loddon wrote on Mar 11
th, 2013 at 12:24pm:
Brita is a disgraceful outfit that paints a picture of the call not costing more than a geographic (local) call. It avoids being open of any benefit it gets by way of the inflated termination charge (or else permits its provider to retain it as unearned income).
The 0844 742 prefix is at g9 charge rate and has never been equal to "local rate". This is 2.041 pence per minute, plus 13.87p call set-up from BT lines, this being atypical due to regulation which keeps down the amount BT can charge.
This is an example of the practice that has been prevalent over many years. It has given 084 numbers and their users such a bad reputation.
The forthcoming announcement from Ofcom is expected to see that abusers like Brita will have to come clean that they benefit from a Service Charge. It will also be likely to remove the regulation from BT which gives 084 users a place to hide (by claiming that BT rates are usual).
loddon wrote on Mar 11
th, 2013 at 12:24pm:
Out of interest the database on this site carries the alternative geo number 01869 365800 which is unverified.
Thanks. I've tidied up the entries in the database.
The Brita office main menu (which includes an option for customer services) is on 01932 770599 (previously the main verified alternative) and 01869 365800. There are pages which suggest that Brita was (or is) based at an address in Sunbury-on-Thames, which I guess the 01932 number relates to. Perhaps they have moved and retained that number, for now at least.