http://www.themoneypages.com/ccstory/21645/87/Dial_0870_for_rip-off.htm

<<

Consumer organisation Which? has called on companies using revenue-sharing numbers for customer service help lines to put a stop to these expensive and confusing practices


Most people are unaware of the implications of calling an 0870 or 0871 number, incorrectly believing them to be relatively cheap in comparison to other premium rate phone numbers. However industry regulator Icstis has found that Brits spend a massive £300 million each year dialling 0871.

In reality however, organisations that use 0845, 0844 and the higher charging 0870 and 0871 numbers can share the revenue from calls with the phone service provider. This means that the longer customers stay on the line, the more both companies will earn.

[...]

Editor of Which?, Neil Fowler, said: “Revenue-sharing is a stealth tax of the worst kind. Tales of customers hanging on for ages at huge expense when they are trying to place an order – or even make a complaint – are numerous. Where once businesses paid to look after customers, it now seems that customers must pay for the privilege of businesses looking after them.”

>>

It is on BBC2 teletex (or however you spell it!) in the business section (in the 200 range, see 201 for exact location). This is a good sign for raising the profile and stuff on here often hits working lunch and other programmes. I only saw some of working lunch today. What i saw didn't mention it.

You might need to amend the link Dave,. Looks like it's an updatable one.