First Direct have just announced that 03xx numbers will run alongside their existing 08xx numbers: https://www2.firstdirect.com/1/2/contact-us

As they correctly state:


Quote:

You can now call us using an 03 456 code or the 08 456 one shown on our literature. (We'll be changing our literature soon too). We've made this change because our new 03 456 numbers will normally be part of any inclusive minutes provided with phone packages

Although 0845 numbers are included in my call package I've usually phoned them on their "international" number: 0113 2345678. This has disappeared from the contact page though it still works. As others have pointed out, phoning 03xx numbers from abroad can be problematic so it would still be useful to keep and publicise the 0113 number.

HSBC, First Direct and M&S Bank have all announced they are making the move to 03 numbers.

They join RBS, NatWest, Barclays, TSB and others who have already started. Tesco Bank have changed one of their many numbers.

Nationwide moved to 0800 numbers on duff advice.

Not much movement in the insurance industry. Only L&G and a couple of smaller companies so far.

I am a customer of First Direct.

I spoke to them today re the call charges explanation here
http://www1.firstdirect.com/1/2/contact-us?WT.ac=FSDT_TAB_HOME_CNT_1003 

Which says "  If you have any inclusive minutes packages and minutes left to use, you may be able to make calls to us free of charge. If not, calls to 03 456 numbers are charged in a similar way to 08 456 numbers so from land lines they typically cost up to 10p per minute and between 10p and 40p from mobiles. 

I pointed out this was not correct ,and they rang me back after checking and agreed it was incorrect,and will be altering it shortly. :)

It's never said that when I've been on the FD website. Using your link when not logged in it says the same as it did a few days ago:


Quote:

You can now call us using an 03 456 code or the 08 456 one shown on our literature. (We'll be changing our literature soon too). We've made this change because our new 03 456 numbers will normally be part of any inclusive minutes provided with phone packages

This is OK except that "normally" is not needed. It's "always".

allegro wrote on Jul 3^rd, 2014 at 5:42am:

…This is OK except that "normally" is not needed. It's "always".

If we are to be pedantic we have to allow for the possibility that "inclusive minutes" may only be to the same network, other mobiles, or something other than all 01/02 numbers.

The big switch of language and understanding will come with the changes being made next June. I fear we will have to tolerate much worse than this example (from those who are essentially doing the right thing) for a long time to come.

bigjohn wrote on Jul 2^nd, 2014 at 7:54pm:

I am a customer of First Direct. calls to 03 456 numbers are charged in a similar way to 08 456 numbers so from land lines they typically cost up to 10p per minute and between 10p and 40p from mobiles.

A quick read of Ofcom's "number crunching" document shows that the overall range of prices charged for 0845 and 0345 numbers is similar. Once "inclusivity" is taken into account, it is clear that while 0345 is usually included, 0845 is rarely included. However, Ofcom's document does not address the latter issue and never intended to do so.

Ofcom's document is focussed on letting consumers know the maximum they could be charged. It's of little use in comparing numbers or for finding the cheapest. Unfortunately, it seems that is what a number of readers do attempt to glean from it.

The "unbundled tariff" system will bring much needed clarity to these call prices and it's not too early to start discussing 084 and 087 call prices in terms of Service Charge and Access Charge, noting that (until June 2015) phone providers only advertise the combined total in their retail call price lists.

The  rules that apply to the charging of calls to 03 numbers  apply  from any type of line including mobile, BT, other fixed line or payphone,and they must be included in inclusive minutes.Where as mobile suppliers could charge what they liked for 0845 calls and did not always include them in inclusive minutes.So they  are not charged the same way as 0345 numbers.

Out of interest what mobile suppliers charges 40p a minute to call a 03 number.

Vodafone charge 45p/min (was 36p/min until last week) for calls to 01, 02 and 03 numbers.

T-Mobile and Orange charge 30p/min.

Giffgaff charge 10p/minute.

That's taken them a while, I have been using the 0345 number for some time.