Paying too much for calls?

Neil · 23-03-2004, 19:43

Even if you think you're not paying too much, it's always worth a click here.

You have nothing to lose, & you may even save yourself some money.

There is also a more generic site designed to save you money on things like gas/electricity etc, & that can be found by clicking here

I hope you find it useful.

N.

Matth · 26-06-2004, 18:09

And now, there IS an alternative to NTL's "321" with 5p per call connection charge (yes, remember it's 5p on top of any time used, nothing included)

http://www.call18866.co.uk/index2.php

Quote:

(08.06.2004) UK National calls for just 0.5p/min!

If you think that UK National calls for 1p per minute
is a bargain then you might want to think again!
18866 now offers UK national calls for just 0.5p p/min*
at all times!!!!

Start saving now and call any UK landline, day or night,
for only half a penny a minute!

*Calls are subject to a 1p connection fee

So that's low rate, low connection fee

Quote:

(27.04.2004) New 0808 number for access via cable!

Good news for all NTL, Telewest, other non-BT landline and mobile customers! Due to great demand you can now also benefit from cheap 18866-rates via our dedicated freephone number 0808 170 77 88*!

How does it work?
If you are already registered please call 0808 170 77 88 from your gistered telephone number. Wait for the voice prompt and dial the number you would like to call.

And it's now available to NTL Users

For a little bit of aggravation, signing up, and getting an extra bill from them - and dialling that callthrough number, you can save on NTL standard rates to most destinations *** DO NOT USE FOR off-peak, non-geographic, as that costs more with this service.

If you have anything better than basic NTL 321 service, the balance will be different - if you're paying for "free" calls at certain times, local or otherwise (and remember also, the NTL to NTL off peak local), then you do NOT want to reroute those through an alternative provider.

scrotnig · 26-06-2004, 18:42

I probably ought not to say this, but anyone with a BT line should get TalkTalk as their call provider ASAP. They are brilliant, simple to understand, and everything is done smoothly and professionally with absolutely no hassle. http://www.talktalk.co.uk

I have an ntl line AND a BT line, for mainly historical reasons. Allows me to shop around very nicely for the cheapest deals on call charges.

Shaun · 26-06-2004, 18:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark B

I probably ought not to say this, but anyone with a BT line should get TalkTalk as their call provider ASAP. They are brilliant, simple to understand, and everything is done smoothly and professionally with absolutely no hassle. http://www.talktalk.co.uk

I have an ntl line AND a BT line, for mainly historical reasons. Allows me to shop around very nicely for the cheapest deals on call charges.

Sorry Mark, their tarrifs just dont compare with call18866.

Matth · 27-06-2004, 15:21

18866 is about the lowest "per minute" tariff around - though for certain international destinations, they may occasionally be beaten by the likes of telestunt

I was looking for a guide I saw somewhere, that suggested using a mix of TalkTalk (for the off peak, 70 minute lark), by CPS, and 18866 (prefix) for peak time... not sure if you have to use a CPS escape prefix before you use another prefix.

If BT are allowed, and apparently Ofcom are still looking into it, to force all stanadrd rate customers onto option 1, then a relatively simple way of getting better rates, would be to use the option one for off-peak, longer calls, and put everything else through 18866.

There's got to be a market for a USER PROGRAMMABLE smartbox - I wonder if there's any way to hack the smartgem's that we have (BT line and NTL line here - having got used to the extra line, didn't really want to drop the BT line after moving from NTL dialup to broadband)

**Paul** · 27-06-2004, 16:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

There is also a more generic site designed to save you money on things like gas/electricity etc, & that can be found by clicking here

I hope you find it useful.

N.

Been using uswitch for about 4 years now to regularly check my Gas & Electric suppliers.

bo-peep · 13-09-2004, 11:41

this is the first time i've seen this thread and i came across 11866 & 1899 a couple of weeks ago.got rid of TU24 and i use the other method now.it might sound like a load of faffing about BUT it saves money.sat/sun calls 2 mobiles are 2p a min which 4 me is good cos altho my daughter is on 02 the same as me it's still cheaper 2 ring via the 0808 number

bargepole · 05-10-2005, 11:36

1899 & 18866 now charge 3p connection charge, then no per minute charge after that, so local/national calls cost just 3p no matter how long you're on for, day or night, assume they'll add vat to that figure.

Only problem I've found with them is that you're number doesn't appear to be forwarded when you make a call.

Shaun · 05-10-2005, 12:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by bargepole

1899 & 18866 now charge 3p connection charge, then no per minute charge after that, so local/national calls cost just 3p no matter how long you're on for, day or night, assume they'll add vat to that figure.

Only problem I've found with them is that you're number doesn't appear to be forwarded when you make a call.

Ours shows when we call others, perhaps a problem with your line?

bargepole · 05-10-2005, 17:32

Nope it's the same with another line on my 1899 account. Sent them an email asking about the problem & they replied:-

"Call1899 keeps its prices low by buying in bulk from major international carriers. Unfortunately we
cannot predict through which carrier a call will go. Therefore it is not possible to influence the way
your call is displayed.

We hope this has answered your question."

So it looks like it may work sometimes depending which carrier they use.Just tried it my mobile and it worked ok. The problem might just be to other landlines, I'll have to investigate further.

(Vat is included in the 3p connection charge)

tweetypie/8 · 23-03-2008, 09:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul M

Been using uswitch for about 4 years now to regularly check my Gas & Electric suppliers.

same here.

Shaun · 23-03-2008, 12:52

Bump of the week? :Erm:

BexTech · 02-06-2008, 04:26

I've never liked uSwitch, can never forget them for being dishonnest in the past with not showing the cheaper providers because they either didn't offer kickbacks or didn't offer high enough kickbacks.

Call 18185 and Primus Saver 2 (& penny mobile) with a BT line rental seems the best combination at the moment.

Graham M · 02-06-2008, 08:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by tweetypie/8

same here.

Psst if Paul had been using USwitch for 4 years in 2004, in 2008 that means he's been using it how many years (if he still does?)

BexTech · 02-06-2008, 14:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeph

Psst if Paul had been using USwitch for 4 years in 2004, in 2008 that means he's been using it how many years (if he still does?)

Yeah, and how many of them years has he being paying more for his gas & electric because uSwitch didn't give details of the cheapest suppliers because they didn't offer uSwitch kickbacks.