A friend contacted the communications director of a large PLC which produces consumer products seeking a Geographic number for their customer help line and pointing out the iniquities of the NGN ripoff. I thought the reply might be of interest to you

"I visited the web site you mentioned today, and as you referred to our Bxxx xxx plc division 1 checked under the initial letter ‘B’ where I found 138 listings. Looking further, I was immediately struck by the number and wide span of the companies, bodies and other interests that are included; everyone from commercial organisations to Government departments through to Constabularies.

The use of an 0870 or 0845 prefixed number is therefore widespread. This does not I feel place these number within the premium category where typically rates of £1 or £1.50 per minute, or above, are charged. Any very small revenue we derive is used to improve upon the service ~ve give to the consumer. It allows us to incorporate skill based routing of calls and to calculate the correct staffing levels to ensure an optimum service."


These people are obviously teflon coated!

By that "... it's widespread, so it's alright ..." contorted logic, I'm off shoplifting tomorrow!