A few items to consider with Custodian and the reasons for 0844
Custodian monitors alarm systems on behalf of various alarm companies
The call centre you are calling is
NOT
a customer service centre. They do
NOT
make marketing calls. In most cases you will
NOT
even be Custodians customer, you will be the customer of the alarm company which installed/maintains your alarm system. Custodian in any case aim to answer your call within 15 seconds and be able to complete the call within 75 seconds.
It is an ALARM MONITORING centre. The main function of the agents that you will be speaking to is to monitor and react to incoming alarm signals including life safety alarms such as personal attack and fire alarms.
When you call in on a 0115 number avoiding the automated testing facility you are taking an agent away from the task of being able to react to any incoming life safety alarm. While you are saving a few pence someone could, literally, be dying (keep in mind that that someone could be you)
so perhaps using the 0844 in this case is not such a hardship
The automated testing facility should take no longer than 30 seconds to place your alarm system on test
and most other issues should be dealt with through the alarm installing company, in any case. Custodian are also able to offer web access for many adminstrative tasks should your alarm installing company agree.
Although I cannot verify any numbers I hope this is helpful