loddon
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!0 Downing Street have now issued their response:-
"Thank you for the e-petition about mobile phone operators charges for 0800 and freephone telephone numbers.
The independent Office of Communications (Ofcom)(new window) is responsible for numbering policy in the UK.
Most Freephone numbers begin with "080" followed by a further eight digits. Freephone numbers can also begin with "0800" followed by a further six digits and these are usually free to the caller from fixed landlines. However, with regard to mobile phone network operators, the decision whether or not to charge for telephone calls to Freephone numbers is a commercial one for the mobile companies. Most mobile phone companies do charge for calls to Freephone numbers. Some operators have an automated announcement to advise the caller of the charge before the call is connected. Callers are therefore fully informed about exactly how much the call will cost them.
The mobile company Orange provides free of charge from the Orange network more than 240 charity and helpline numbers, including Childline, supported by the Telephone Helplines Association. Orange does not charge for voice calls to 0800 numbers, except those identified as calling card services, but data calls are charged.
Other mobile operators have made provision for free calls to some roadside recovery services and Childline 0800 numbers. T-Mobile provides free calls to AA, RAC, Green Flag and Childline. O2 provides free calls to Childline, Bullying Helpline and Crime Stoppers.
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