This is quite widespread and I think it has been caused by the common and incorrect usage of the phrase "free minutes".

The ASA cautions that telecoms suppliers must describe inclusive allowances as just that, inclusive, and must not describe the calls as free.

It seems a large number of people do not understand the difference between a call which is truly free and one which counts towards the inclusive allowances within a call package and chargeable outside of any allowances.

That's a big improvement.

Personally, I avoid the term 'local rate'. A distinct 'local rate' (a lower charge for a local call) ceased to exist in 2004. Calls within the UK are no longer charged by distance.

The 'local rate' terminology has been much abused, not least to mis-describe premium rate 0845 numbers, and is best avoided.

Additionally, talking about a 'rate' puts people in mind of paying a per-minute charge for the call when In reality most people pay a monthly fee for an inclusive call plan covering all of their calls to these numbers.

I much prefer to state that calls to 03 numbers are inclusive from landlines and mobiles, else charged at 'geographic rate' - the same as calls to 01 and 02 numbers.

Most people no longer pay for individual calls to 01, 02 or 03 numbers. Calls to 03 numbers count towards inclusive allowances on landlines and on mobiles in the same way as calls to 01 and 02 numbers.