Hi

I am new to this site and have been reading through some of the previous posts.

I currently have the BT package that allows unlimited local calls during off peak periods. I understand now that the 0845 and 0870 numbers are not included within that package, but my question is, which is cheaper, the 0845/0870 or the national/geographical number?

I guess that the 0870 is dearer, but is the 0845 option?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Mark

Mark

See my various postings on this at this thread and also this thread to see the differences.
There are also links to the other Telcos to compare them yourself, but at the moment, if you are on you are on the cheapest for 0845/70.

I suggest that you look at someone elses inclusive plan though on the Residential tariffs and I'm sure that most of the regulars will concur that there are many that have cheaper plan rates. The Telcos charge what they feel like for 0845/70 so you will have to search hard to find cheaper rates. Good use of this site will help reduce the number of them you have to call, and put your regulars on your / list.

So many different points of view make this all very confusing.

I do not have an inclusive package and therefore if I am correct in believing DaveM, then I am not worse off by using 0845 number but I am for 0870 numbers.

Why can't their be actual facts on the website stating actual BT local and geographical costs plus 0845 and 0870 costs - showing all comparisons. Putting the education out there, would hopefully clear up all the contradictions once and for all, and allow for everyone to concentrate on the protest side of the issue.

Just my opinion of course:-)

Mark

Hi Mark,
I do know that DaveM has put cost tables out , or you could simply ask BT to send you their two booklets (free!) of 'The price of calls to specialised numbers' and 'UK and International Call prices & discount schemes for Residential customers' - they have such catchy titles!!  These contain every price you are likely to need.
If you HAVE to phone an 0845/0870 number then DaveM's post does give the answer - but if there is a way of finding a 'normal' number instead of the 0845 then costs are dramatically reduced to as low as 0.5p/min by using a 'carrier'.  The trouble now is becoming actually FINDING a company that does not use them - is this the reason OFCOM won't take on this problem on the consumers behalf?
You are confused, we all have been confused - that is the way that they make us think that 0845/0870 are just like all the other 0141.... etc numbers, BUT they are NOT.  They are premium numbers, but if they said that folk would think twice before using them, and maybe complain more!
Tell your friends about this matter, only when we mobilise might we get somewhere!

Thanks for the info Dave and I will look through them to see if there's anything I can use, but on my first look at it, (as my daughter would say when I stray onto the taboo subject of ) TOO MUCH INFORMATION !  
It's got so much Bulls!?* mixed in with the good stuff,  it's difficult to see the grass ! So if I find it difficult to use, can you imagine what the average householder is going to do ? ???  Yawn !!  
I'd go with my comparisons and Firestops . The Telcos he points to are and , of which I also use 18866 and can recommend. Look at their sites for the latest rates.

And importantly, !    See other postings for the link.