From 1 July 2004 BT prices will change.

The distinction between local and national will be removed.
All geographical number (01 and 02) will cost the same no matter what the UK location.


Daytime rates per minute:

Number range.- - - Normal - - - Option 3
01 and 02 - - - - - - - 3.0p- - - - - -Free
0845- - - - - - - - - - 3.0p- - - - - -3.0p
0870- - - - - - - - - - 7.5p- - - - - -7.5p
0871- - - - - - - - - - 10 p (varies)- 10 p


As all geographical calls will be at the same rate regardless of location, the description “Local Rate” and “National Rate” given to 0845 and 0870 numbers will have no meaning and if used, will be misleading.

Companies using 0845 numbers will, after 1 July 2004, no longer be able to claim that they are saving their long distance customers money by using 0845 numbers as no customer will be better off using a 0845 numbers no matter the UK location.  Customers on option 3 will, as now, be worse off and pay the full cost of the call.

Companies using 0870 numbers will, after 1 July 2004, be making their customers pay 4.5p per minute extra for calls.  This is 150% over and above geographical telephone numbers making it a true premium numbers.  The 4.5p extra charge is shared between the telephone operator and the company.  The companies share depends on the deal they have, but as far as the customer is concerned the call will incur a minimum premium of 4.5p per minute.  Customers on option 3 will, as now, pay the full cost of the call.

Companies using 0871 numbers will usually make their customers pay more than 0870 numbers.  10p per minute at all times is a typical rate.

Non-geographic numbers aren't the only way we're being ripped off. To summarise, some other changes affecting people currently on BT Standard:

• Short calls (lasting less than 1m40s) will now cost more in the evening and at the weekend than during weekday days. As a result, the terms 'peak' and 'off-peak' cannot be used. How many people will be aware of this?
• The removal of £2.15 worth of inclusive all allowance means that the underlying rental will rise by 43%!

More on those BT changes here.