I picked another number at random that is allocated to Interweb, 01600 760088. Sure enough it too answers with the same message and is chargeable.
I sent a message to Ofcom...
Quote:From: Dave
Date: Monday 24 July 2006 22:31
To: contact@ofcom.org.uk
Subject: Chargeable out of service numbers
Dear Ofcom
I would like to report some telephone numbers which appear to be out of service, but yet are apparently connected (and therefore billed) by the originating provider.
I dialled 01905 562109 and was greeted with a message telling me that the number is charged at "fixed rate" and is operated by "Interweb Design limited" and goes on to say that "the number you have called is not in use". In which case, surely I should not be charged for a call to a number that doesn't exist!
On looking up the information on the Ofcom website, I discovered that it is infact operated by Interweb Design Limited. I noticed that this company has numbers in other area codes and I picked one at random and dialled it. 01600 760088 also answered with the same message that was chargeable.
Is a company operating within the law by charging for these numbers like this?
Please investigate this as it cannot be right that calls to out of service numbers are chargeable and I wonder whether all of this company's other numbers connect in the same way.
Kind regards
Dave
And the response I received...
Quote:From: OCCTelecoms
Date: Friday 4 August 2006 10:01
To: Dave
Subject: Ofcom Ref: #######
04 Aug 2006
Dear Mr Dave
Connection Charge
Thank you for your email to Ofcom dated 25th July 2006, I apologise for the delay with this response.
The term “out of service” would normally apply to an unallocated number which would give an unobtainable message/tone when dialled. In this case the numbers you mention give a ringing tone and connect, therefore, they are technically “in service”.
In this circumstance it would seem that the term “not in use” simply means that the number is with Interweb and could be allocated or sold to a subscriber.
I understand that you are dissatisfied with the charge applied to call these numbers; however, a connection was made so the charge is legitimate and chargeable.
Yours sincerely
:: Debbie Lawrence
Telecoms Support
Is this another case of Ofcom shrugging its shoulders and saying "nothing to do with us"?
I took for granted that when a number is obtainable, it is connected to a subscriber's line. That said, I remember when I ordered a new phone line from BT, I was given my new telephone number which I rang after finishing the call to order it. It rang out unanswered.
It appears that Interweb has all of its numbers 'answered' by a recording, meaning that it can charge for the call. What's the point of having number unobtainable (NU), which is non-chargeable, when these sorts of companies quite clearly do as they please? Another 1 point to the telcos then.