SilentCallsVictim
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It is important to understand the difference between VM and BT.
BT is unique in being regulated as to what it may charge for calls to all 08 and 09 numbers.
All call originators have to pay on increased termination fees when placing calls to 0844 (maximum around 4.5p per minute) and 0845 (maximum around 1.7p per minute) numbers. The same applies to all other ranges (with 080 the termination fees are negative).
The regulation on BT effectively prevents it from actually making any money on these calls, whereas its rates for geographic calls (and its "call setup fee") are not regulated.
N.B. This is not a defence of what VM charges - it simply explains why it is different from BT.
For a non-inclusive daytime geo call, the VM charge is 12.24p + 8.68p per minute, as against BT's 11.5p + 7p per minute. The gap has narrowed slightly from 4 January because BT increased these charges by over 9%, rather than the 2.13% due to the VAT change, which is all that VM applied to all of its charges, as was also applied to the regulated BT rates.
VM's addition of 1.54p per minute to give a rate of 10.22p per minute for 0845 calls is roughly in line with the increased cost it incurs in placing calls to 0845 numbers. (For some odd reason VM offers a lower call connection fee of 11.24p for 0845 calls. 12.24p applies otherwise.)
With 0844 numbers, VM does not add the increased cost it incurs to the actual geographic rate it charges. For the various 0844 "call types" its rates are generally around 4p per minute (not 8.68p) above the BT rates. For the commonly used and most expensive g6 rate this is however over 5p per minute more.
If the Ofcom proposal for "unbundling" and the removal of the restrictions on BT come into effect then we will see all the rates for what they truly are.
In the meantime, without the confusion caused by the odd BT situation, VM does actually provide a clearer view of what should be expected to happen when people choose to adopt "Business Rate" 084 numbers. Whilst there may be much to criticise, VM cannot be blamed for simply passing on its costs to its customers.
N.B. I have not addressed the marketing issues, including the use of packages.
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