Quote:Also there is a point in the FOI request as if enough people make such a request the university will realise it is in the wrong and has to renegotiate the contract so a geographic number is made available.
Your argument that its factored into the cost by the company is a bit like saying Sky or NatWest shouldn't have to give me a geographic number as it might impinge on their chairman's annual bonus.
I don't think it's
quite the same situation as big companies who use these numbers for their existing customers who have already paid considerable sums. Many of the halls phone systems have no line rental, so the providers would argue that the 0870 revenue makes up for this. However, I'm sure that in fact the price of the hall fees is higher to pay for the phone (I think Derby has a non-returnable "booking fee" - well, this is what you get when a private company runs the accommodation).
Anyway, I wasn't trying to claim that the use of 0870 was valid. I was just guessing what the likely response from the university will be. Ever since the FOI Act came into force, whenever someone wants a number, everyone on this site is so quick to say "FOI", but many of the organisations have cited commercial sensitivity to justify not revealing the numbers.
You are quite right about the FOI being one way to make it clear to the university that people are dissatisfied by the 0870 numbers. E-mailing the VC is also a good idea. However, as with companies, the university probably won't care less about its "customers". Most universities use 0870 numbers anyway, so what's the alternative? Live out of halls, study abroad, or go for a modern apprenticeship, it would seem!
onesexylady: About the assumed 05xxxx number, perhaps it won't ring from an NTL line because the last four digits are invalid. I suggest you try dialling some random numbers across the whole range and see if you can get through. On Monday I'll try another number and if I get through, give the number to you. (I do pity the people I call at random, but two calls won't hurt!) Unfortunately, I don't think I know anyone with a domestic NTL line who I can ask to try things for me any more.