This one needs nipping in the bud.  Why does "local rate" still seem so attractive to marketing types??

uk rate?

I think it's important that service providers using 03xx numbers have an accompanying price message alongside the number, where space permits. This is because people may be suspicious of a new type of number and be unsure of price. Even if pricing information is given, it should be stated that this extends to mobiles as people may think that it doesn't cover mobile providers.

When I say "pricing information", I am not talking x p/min, but a description of the call cost. Ofcom has termed them "UK-wide numbers", but I'm not convinced that this is meaningful.

I propose that they should be referred to as "Standard landline rate."

My suggested statement:

Calls are charged at standard landline rate. Any inclusive minutes or tariff which applies to 01/02 numbers will cover 03xx calls as well. These rules apply to all landline and mobile telephone providers.

Perhaps the Central Office of Information could put this in its guidance.

Tanllan wrote on Aug 14^th, 2008 at 10:04pm:

Dave offers far and away the best suggestion I have ever seen.

The good people of Sunderland and Newcastle Councils have been advised to view this thread. They may wish to take note.

Other suggestions, and other crawling endorsements of the comments of our esteemed moderator, are welcome.

Frankly as we now get all normal numbers free, we have blocked all non normal numbers so in the event of it being a premium rate number we either dont bother, (police, change bank, use the "wrong" number and so on) or just write a letter and then the agency concerned is forced to respond in writing. we are also getting a 08 series number with a 1 time payment of £50 to give to people like council etc.
  Remember then that 1/ you need to keep them hanging on for as long as possible.
                                2/ have an answer phone with a long message.
  These people will then get the hint.
   If the organisation does not list the number correctlty as a premium rate number, and that fact or the rate is supposed to be listed, then you may have a case against them for advertising standards as you are now BUYING services. You may find your local advertising standards is also on rip off numbers inc. so writing will encourage them to respond.
  If you want some fun, then get Skype out Europe and give them a for example Australian phone number that rings home.
  We live in France and have the same problem, so we now give all these type organisations a UK Skype number with a UK premium rate code. Oh boy does that focus them.

rinfrance wrote on Aug 15^th, 2008 at 9:52am:
Quote:


you might be interested in a blog entry I wrote just the other day ... I automatically tell incoming anonymous callers to use an 07017 number.. Chosen specifically to penalise them. (up to 33p/min on BT). Just getting a foreign number is no guarantee that it will cost them anything - e.g. I can call Australia for free from here...    and £50 for an 08???  Unless it's an 0800, you should be able to get one for free!!!  See the link in my blog entry for just one supplier.