The number belong to Torch Communications (aka Kingston).

There are no Brighton numbers listed for them, but there are several allocated to "mixed operators". Try:

01273 31
01273 35
01273 80
01273 90 to 01273 96 inclusive
01273 98

Update: Ofcom seem to call this a "conservation area" with numbers allocated in blocks of 1000 rather than the usual 10000. I've checked Ofcom's spreadsheet and there are no numbers allocated to Kingston/Torch. Who operates the service?

Sometimes such services have been found to use an area code for a different city. If your son calls you from his room, what number does it give when you dial 1471?


Failing this, universities count as public bodies for the purposes of the Freedom of Information act. Write to the university (e-mail will do) asking for the geographical number pointed to by the 0870 number.

Please post any results/responses here!

Unfortunately, it seems Keycom specialise in voice over IP (VoIP), meaning calls are carried over the internet. There most probably isn't a geographical alternative number.

http://www.techland.co.uk/index/quintum_voip_case_keycom

If there is an in-room internet service, I suggest using a service such as Skype to make calls for free.

I think we decided there wasn't a geographical number for Sussex.

Can you use voice over IP (Skype, MSN, SIP, etc.) instead? Failing that, it's probably cheaper for your girlfriend to call you using an international calling card, either in conjunction with her in-room phone, or with inclusive minutes from a mobile, or even from a BT phonebox (from where she can dial freephone access numbers).

leehom wrote on Oct 4^th, 2006 at 4:13pm:
Your girlfriend should contact her MP and MEP - there is little point in complaining to either the university, the service provider, or least of all the morally bankrupt UK telephone regulator Ofcom as they will simply churn out the 'national rate' mantra.

Here we have a UK regulator that is fully aware that terminating internationally-originated calls to non-geographic numbers is not guaranteed, and where it is actually possible, the calls have a significant mark-up over standard geographic calls. Furthermore, the regulator is fully aware that a university hall of residence/accommodation facility can reasonably expect to receive internationally-originated calls, yet it chooses to do nothing about the problem or come up with any form of solution, preferring instead to pander to the demands of capita-esque scammers making a quick profit through a poorly planned numbering scheme. She should contact her MP/MEP and explain this ludicrous situation where people living outside the UK cannot contact friends and family who are forced to use these scandalous numbers for incoming calls. There is a wealth of information on this forum that you could quote or reference. An emphasis should be placed on the fact that Ofcom knows about the problem (and has done so for many years) yet has its head up its backside when it comes to addressing the difficulties.

It is simply staggering that this takes place in a so-called first-world economy. Ofcom should be ashamed of itself.

The parliamentary route really is the only viable option.

I've got a telephone in my room at Sussex Uni and the number I've been given begins:

0870 1498 with three other random numbers on the end.

My mum wants to call me but doesn't want to pay the extra charges and the alternative number is not listed on here... can anyone help...??

The provider is 'Conference telephone service' or 'Keycom Conference'.
I believe I am connected to an internal network as I have an extension number which is different to the end of the telephone number they have given me, and I am able to dial an extension number to get to a helpdesk.
Other than that I'm not sure I have any more useful information to give you... sorry.

Could this be the service you are referring to - KeyTalk?

Anyway, 08701 49xxxx is assigned to Affiniti Integrated Solutions, who have the following range in Sussex: 01273 258xxx