Having emailed this to Tiscali and receiving an automated (numbered) acknowledgement that a response should be forthcoming with 48 hours I was  disappointed to have this and the follow up query ignored completely - so far !(I'm still here Tiscali)

Thanks for responding so well to your customers' queries 'Tisc' !


"It could be considered somewhat unfortunate for a company such as Tiscali involved in the business of offering telephone services that Mr Paul Durant (Head of Billing Operations) appears to be unaware that describing the Tiscali 'dedicated helpline' of 0870 428 4188 as being charged at 'NATIONAL RATE' is incorrect and against (at the very least) the policy of the Advertising Standards Authority in the United Kingdom. 

An increasing number of U.K. citizens are becoming aware that a telephone number prefixed by 0870 is actually a PREMIUM RATE NUMBER charge between 3 pence per minute and 10 pence per minute and of course OFCOM are currently considering what action to take to correct this situation.

Perhaps Mr Durant should research and examine the overwhelming evidence to support this assertion and alter his recently issued leaflet 'Reminder - Important Change to your Tiscali Bill' where it appears he is attempting to  mislead recipients.

I would personally be interested if he would care to advise me what exactly he considers to be the 'National Rate' as B.T. certainly don't have one !

It really is a dishonest and underhand method of increasing profits at the expense of the customer base who find the need to pay excessive  rates merely to contact a 'helpline'.

Even British Telecom who abolished charges known as 'National Rate' more than a year ago now refer to the cost as PREMIUM RATE - check out their website and then play fair with your customers please"