derrick wrote on Aug 10
th, 2006 at 5:20pm:
But geo numbers can cost as little as 3p per call,(when using 1899), whereas 0845 will always be racking up your phone bill while you wait in the queue, and you know what they cost from mobiles, (not included in most free minutes packages), and payphones.
Not like you Dave to fall for that one, or have I missed something?
I suspect Dave was only referring to when the call is made via BT and not the cheaper options available.
The thing about comparing 0845 to geographical calls is that they will only really be compared with BT as they (BT) are the biggest/well known teleco hence reason why during the daytime, 0845 is technically charged at the same rate (ppm) as a geographical. Obviously, from other teleco's like TT, Primus, etc there is a difference and during the evening & weekend then there is also a difference.
Companies operating NGN's will generally comment that 0845 is charged at the same rate as geographical calls and then go on to say that its up to the consumer which teleco they choose.
The thing is that many companies and gov depts are not aware of the likes of Call1899, etc and are not aware that NGNs are not included in any inclusive tariffs us consumers may have hence the reason why gov depts/companies say its up to the teleco and for us consumers to choose a better/more suitable tariff. This lack of knowledge I believe is down to the fact that 0845 was known as local rate for so long and they are not aware that it costs teleco's more when calling an NGN than it does to carry a normal geographical call - simply due to the underlying nature of how many teleco's may be involved in carrying the call and the revenue sharing between so many teleco's (including in some cases the end company/gov dept).