:( >:(

The 0906 number is the only number for Broadband Support.  The other departments will not give out any other number and will not transfer calls.  If premium rate numbers are blocked then you are totally stuffed (their customer care term, not mine).

There are two options to keep the cost down:
First, the helpline will refund the cost of the call if the fault is theirs and you have a VM phone line.
Second, if you give them a number they will call you back.

I do not have a VM phone, having dumped phone and TV recently, so they have promised (!) to deduct the cost from the line rental.

I agree that the "technical" help is useless.  I work in the industry so I understand a bit.  I read the event log from the modem to the guy on the other end and explained that the network (server) was blocking the modem.  the response: "turn off the modem, router and PC....".  On the third call they agreed to send an engineer, but not for 4 days.  On the fourth call I talked the guy through which server was playing up and he cured the problem 30 seconds later.

Total duration 12 hours, with 75 minutes on the premium rate service.

Line speed (on XL) varies between 30MB (midnight) and 350KB (5pm), mostly around 5-10MB.

brian0 wrote on Aug 8^th, 2007 at 1:13pm:

I work in the industry so I understand a bit.   .

Hello brian0 and welcome to SAYNOTO......

As you are in the "industry" could I ask you a slightly technical question ----  Does an NGN , 0845 in particular, always point to a single geographic number?    
Is it possible for an 0845 to point to several geo numbers and route a call to whichever geo line is free?  
If there are many calls coming in to an 0845 where is the queue held/managed?
Do 0844, 0870, 0871 all work in the same way as 0845 or are there any differences?

Oops, more than one question.  It would be most helpful if you could throw some light on this for us, thanks.

I had my computer repaired, then couldn't get online.  I didn't realise that the repairer had done something which needed undoing.  the first time we rang the tech help a woman in India spent ages asking Qs and then couldn't help us.  next time I insisted on speaking to a supervisor, he told me exactly what to do, apologised for the lack of help and refunded (or promised to refund) the cost of the 2nd call (which was shorter than the 1st one but hey you can't have everything)  

Always worth asking to speak to the boss.  

Pally

There is an entry in the database saying that if you call 0800 0521435 it will put you through to technical support. Can anyone verify this?

Just tried it. It asks for "your PIN number" so I entered by broadband PIN and it said it was incorrect. So either this line isn't for broadband (perhaps it's voicemail or TV, which both have separete PINs - I don't use either service so can't test) or otherwise it could be some sort of activation line for new broadband customers (I think the PIN is needed to activate).

nutellajunkie wrote on Jul 31^st, 2007 at 2:49pm:

151 is the faults line for most of the services, but with broadband bring the most enquired about, they wont just pass you through anymore. Now the 090 whatever number is 25p a minute, 10p connection, however, I do now have proof that they will reimburse all charges at the end of the call, IF, the fault is VirginMedia's. I know this because I have suddenly hit a problem with my modem (which has been on for about 6 years with no problems). I do frown upon dialing the 09 number, but I praise the idea that they will refund straight away if the fault is indeed theirs. Maybe not the best tactic, but still it should keep away the time wasters and the stupid. Oh and the call is answered within half a ring.

Sorry 'bout that last post PPl, went the wrong way.
Yes...... I did find a similar response to the question of VM, & if the problem was INDEED theirs then we do get a refund.It would be nice tho, if it was made more clear to all of us, newbie or veteran do you not agree?
:)

Had a problem connecting this morning. Went through all the usual fixes and then read this forum thread before calling. Spoke to a good guy based in Swansea and explained I know the drill (power off router and PC, wait for 2 mins restart router and reboot PC). He tested the modem remotely found a hardware issue and organised a service engineer visit and refunded me a bit more than the call costed  :) He told me that he had resigned rather than becoming part of the IBM support team that Virgin had outsourced their business to. Felt he would be prevented from giving good customer service.

However I think that if you approach the call correctly eg. stating that non-fault calls are refundable, you stand a good chance of getting any charges back.
Also they have a freephone status line for known service affecting issues should you have no connectivity at all (0800 5610061).

In all honesty this call went pretty well.

:)

Hi I am not in the industry but I have researched 08 numbers and my findings were as follows

1) 08 numbers can use call routing this will enable the 08 number to connect to the next free STD number as far as I am aware there is not limit to how many std numbers used

2) If all lines are in use and the number cannot be routed the caller will hear an engaged tone.

I hope this helps, I am only aware of this because we use an 0845 number some years ago.






 

I know there is probably a logical answer to this!

In regard to 0906 numbers are they sat on an 01/02 the same as 08 numbers.

If this is the case and 08 alternative numbers can be obtained why can't 09 alternative numbers be obtained.

I have spent over two hours on the phone with these chancers today, and this is not the first time. The operaters, who seem to have limited English, ask the same questions over and over trying to push up the cost of the calls. The refuse to help and refuse to put you through to a manager or supervisor. The 0800 numbers in the UK are equally as useless. I have been trying to get them to remove their services because I am sick of paying for services that I don't have.
I am at a loss to figure out how a company, who treat their customers so badly can survive, or perhaps all of these companies are the same. And the Bearded Git goes on tv to say how good he is! Chancer in Cheif
The sooner these chancers go bankrupt the better.

Below are a number of Telewest Goegraphical numbers, now if I am correct 0906 numbers all sit on 01/02 Geo numbers so maybe the 0906 212 1111 is sat on one of these numbers plese feel free to try them and let me know how you get on. I will also give it a try, I assume the caller has to be insitant.

0906 212 1111

01483 750 900
01483 750 900
01483 750 901
01772 902 902
01483 750 900
01483 750 901
01634 300 199

Hi bazzerfewi

Many thanks for your post - guess what!!! - have just tried the numbers that you gave.

Here are my results:-

0906 212 1111

01483 750 900 - someone picked up. said that this number was for the switchboard. I asked if they could put me through to the Broadband Tech Support helpline. They said they would - the phone then went into an announcements loop...press 1 for this, press 2 for that...etc... - never did it once actually put me through to the helpline... >:(

01483 750 901 - this is a fax number??? :-?  

01772 902 902 - exactly the same as 01483 750 900 - as per the above...yet you don't get through to the Broadband Tech Support helpline!!!

and.....

01634 300 199 - this is a fax number??? :-?

Back to the drawing board then!!! - unless someone else has some better luck than me!!! - thanks for trying and keep trying so that we can defeat these cheats!!! ;)

It is ofcourse possible that the helpline number lies somewhere above 01483 750 900 and 01772 902 902. Have you tried any of the numbers following these (903, 904, 905 etc)? Probably best to try them out of hours incase they are office staff numbers.

When I have a few hours to spare I am going to try this I have done it in the past and sometimes it works, usally due to a member of staff giving out an alternative internal number.

Many Thanks I will let you know my finding

Baz

Hi Baz

Please do!!!

Also, please let us know of your findings - I had to phone VM Tech Support twice yesterday evening...am awaiting a callback from them after 2pm today anyway...let's see if I get that!!!

If yes, then fine...I did ask them last night for a refund on my 2 calls from last night.

If not, will phone them again later tonight and ask for a refund on tonight's call.

Will keep you posted...hope to hear from you likewise with any number(s) in due course.

Good luck and thanks ;)

Regards

happy37

Just phoned OfCom & complained about this ongoing issue of 0906...etc too & they gave me a complaint number which I intend to quote in an e-mail & hand written letter to VM as protest to these charges.
Come back Blueyonder..........,all is forgiven....Branson......,the UK's answer to Gates,another greedy BS imho.  >:(

linden wrote on Jul 30^th, 2007 at 4:22pm:

Today I have contacted Ofcom (tel: 020 7981 3000) to complain about the Virgin Broadband contact no. being 09 They tell me that they would "frown upon it"  if that is the only number available for this service . They also say that the usual charge for 09 no's is £1.50 per minute. Maybe , if enough people contact Ofcom , they will look into it . Which company would you recommend ?

I have followed your thread & will indeed follow this issue up & take it further...,power to the people. ;)

Quote:

What happens if you have 09 calls barred on your line?

Did you know that Virgin Media also "Automatically block new customers" from calling premium rate numbers until they ask for the block to be removed!
(Obviously that's if you/they knew it was blocked which most people don't)

This usually takes 24 hours, but in my case it would take 48 hours as it was a Saturday.
And the PIN bypass would not work on this occasion for technical reasons which could not or would not be explained. (something to do with me having an engineers PIN) which was news to me also.

Which is not much use if firstly you did not know and needed to phone a premium rate number (help-line) which is what happened to me although being a customer for the last 9 years, the block was still in place.


Quote:

There are two options to keep the cost down: First, the helpline will refund the cost of the call if the fault is theirs and you have a VM phone line. Second, if you give them a number they will call you back.

On the occasion I did contact them and asked to be called back, they said they did not have the facility  to call me back (even though I gave them my country code etc)
Subsequently the call cost me £4.65 (Mobile) for something like 90 seconds.

I totally agree, I have been a Virgin/Telewest customer for six years now and I to frown on an 0906 >:( contact number when contacting tech support.

It is not as if you call them to have a chat they are caller because a customer is in trouble.

Can a campaign be run to boy cot this service, I have already contacted ofcom but I think it needs to be taken further with maybe a campaign simular to the one sent to 10 Downing Street earlier this year.

Let me know if I am able to assist in any way.

Baz

I have been in contact with both ofcom and icstis and they are both a waste of time. Ofcom said they log complaints and they did in regard to the Virgin 0906 number but he said they will not do anything about it.

I then contacted ICSTIS and explained that I was on the phone for over 20 minutes to Virgin Tech Support and the girl based in India suggested that I had the wrong cables (not her fault she was in India reading from a British script) I was very polite took her name rang back spoke to a British techi guy and resolved the issue.

Is there not anything that can be done it is very frustrating and very expensive.

;) Ah just had a thought originally I was a customer of Telewest and Technical Support was free on 150 as I was a customer of Telewest and I was not notified that the support number would change surely Virgin are in breach of contract because I have not accepted the Virgin new terms.

Can somebody clarify this for me please.

I now have the head office number for Virgin Media 0800 0730399 I suggest we all start ringing them and bombarding the switch board.

Regards

Baz ;)

bazzerfewi wrote on Oct 3^rd, 2007 at 3:21pm:

Ah just had a thought originally I was a customer of Telewest and Technical Support was free on 150 as I was a customer of Telewest and I was not notified that the support number would change surely Virgin are in breach of contract because I have not accepted the Virgin new terms. Can somebody clarify this for me please.

All NTL/Telewest/Virgin customer were sent letters confirming the changes.
By not cancelling your/our contracts at that time we are then deemed to have accepted the new contract. (small print)

So sorry, we can't play that card either.

Since Virgin took over the running of NTL/Telewest the amount of changes has been appalling with what has been reduced and taken away from customers.

I think the "rot" set-in when Telewest first started to charge a connection fee of 3 or 4p
But then this is the usual "Rip Off" British way

Thanks for that Oldfogy it was just a thought I suppose I knew that they would have had it convered.

Thanks Again

Baz

Hi, new member found you guys while hunting for an alternative to the 0906 number! .. Can I just point out that Virgin have NOT taken over NTL/Telewest. They have just leased the name for about 8 years!!! NOTHING has changed other than the name and branding!

We have an issue where we lose net at least 3 times per week and its nothing to do with us or our equipment. I refuse point blank to pay 25p per minute. Anyone have any updates on the geographical number issue??

fragrocks wrote on Oct 13^th, 2007 at 9:03pm:

NOTHING has changed other than the name and branding!

Except for the "Service, Standards and Charges"

Just a thought as this 0906 number and the fact that I am transferred to a call centre with script readers in India really niggles me.

Virgin are at present offered free support the all TV and Telephone customers, I am not up on consumer law but is there not discrimination here and if so can something be done.

I will contact consumer support tomorrow

Regards

Bazzerfewi (Baz)

WARNING WARNING VIRGIN MEDIA I recently signed up to Virgin Media plan TALK ANYWHERE 800 as we were ringing mobile numbers.

To my amazement in 20 days I Supposedly used 800 minutes with normal use. I have now changed back to talk unlimited all I am saying is that it is easy to fall into the complacency trap and be stung with hefty bill.

[highlight]VIRGIN VALUE I DON'T THINK SO!!!! >:([/highlight] :(

Baz

bazzerfewi wrote on Oct 14^th, 2007 at 2:28pm:

WARNING WARNING VIRGIN MEDIA I recently signed up to Virgin Media plan TALK ANYWHERE 800 as we were ringing mobile numbers. To my amazement in 20 days I Supposedly used 800 minutes with normal use. I have now changed back to talk unlimited all I am saying is that it is easy to fall into the complacency trap and be stung with hefty bill. [highlight]VIRGIN VALUE I DON'T THINK SO!!!! >:([/highlight] :(

Baz, you knew what you were getting when you moved tariff. I do not understand. The 800 minutes include all calls. So if you make 800 minutes of 01/02 calls (from your inclusive minutes) followed by 800 minutes of mobile calls, you will pay £40 for your package plus the mobile calls. Alternatively, if you make 800 minutes worth of mobile calls followed by 800 minutes of 01/02 calls, then you will pay £40 plus 800 mins of 01/02 calls. The latter will obviously leave you with a lower bill as you've got better value from the 800 inclusive minutes.

As I said elsewhere, the difference between the unlimited and TalkAnywhere 800 package is about £20. So to just break even, you would have to make 800 minutes of chargeable and non-chargeable calls on the unlimited package. Also bear in mind that additional minutes on the Talk Anywhere package are charged at the same rate at all times, whereas chargeable calls on the unlimited package is not. Also remember, you will probably be better off making mobile calls through a provider like 18185 (you will need to use its 020 or 0808 number though).

At the end of the day there is no such thing as a free lunch. Mobile calls are more expensive than landline ones.

I WORK FOR VIRGIN MEDIA FAULTS and we have been blocked on our phones to put customers thorugh to broadband faults -if the fault is with our equipment we will refund the cost of the call WHICH BY THE WAY IS NOT 1.50 PER MINUTE IT IS 25P PER MINUTE WITH A 10 P CONNECTION FEE this will be done at the end of each individual call there is no other way of contacting this team it is to cut down on calls for computer faults not virgin media faults this means the waiting times should be a lot less than they were before hope this helps  :)

R wrote on Oct 14^th, 2007 at 5:24pm:

this will be done at the end of each individual call there is no other way of contacting this team it is to cut down on calls for computer faults not virgin media faults this means the waiting times should be a lot less than they were before hope this helps  :)

Last I heard, refunds were only done for faults that you know (ie on your system) so that means if I ring up with a fault I know is yours but it's not yet known to yourselves I then have to ring up again once its known by yourselves to arrange a refund.

The speech by VM that it's to stop unrelated VM faults is an excuse.  All other bb companies (that I know of) don't do this but yet they also would get calls about faults that aren't related to the ISP itself.

Why couldn't VM just stick with it being free and then charging for calls (via bills) for faults not related to VM?

VM have just gotten more and more expensive lately and going downhill since VM took over - that's my opinion anyhow.

No thats wrong area faults on the system that are over 24 hours old can be refunded if you have a fault eg with the modem not working we will then refund the cost of that call because it's and equipmnet fault that we have provided- hope this helps

In reply to your 2nd question we give the customer a choice they can either check their computer of call us knowing full well if it is a computer issue not our fault the call is going to be charged and the phoneline gives you the prices giving you the chance to put the phone down if we charged off the bill there is a grey area because 1.we would have to obtain the account details adn 2. it could be said we were adding unauthorised charges to a customer account

If your call centre actually answered my queries rather than either telling me its my fault when I know it isn't or just palming it off to an engineer who will just change the modem, you would probably get alot further. I've been with Virgin for 2 months, so far I've had to call you at least once a week as you cannot get my bill or my service right. The chap I spoke to on the 0906 last night (I got a refund) admitted "You seem to know much more about computers than me". How is that service?

[/Rant]

Unfortunately, you usually find that the support engineers that work in call centres are not very knowledgeable. All they do is follow a pre-set script of how to fix common problems. If it happens to be slightly different, they don't know what to do and ask you to go through it again. I've had this time and again with "another ISP" who has Indian call centres - first line support have no idea.

I will give Virgin credit though - Better than Tiscali. I can understand what the Virgin Media people are saying.

Yet another newbie.....had virtually no broadband yesterday and eventually at 2145 I rang VM 151 ...asked for status check and ended up being told to ring Tech Support after doing the unplug for 2 minutes and then plug back in.  etc......Ranf Tech Support, got told to unplug router and connect modem direct to computer and then try to access website.....if still slow then ring them back and ask for more help! Naturally it solved nothing....the comp was hanging during initialisation and then getting timed out....the 2nd technician I spoke to started to tell me stuff to do so I passed them to son who did as instructed and got told it wasn't the modem it was our computer (40% loss on modem with comp plugged in and 0% loss with no comp...ergo must be our comp)
No offer to ring us back and obviously they said it was our problem so no chance of a refund of call costs......so why are both 'puters working brilliantly today?! Has the computer healed itself?

The 1st tech was quite snappy with me!

I can understand your frustrations on the calls let me explain a few things where I work we have to follow a system called the FDT (fault diagnostic tool) which has yes/no answers to questions we then click on the relevent answer to get to the next question etc -depending how long the csr has worked for the company depends on weither this is stuck to rigidly (which they seem to do in India) or weither we can interpret it in our own way thats why India always seems "scripted" If you're not happy with the was the call has been dealt with ask to speak to a manager or a csr from the Liverpool faults centre it can be done I know it's a bt of a pain but it may be worth it and if you speak to a manager each manager has a dirrect dial number (if they are from Liverpool it will start with 0151477 then another 4 digit number ask them for it then you will have a contact if you need it again ***** I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT A WAY TO GET THROUGH TO THE BBAND TEAM FREE YOU NEED TO CALL CUSTOMER RELATIONS MON-FRI 9-5PM AND TELL THEM YOU WANT TO DISCONNECT ALL YOUR SERVICES BECAUSE IT COSTS MONEY TO GO THROUGH TO THE BBAND TEAM THEY HAVE A FREEPHONE NUMBER WHICH THEY HAVE TO ENTER A UNIQUE PIN AND THEY CAN PUT YOU THROUGH**** it may depend on the operator but they have the facility to xfer to that dept

R wrote on Oct 20^th, 2007 at 8:32pm:

I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT A WAY TO GET THROUGH TO THE BBAND TEAM FREE YOU NEED TO CALL CUSTOMER RELATIONS MON-FRI 9-5PM AND TELL THEM YOU WANT TO DISCONNECT ALL YOUR SERVICES BECAUSE IT COSTS MONEY

But just be carefull that the operator does not take you at your word and have you disconnected as you requested, (TELL THEM YOU WANT TO DISCONNECT ALL YOUR SERVICES).

Roll on "Be" coming to my area because then I will be making that call for real.

As I have said in earlier/other posts, I pay for a service of which I only ever receive 75% because it is reduced by 50% for 25% each day (Traffic Management Control) so why should I also have to pay 100%.

You can't please some people can you "oldfogey" when you go thru to cust relations tell them the reason you are cancelling is because of the cost of the bband call they wont disconnect you but will put you thru depending on who you speak to most csr's will xfer you to bband team

Personally I don't have a problem with the BB-team because I don't need to use them. (fortunately)
The only exception being when I tried "in-vein" to contact them to ask why my BW is cut by 50% every day, only to find out eventually from a expensive mobile call it's because of Virgin's "Traffic Management Control" of which is also very rarely re-activated at 12:00PM as stated but even as late as 02:30AM as it was this morning.

As stated earlier the reason I could not contact them from a land-line phone was that an automatic block still existed on my line to premium rate numbers from when I initially signed-up.

If anybody has premuim call blocking and cannot connect to Broadband support, the way round this is to
put in the following,- (star) *80 (Pin No.) 5791 (bb suport) 0906 2121111.

Premuim call blocking will return after useing above. Hope this helps

Although the pin number will probably work for most people, on my occasion it didn't, something to do with being allocated an engineers pin number that would not allow me to unblock the line.

I had loads of problems with VM BB earlier this year and I rang VM to tell them I was closing my account and withdrawing al my services.   I then rang BT to order a BT phone line with a view to getting BT.

A few days later VIrgin rang me to say that they didn't want to lose me (I have been with them 11 years).  Apparently BT had been on to request the number to allow them to transfer it over to BT.  However, BT could not install my new line for 3 weeks because of this.

So, Mr Virgin Media has done a deal with me, effectively reducing my phone and Broadband charge by £20 per month for ever.    And yes, I have this in writing.

As long as I don't reduce my package it will remain discounted.  If I increase my package, I keep the same level of discount.

Also, they refunded the cost of my 0906 calls, refunded the entire cost of BB whilst the problem was ongoing and have given me a £10 goodwill payment.

I think that's a winner!

So I have rang BT and cancelled the installation.   Just in case, I've told Virgin that if the servcei degenerates again, I shall be off again.  So far, the service has been perfect!

At the moment I'm running VM TV and BB alongside AOL (new contract for both, so giving them both a trial run). Granted, never really any probs with TV and were with Telewest Digital TV from the very first day all those years ago.

But VM BB I'm finding unreliable. It's faster than AOL when it works, but if downloading more than two of three things at once, the connection fails. This happens when it's both wireless and wired. Tried online gaming with VM too, and it disconnects me after a few minutes. Never had any problem with AOL doing that.

VM are giving me 20Mb for £15 per month, but it's not THAT quick. Refuse to phone 0906 number and when I politely told them that, I was spoken to by VM customer service rep very rudely! She told me tech support had no facilities to call me back.

Needless to say I think I'll stay with AOL into a 10th year and look into Sky TV package.

XLR_Motorsport wrote on Nov 22^nd, 2007 at 1:26am:

VM are giving me 20Mb for £15 per month, but it's not THAT quick.

I have the "L" BB package which is a 4 MB connection, the cost is £24:00 per month.  >:(

As for their TV package, well what can you say, except "it's all repeats" even the NEW Virgin 1 channel.

I was watching the TV last night and during the adverts was one for a program "exclusive to Virgin" starting sometime NEXT week (sorry I can't remember exactly what it was) but I was already watching it on a different Virgin channel to the one that it was supposed to be starting exclusively to Virgin next week.  >:(

oldfogy wrote on Nov 22^nd, 2007 at 2:30pm:

As for their TV package, well what can you say, except "it's all repeats" even the NEW Virgin 1 channel.

Does that include the 2nd series of Criminal Minds and the 1st series of The UNIT and ubdoubtedly others that I'm NOT so interested in. Apart from that, I'm also enjoying the re-runs of Enterprise and Star Trek DS9. :)

1st series of The UNIT  = Yes, the "ALL NEW" episode one was about 4 weeks ago.

I don't know about Criminal Minds, as I don't watch it.

Hmm... I'm watching series 3 of Criminal Minds at the moment....

I wish we at least had the choice; despite being in a major city centre, with all around us cabled up, these few streets are devoid of cable.  Something to do with the local residents association objecting to their nice stone paving being dug up, back when Nynex were employing cowboys who replaced all paving they dug up with tarmac patches...

Mind you, I've had cable twice before elsewhere (in their Nynex & C&W incarnations.) and given them both up over dreadvul service issues.

If you dial 0800 052 1435 you are asked to enter a PIN.  Does anyone know what to dial next?  Thanks.

I'm on the phone to VM now and because I told them they were in breach of contract (I'm supposed to receive 4mg BB & getting less than 1mb) she is putting me through to tech support. Trouble is, been on hold for 5 mins so far!
~Got through, they told me how to tune in modem.

I assume that you made contact via the 0906 number I have written to them and they contacted me and said that if ever I had a need to contact tech support all my call chareges will be refunded unless I contacted them and the fault was due to my error.

So far they have stuck to this, if you have been charged for the call insist on a refund, but I assume you have done this already.

Baz

So, after several calls to Virgin Media I'm given a code to get through to tech suport... 'Dial *80 wait for the dial tone, then enter 2986 and then dial 0906 212 1111. Guess what happened...Nothing.

Don't understand that at all.  Of course it won't work as it is not a proper number.  There is no such code as *80 anyway.  

My original question was about 0800 052 1435 which only links to a system which ask for your PIN code.  Not sure how long the code should be or what it should be.  So obviously no-one has been able to shed any light on this either.  If anyone does, please get in touch.  Cheers.

Their usual number is 0906 212 1111, and if you ask this is the number they will give.

However if you ring their connection/setup line on 0800 953 9500 and wait for an operator, explain the problem you have and they will say they only deal with setup or some such and then put you through to the technical dept. The first time i did this the operator actually said 'the number i'm putting you through to is also free'

I have done this twice and seems to work great!

You will need to have your account number and serial numbers to hand.

Phoning your number gets you through to a real person very quickly and it sounds like they are in the UK, at least an English voice answered me.  

I was only testing this connection and did not go into any conversation with the operator, i just gave an excuse that I dialed the wrong department

yeh they sound like they are in UK, Wales in fact. Some Swansea accents coming through :)

Today I tried to call Virgin Media because they have failed to disconnect the rubbish cable broadband yesterday as they agreed on 2 January. (Now they are claiming I didn't give a month's notice and that I have to pay another month, but that's another matter..)

Anyway, virtually all the 0800 numbers I tried from the database no longer work if you choose any options that would be of use to existing customers. They all just say to dial the 0845 number. Someone needs to review these.

Finally, I had some success using 0800 052 0166. They put me through to someone who, when I said I was on cable broadband, put me through to India (or so it sounded).

They didn't deal satisfactorily with me, but that's because the department I need isn't open on Sunday.

I stress that it was an alternative to the 0845 I was looking for, not the rip-off 09 technical support number (thankfully, I'll never need the latter again, not that I ever phoned it when I did need it).

Dave wrote on Jul 31^st, 2007 at 3:01pm:

nutellajunkie wrote on Jul 31st, 2007 at 2:49pm: I do frown upon dialing the 09 number, but I praise the idea that they will refund straight away if the fault is indeed theirs. Maybe not the best tactic, but still it should keep away the time wasters and the stupid. Oh and the call is answered within half a ring. What happens if you have 09 calls barred on your line?

funnily enough, this number isnt barred with 09 barring..

I need to add another email address to my vm account, unfortunately I get the error message Parameter Error

Unable to create mailbox, returned InvalidCosDomain

last time I had this problem dialing 150 ressolved this now they want me to dial 0906 212 1111, why should I pay for this service when they already get a lot of money from me?

Does anybody know how  I can resolve this error message, I know it's not my pc because it also happens on the wifes and sons laptops, all help gratefully accepted, thanks, Harry

thanks to jiminwatford, all sorted, used your 0800 953 9500, girl said I had to dial the 0906 number so I had a little moan, apologised to her 1st and said I am anoyed that having to pay for a service which, as a valued customer I should have free so she is going to be spoken to by an angry customer, she put me straight through

I find today that Virgin Media have stopped at least some of the (free or geographical) numbers listed on this site as alternatives to their 0845 454 1111 general enquiries/problems number.  Does anyone have any breaktrhoughs on this one?

I've followed this thread back to last September - it's an utter rip-off that you get charged like this to inform VM of faults with their kit.

Has anybody though of trying to get this story publicised? I'm thinking Watchdog; The Sun - News Corp are big competitors of the bearded one?

I'm phoning Ofcom - if enough people contact them; they'll have to take notice?


wolfetone

Hello people,

First post, but hopefully one that people will want to read.

I've had a long techinical problem with my line in that I can only get a 2mb connection since Janurary (I used to be 20mb, full rate)

I've rang the 09 number a few time and finally got so annoyed at the charges that I decided to disconnect, 3-4 months early. I rang through to ask for disconnections, explained the problems and the fact I feel a sudden speed decrease to 2mb was a breach of contract and that there is no way they could use the "upto 20mb" clause considering I have proved that I can actually get the 20mb service.

Anyway long story cut short, they put me through to disconnections and after 10-20 minutes I came out with my service charge reduced to £9.95 p/m and a £30 credit (basically 3 months free) and they stated that they would put me through to tech support, which they did.

I have now found out that if you ring through to disconnections and ask for tech support they will put you through, however be willing to disconnect, tell them that you would rather disconnect than ring there 09 number (Be sincere, follow it through if need be, say it like you mean it. I've has a one guy go through the whole procedure of disconnecting before he put me through.)

So lets review,

• Ring disconnections (I personally use 141 + 01642191401 (direct line) and is covered by my mobile minutes)
  
  
• Ask them to put you through to broadband technical support (you can ask for the uk centre (Swindon/Swansea can never remember where it is) I usually do, apparently how the system works is if the call is picked up within 10 seconds it will be the UK if not it gets routed "else where". On a personal note I am in no way against off shore call centres however I do have a hearing problem and require clear speaking english)
  
  
• If they refuse, ask to disconnect (They have always put me through to date, I've done this about 15 times.)
  
  
• Let them state the call will be charged etc etc as it won't because your ringing from an 01/02/0800/0808 (what ever)
  
  
• As a side note, don't tell the technical team how you got through to them, because they will give you the call charge at the end of the call (providing it's their fault.)
  

I hope this helps people, might not be free but it's a damn sight cheaper, and even profitable in some cases.

Hi, I am trying to find an appropriate number to help my student son who is sharing broadband with a housemate (in whose name the account is set up) via Virgin Media.   It seems they are being grossly overcharged and need to speak to someone to resolve the problem.   I have got my son clued up enough that he did search the database here and pass on the numbers under Virgin Media to his friend who tried them but says apparently none of them work now.   I have trawled through the listings both in this thread and some in Geo Nos Chat but am confused.   Does anyone know which department they need (I don't have the NGN no either) and if there is any Virgin Media geo no which currently works)?   Is the one given in the previous post worth a try?  I also found the nos 0800 953 9500 & 0800 052 0166 - does anyone know if they are current or appropriate?    Sorry to be so vague, I do agree with all the comments about providing full details but anyone who has any experience of dealing with students at third hand will appreciate my problems!   As the account is not in my son's name he can't do anything directly and hasn't even seen the bills, is just expected to pay his share!   Thank you very much to anyone who can give any help.

We have been using 0906 217 0001 (not the 0906 212 1111 number mentioned here) since July 2005 as requested by Virgin Media when we had B/B organised. Also, that is the same number which was on the new wireless router box just purchased. Can't find alternative number & reading this thread, don't think we will but have noted other members info.

Any comments re this number we have ? Wonder why we have a different one !  :-?

VM are dropping premium rate number for support from 1 July 2008, it's back onto 151 from cable line and the 0845 number (maybe some numbers still link to this number).

VM still (at the moment at least) provide free and very good support via their newsgroups:

Server Details: text.news.virginmedia.com

I read on one of the posts about complaining to ofcom about virgin media's 25p per minute for BB tech support. I just complained to ofcom, then I emailed a complaint to virgin media (telling them I complained to ofcom), within a few minutes I got a call from virgin media telling me they were crediting my account £5. The guy sounded really embarrised and said "sorry that's the way it is"

Another note, I tried ringing the suggested 0800 number for tech support, however it asked for a pin number, I don't think I've got one? :o

Well it certainly took them long enough.


Quote:

Hi there, We always try to listen to what our customers tell us and because you didn't think the premium rate call charge for our technical support helpline was right, we decided to do something about it! That's why we're dropping the 25p per minute charge to call our broadband technical support line. From 1st June, we're replacing it with a number that's free to call from your Virgin Media phone, plus a separate, local rate number if you call from any other phone. That means that now you can get the help and support you need, totally free, just like you asked. To call our new broadband technical support number from 1st June, just dial 151 for free from your Virgin Phone or 0845 454 1111* from any other phone.

If anyones interested, I've been through the verified numbers, as was finding it a bit of a lottery getting one to work (not having a Virgin Phone and using a mobile). Anyway, the following was found:

“This Number has changed, 08xx given”

0151 4777560
0151 4777561
0800 0730399
0151 4777594
0191 4256234
0800 0520184
0114 2202549
0800 0522000
01642 191402
01642 191403


Cuts straight off:

0117 9076666
020 76646000
01642 191400

Incorrectly given:

0800 0521435  - “NTL Business, part of the Virgin Media group”. Didn't try for a put through.

Haven't tried the unverified yet. Might later if I have time.

Minardi wrote on May 27^th, 2008 at 3:37pm:

If anyones interested, I've been through the verified numbers, as was finding it a bit of a lottery getting one to work (not having a Virgin Phone and using a mobile). …

Thanks for that Minardi. I have removed those numbers.

I have replaced the "Head office switchboard" number, 020 76646000, with a '?' for now as there must be a number for it. We have several "head office" numbers all for different locations, which obviously can't be right. I know that it used to be NTL and Telewest and that's probably where the various "head offices" come from. Perhaps someone can shed some light on this.


In the unverified listings we have 01752 300300 which is down as "Customer services menu". 01264 401402 says it's for accounts beginning with 5, but they can transfer you if yours doesn't.

The verified listings also have 01392 200653 which is down as "Direct to Eurobell Plymouth contact centre". Perhaps someone can provide feedback as to whether it is a suitable number for all customer service enquiries nationally.

To my knowledge, there is still a Virgin Media centre (of some description) at Attercliffe in Sheffield. The 0114 number quoted as now redirecting to 08xx is probably within the range owned by that Virgin Media centre. However, I don't know anything about what operations they run there (it used to be a Telewest centre before taken over by VM).

Update: It was a call centre back in 2005 - whether it still is remains to be seen...

Eurobell does now work for all. Just tap in your Virgin Phone number. As my 12 months was up, I was finally able to cancel via this number, without them collecting a cent of my money in the process. HURRAH!

Better luck on the unverified database. Everything else works as advertised, and can be verified, except these:

“This Number has changed, 08xx given”

0800 0521129
0800 0520649
0800 0524035

Rings, No Answer:

0161 2835511

Random Response:

Unamed company on 01642 642920, only avliable between 12 – 8pm Monday – Thursday

0800 0520166  - Is actually Virgin Media Sales

0800 0520094  - Message “You've had a call fromVirgin Media recently, sorry we missed you. We'll try and get in touch again shortly”

01733 392100  - Is NTL Telewest Business

Cheers - HTH

Minardi

Minardi wrote on May 28^th, 2008 at 7:55am:

“This Number has changed, 08xx given” 0800 0521129 0800 0520649 0800 0524035

These numbers have been removed.


Minardi wrote on May 28^th, 2008 at 7:55am:

Rings, No Answer: 0161 2835511

I've left this unverified with a note to say it rings no answer.


Minardi wrote on May 28^th, 2008 at 7:55am:

Unamed company on 01642 642920, only avliable between 12 – 8pm Monday – Thursday

The recording refers callers to 0800 0522000 which is a Virgin Media number and when you ring it it says that it has changed.


Minardi wrote on May 28^th, 2008 at 7:55am:

0800 0520166  - Is actually Virgin Media Sales

Unverified entry deleted, although a verified one remains for 0845 8407777 "To obtain your MAC code when leaving". Should this be removed as well?


Minardi wrote on May 28^th, 2008 at 7:55am:

0800 0520094  - Message “You've had a call fromVirgin Media recently, sorry we missed you. We'll try and get in touch again shortly”

Number removed.


Minardi wrote on May 28^th, 2008 at 7:55am:

01733 392100  - Is NTL Telewest Business

Entry deleted. It was unverified and the NGN was 0870 9533800 which is invalid.

Someone mentioned a Virgin number which requested a PIN code. This is the PIN they give you when you register for e-billing (it's also used for their Payments Card) and you can change it.

Minardi and others

A quick post to say thanks for doing all of the hard work of try to find alternative numbers for Virgin apart from the dreaded 0844/0845/0870 ones!!!

My question is this:-

Virgin have stated that from 01st June, the premium rate tech support number will change from 0906 217 0001 to 0845 454 1111. I know that Minardi has tried very hard to locate an alternative geographical number for 0906 217 0001 and other Virgin premium rate numbers...has one been found for 0906 217 0001 that we can all use from 01st June onwards, or does anyone know of one already?

Please let me know - all responses gratefully received.

Regards

I don't want to hijack this thread but thought important to let other Virgin Media customers aware of the following report.

Heaviest Virgin Media downloaders face new daytime go-slow

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/29/virgin_media_daytime_restrictions/

Virgin Media will double the number of hours it throttles the bandwidth of customers who hammer its network day and night, changes to its traffic management policy have revealed.

oldfogy wrote on May 29^th, 2008 at 11:45pm:

I don't want to hijack this thread but thought important to let other Virgin Media customers aware of the following report. Heaviest Virgin Media downloaders face new daytime go-slow http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/29/virgin_media_daytime_restrictions/ Virgin Media will double the number of hours it throttles the bandwidth of customers who hammer its network day and night, changes to its traffic management policy have revealed.

My contract ends on the 6th July and I will be glad to be shot of them. Be here I come.

Minardi and others

I am sure that you all know that Virgin have switched to using the 0845 number for tech support as of 01st July 2008.

The number that I now use to call "tech support" is 0845 454 2222, and not 0906 217 0001.

Does anyone know of or can locate an alternative geographical number for the 0845 number, please?

Thanks for your help.

Regards

happy37

You can try 01633 670000, it is reception, but if you ask for Tech Support, they should put you through, tell them,(if they mention 0845), that you cannot phone premium rate numbers from your phone.

Let us know if it works.

happy37 wrote on Jul 2^nd, 2008 at 7:01am:

I am sure that you all know that Virgin have switched to using the 0845 number for tech support as of 01st July 2008. The number that I now use to call "tech support" is 0845 454 2222, and not 0906 217 0001.

I didn't know that, thanks.  I bet that was an embarrassing retreat for them as it wasn't that long ago (was it) that they introduced the premium rate 09x number for tech support.

I think you should now be able to be put through to Tech Support from CS, as its not premium, but I've never tried.

VM have now cocked up my last bill so its back to phonebashing. Useless lot. Just useless.

bbb_uk wrote on Jul 3^rd, 2008 at 4:33pm:

I didn't know that, thanks.  I bet that was an embarrassing retreat for them as it wasn't that long ago (was it) that they introduced the premium rate 09x number for tech support.

When I complained about the 09 numbers, their excuse was that other internet providers were calling their technical support line for help! Given how helpful VM usually are (not), I find that hard to believe. They also claimed they'd refund the cost of the call if the problem was their fault, but how often do they ever admit that?

Looks like VM are wise to the 01752 300300 for c/s number because although I was connected (in the end), the recorded section said that this number is soon changing and that you have to ring 0845 number or 150 from a VM landline!

bbb_uk wrote on Nov 13^th, 2008 at 6:21pm:

Looks like VM are wise to the 01752 300300 for c/s number because although I was connected (in the end), the recorded section said that this number is soon changing and that you have to ring 0845 number or 150 from a VM landline!

This number does not now work >:(

I second the report that 01752300300 no longer works as an alternative number. It worked fine earlier this month but when I called them this morning (to complain about my subscription charges being about to increase), I heard a recorded message telling me to dial 0845 454 1111 which hung up right after that.

It is of course free to call 150 from your Virgin phone, but I do not have a landline of any kind.... :-/

Does the 0800 number still work?

It is possible that they have simply moved to another number in that range (301, 302, etc.)

jgxenite wrote on Apr 25^th, 2009 at 8:49am:

Does the 0800 number still work? It is possible that they have simply moved to another number in that range (301, 302, etc.)

The 08009535353 worked last week when I called retentions.

Hi

is there an upto date non geo number for Virgin Media customer service/faults , non of the numbers in the db seem to work and you cant call the switchboard at the weekend


regards

pedrolondon wrote on Aug 15^th, 2009 at 10:26am:

Hi is there an upto date non geo number for Virgin Media customer service/faults , non of the numbers in the db seem to work and you cant call the switchboard at the weekend regards

You have asked for a non geographical number so here it is

Service fault or technical support

Broadband or Phone service:
Call 0845 454 2222 and select Option 3 when prompted.

sorry i meant geographical


was half asleep when i typed originally

Try

0800 052 2312

I know it is not a geographical number but it is all I could find

FYI

Virgin Media - some numbers no longer working

01752 300300 - automated message, tells you to dial 0845
0161 283 5510 - grumpy person tells you to dial correct number!

01256 752000 worked nicely! Cheers.

pg80 wrote on Apr 12^th, 2010 at 9:56am:

Virgin Media - some numbers no longer working 01752 300300 - automated message, tells you to dial 0845 0161 283 5510 - grumpy person tells you to dial correct number! 01256 752000 worked nicely! Cheers.

Thanks. I've updated the list accordingly.  :)

Virgin Media alternative number 0845 045 1119.  I have been asked to call this number to discuss a problem I reported.  Unsurprisingly the person who I have to contact tells me he has called my Virgin Landline several times but cannot make contact.  It seems he is unable to use my answer machine

abprops wrote on Sep 7^th, 2010 at 2:32pm:

Virgin Media alternative number 0845 045 1119.  I have been asked to call this number to discuss a problem I reported.  Unsurprisingly the person who I have to contact tells me he has called my Virgin Landline several times but cannot make contact.  It seems he is unable to use my answer machine

Search the database for virgin media and look for possible suitable numbers.

When you find a suitable alternative, let me know by posting here and I will add it to the listings.  :)

Hi After I checked for an alternative via this website I was informed that I should post on the website.  When I did I was informed that I should search first which resulted in the ifo no numbers available.  I have tried again and have not found an alternative number.  The same message has been displayed again now I have started this post.  It seems that I will go round in circles checking the same sources.  My understanding is that the alternative numbers for Virgin Media are not available.  If this is incorrect plaese explain.  As I understand I have done exactly what the guide suggested.  I may be wrong of course.

abprops wrote on Sep 7^th, 2010 at 3:23pm:

Hi After I checked for an alternative via this website I was informed that I should post on the website.  When I did I was informed that I should search first which resulted in the ifo no numbers available.  I have tried again and have not found an alternative number.  The same message has been displayed again now I have started this post.  It seems that I will go round in circles checking the same sources.  My understanding is that the alternative numbers for Virgin Media are not available.  If this is incorrect plaese explain.  As I understand I have done exactly what the guide suggested.  I may be wrong of course.

Numbers that are listed in the database are those found to work as suitable alternatives for the 08 numbers listed alongside them. The only way to know whether a number is a suitable alternative or not is to try it.

It also follows, that just because a particular 08 number isn't listed, there may in fact be a suitable alternative in there, which will be returned when a search by company name is done.

The number in question, 0845 045 1119, does not appear in any of the entries in the database, most probably because no-one who uses this site has ever come across it before.

I know that in some cases, such as with insurance companies, they have whole boat loads of 08 numbers that do the same thing, which means that single alternatives are likely to work for many 08 numbers. Whether that is the case for this number, I have no idea; it's a case of suck it and see. But going back to insurance companies, if you were to put in one of the 08 numbers that weren't listed, it would return a message to that effect (the message you've seen).

Searching by company name would likely bring up results for that company which would probably yield a suitable alternative.


The best way forward in this situation is for you to look down the listings. By the sounds of what you describe as the type of enquiry it is for, any customer services or faults number may do. There's only one way to find out if it works, and when you do, post it here and I will add it to the listings.  :)

The main customer services number for Virgin Media residential services is 0845 454 1111 and has an alternative 0333 000 3101.

I've had a clear out and a tidy-up of the entries for Virgin Media.


These verified office numbers have been removed:

0113 293 2000 Leeds office switchboard
01384 838483 Merry Hill, Dudley reception
01384 867790 Merry Hill, Dudley switchboard
01483 750900 former head office switchboard

The head office number is 01256 752000 and this is stil listed in the database.


There are lots of sales 0800 numbers:

0521111
0520380
0520667
0520855
0521060
0521256
0521508
0521934
0522525
0523344
0524076
0529401
1830123
1831234
1832222
9520812
9522027
9522059
9529855
9529857
9530454
9531122

The number 0845 840 7777 is also sales.


The following 0845 numbers have changed to 0845 454 1111 (or 150 from a Virgin phone line):

0845 045 1119
0845 142 0000
0845 454 0000
0845 650 0121

I have been given the following number to call for what I believe to be the central call centre for Virgin Media customer services:

0845 234 0037

Quite a few people on facebook etc confirm that this is a customer services number, but I can find no landline option.

If anyone could advise how I go about finding a landline for this number, I'd be hugely grateful.

djalili wrote on Jan 13^th, 2014 at 11:43am:

I have been given the following number to call for what I believe to be the central call centre for Virgin Media customer services: 0845 234 0037 Quite a few people on facebook etc confirm that this is a customer services number, but I can find no landline option. If anyone could advise how I go about finding a landline for this number, I'd be hugely grateful.

Hello and welcome to SayNoTo0870.com.

I've joined your posting to the existing thread for Virgin Media.

In many cases it's "try it and see" and looking at what's already known is often a useful starting point. For Virgin Media the number 0333 000 3101 is for customer services, although it doesn't answer exactly the same as 0845 234 0037. It requests a Virgin phone number, so I'm unable to proceed and find out what the subsequent options are.

The options on 0845 234 0037 are: 1. New query; 2. Ongoing query and have personal case reference number; 0. Anything else.

If you're calling from a landline where you would otherwise pay for a call to a 03 number then you "might" (try it and see) be able to get to the same place via the sales number 0800 953 5353.

03 numbers cost no more than a call to a 01/02 number and form part of inclusive minutes and bundles. These rules apply when calling from landlines and mobiles equally.

Please let us know what you try and how you get on for each. The website lists alternatives that are found to work and, as such, requires feedback from people who've been successful in order to build the listings.