jobridger wrote on Mar 1
st, 2009 at 9:21pm:
[...]The 0845 number is a low call rate (unlike 0870 numbers) but we appreciate that it may be more expensive to call than the 01225 number if you are on an inclusive calling plan. [...]
It isn't a very "low call rate" if one is calling either from overseas or from a cellular network when compared to the cost of calling a geographic number. From memory, and I haven't checked the latest Ofcom data, around 40% of calls are mobile-originated.
There really is very little point in 0845 numbers. Anything you can do with 08 can be achieved with 01, 02 or 03. It's only because Ofcom has made virtually everyone believe that all these 'special services' (routing, stats, IVR) can only be achieved with these 'special numbers'. This is, or course, pure nonsense, but is so commonplace that the spivs such as NEG use this to deceive the public and the health service.
Nevertheless, credit for offering a geographic equivalent number, and being willing to accept calls to such number. You're probably in a minority. Credit also for being able to spell 'lose' correctly - a rarity these days!