0800 numbers to be free from mobiles from 1st July!

Bandspread199 · 22-04-2015, 20:22

Had a text from Vodafone to say that numbers starting 08 will be free to call from July 1st as ordered by Ofcom!

Everything Goes · 22-04-2015, 20:38

Three have been offering this for a year now.

0800 Buster also works till Vodafone graciously give you that option thanks to Ofcom.

jchamier · 22-04-2015, 20:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Everything Goes

Three have been offering this for a year now.

Some people on new EE price plans (ie, my SIM only upgrade in Sept) also have free 0800 already.

d123 · 22-04-2015, 21:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by jchamier

Some people on new EE price plans (ie, my SIM only upgrade in Sept) also have free 0800 already.

As do the EE Extra plans from Aug 2014...

Thine Wonk · 22-04-2015, 21:49

As do newer contracted Three customers already and Giffgaff has offered it for years too.

Good news that more people are getting 0800 numbers included.

moox · 22-04-2015, 22:17

It's ridiculous that it was never like this from day one - or at the very least, the same per minute rate as a landline call, and not something often not inclusive in minutes. Especially for contract customers who already pay line rental.

call100 · 22-04-2015, 22:30

Been free on giffgaff for years now...Those charging have been ripping everyone off with 0800 numbers.

d'@ve · 22-04-2015, 22:47

Already free on BT Mobile.

jchamier · 22-04-2015, 23:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by call100

Been free on giffgaff for years now...Those charging have been ripping everyone off with 0800 numbers.

Orange and one2one started with 0800 being free back in 1994 and 1993 respectively. They were forced to change by the other two (Vodafone and Cellnet) and some complaint to Oftel (precursor to Ofcom) back in around 1999.

Its taken Ofcom this long to sort out the mess :-/

david16 · 22-04-2015, 23:37

Just hope the mobile operators don't cut the number of inclusive minutes on various plans when 0800 numbers become free.

david16 · 22-04-2015, 23:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by call100

Been free on giffgaff for years now...Those charging have been ripping everyone off with 0800 numbers.

0500 numbers will still be chargeable though.

DevonBloke · 22-04-2015, 23:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by jchamier

Orange and one2one started with 0800 being free back in 1994 and 1993 respectively. They were forced to change by the other two (Vodafone and Cellnet) and some complaint to Oftel (precursor to Ofcom) back in around 1999.

Its taken Ofcom this long to sort out the mess :-/

Yes, joined Orange in 1996 with Nokia 2140 (Nokia Orange) and remember well that 0800 were free. Was a pretty cool Orange feature at the time. Shame it all went **** up!

jchamier · 22-04-2015, 23:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by david16

0500 numbers will still be chargeable though.

They were Mercury communications freecall competitor to BT's freephone. Similarly we had 0345 and 0545 but 0545 went a long time ago. Mercury being C&W residential brand that launched one2one.

No issue as they're hardly used and die in 2017 if I'm reading this right.
http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/con...hone/statement

plymouthbloke1974 · 23-04-2015, 00:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by jchamier

Orange and one2one started with 0800 being free back in 1994 and 1993 respectively. They were forced to change by the other two (Vodafone and Cellnet) and some complaint to Oftel (precursor to Ofcom) back in around 1999.

Its taken Ofcom this long to sort out the mess :-/

It wasn't Cellnet and Vodafone that forced them to change (that would be anti-competitive).

It was due to the proliferation of calling card services that allowed cheap calls via 0800. They used to block identified numbers but the providers simply changed the number and the cycle continued. Until the networks gave up and just made all 0800's chargeable, I also think it was a case of "If Voda/Cellnet can do it and earn a few bob, why not us?"

unique · 23-04-2015, 07:25

i got charged a fair few quid calling an 0800 number last year. i presumed it would come out of my minutes. so got a bit charge and ironically had hardly touched my normal minutes

i presume if it's ofcom then it applies to all companies? i'm on virgin as i get a good deal. i usually use say no to 0870 for alternate numbers or dial banks via the "international" number on the card

Mark C · 23-04-2015, 07:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bandspread199

Had a text from Vodafone to say that numbers starting 08 will be free to call from July 1st as ordered by Ofcom!

08, or 0800 ? There's a major difference ?

bikerlad · 23-04-2015, 07:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark C

08, or 0800 ? There's a major difference ?

080 numbers.

david16 · 23-04-2015, 08:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by unique

i got charged a fair few quid calling an 0800 number last year. i presumed it would come out of my minutes. so got a bit charge and ironically had hardly touched my normal minutes

i presume if it's ofcom then it applies to all companies? i'm on virgin as i get a good deal. i usually use say no to 0870 for alternate numbers or dial banks via the "international" number on the card

I always do the same.

But I find there are a lot more 0844, 0845 and 0870 numbers I have to find alternative numbers to than 0800 and 0808 numbers.

Will the number of inclusive minutes for making calls to landline numbers that are non 08 or 0500 numbers stay the same from July?

d123 · 23-04-2015, 10:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by david16

I always do the same.

But I find there are a lot more 0844, 0845 and 0870 numbers I have to find alternative numbers to than 0800 and 0808 numbers.

The number of 084x numbers have diminished over the last year since most customer service use of them was banned, it's always worth trying any 0845 xxxxxx number as 0345 xxxxxxxx, many companies have bought the same 0345 number but still publicise the 0845 if they are allowed to.

jchamier · 23-04-2015, 20:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by plymouthbloke1974

It wasn't Cellnet and Vodafone that forced them to change (that would be anti-competitive).

I thought they raised the complaint that got Oftel looking into it, at the same time as lots of people were essentially taking the proverbial using 0800 based calling cards to reduce the cost of calls. I used an 0800 ISP over a Nokia cellular data PCMCIA modem for about 6 months. The ISP charged me at 2p/min on my credit card. Was cheaper than any data service Orange offered.

Quote:

It was due to the proliferation of calling card services that allowed cheap calls via 0800. They used to block identified numbers but the providers simply changed the number and the cycle continued. Until the networks gave up and just made all 0800's chargeable, I also think it was a case of "If Voda/Cellnet can do it and earn a few bob, why not us?"

I remember the volume of numbers being discussed on the (long since gone) Orange mailing list.

22-04-2015, 20:22	#1
Bandspread199 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Scotland east Posts: 2,845	0800 numbers to be free from mobiles from 1st July! Had a text from Vodafone to say that numbers starting 08 will be free to call from July 1st as ordered by Ofcom!

22-04-2015, 20:38	#2
Everything Goes Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the future.... Posts: 11,259	Three have been offering this for a year now. 0800 Buster also works till Vodafone graciously give you that option thanks to Ofcom.

22-04-2015, 20:42	#3
jchamier Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: This forum Posts: 3,392	Quote: Originally Posted by Everything Goes Three have been offering this for a year now. Some people on new EE price plans (ie, my SIM only upgrade in Sept) also have free 0800 already.

22-04-2015, 21:24	#4
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by jchamier Some people on new EE price plans (ie, my SIM only upgrade in Sept) also have free 0800 already. As do the EE Extra plans from Aug 2014...

22-04-2015, 21:49	#5
Thine Wonk Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 14,577	As do newer contracted Three customers already and Giffgaff has offered it for years too. Good news that more people are getting 0800 numbers included.

22-04-2015, 22:17	#6
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	It's ridiculous that it was never like this from day one - or at the very least, the same per minute rate as a landline call, and not something often not inclusive in minutes. Especially for contract customers who already pay line rental.

22-04-2015, 22:30	#7
call100 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 6,572	Been free on giffgaff for years now...Those charging have been ripping everyone off with 0800 numbers.

22-04-2015, 22:47	#8
d'@ve Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Darn Sarf Posts: 28,743	Already free on BT Mobile.

22-04-2015, 23:03	#9
jchamier Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: This forum Posts: 3,392	Quote: Originally Posted by call100 Been free on giffgaff for years now...Those charging have been ripping everyone off with 0800 numbers. Orange and one2one started with 0800 being free back in 1994 and 1993 respectively. They were forced to change by the other two (Vodafone and Cellnet) and some complaint to Oftel (precursor to Ofcom) back in around 1999. Its taken Ofcom this long to sort out the mess :-/

22-04-2015, 23:37	#10
david16 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Central Belt Posts: 12,290	Just hope the mobile operators don't cut the number of inclusive minutes on various plans when 0800 numbers become free.

22-04-2015, 23:39	#11
david16 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Central Belt Posts: 12,290	Quote: Originally Posted by call100 Been free on giffgaff for years now...Those charging have been ripping everyone off with 0800 numbers. 0500 numbers will still be chargeable though.

22-04-2015, 23:44	#12
DevonBloke Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Totnes, Devon Posts: 6,694	Quote: Originally Posted by jchamier Orange and one2one started with 0800 being free back in 1994 and 1993 respectively. They were forced to change by the other two (Vodafone and Cellnet) and some complaint to Oftel (precursor to Ofcom) back in around 1999. Its taken Ofcom this long to sort out the mess :-/ Yes, joined Orange in 1996 with Nokia 2140 (Nokia Orange) and remember well that 0800 were free. Was a pretty cool Orange feature at the time. Shame it all went **** up!

22-04-2015, 23:48	#13
jchamier Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: This forum Posts: 3,392	Quote: Originally Posted by david16 0500 numbers will still be chargeable though. They were Mercury communications freecall competitor to BT's freephone. Similarly we had 0345 and 0545 but 0545 went a long time ago. Mercury being C&W residential brand that launched one2one. No issue as they're hardly used and die in 2017 if I'm reading this right. http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/con...hone/statement

23-04-2015, 00:49	#14
plymouthbloke1974 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Destination: Hard Brexit Posts: 6,368	Quote: Originally Posted by jchamier Orange and one2one started with 0800 being free back in 1994 and 1993 respectively. They were forced to change by the other two (Vodafone and Cellnet) and some complaint to Oftel (precursor to Ofcom) back in around 1999. Its taken Ofcom this long to sort out the mess :-/ It wasn't Cellnet and Vodafone that forced them to change (that would be anti-competitive). It was due to the proliferation of calling card services that allowed cheap calls via 0800. They used to block identified numbers but the providers simply changed the number and the cycle continued. Until the networks gave up and just made all 0800's chargeable, I also think it was a case of "If Voda/Cellnet can do it and earn a few bob, why not us?"

23-04-2015, 07:25	#15
unique Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 8,034	i got charged a fair few quid calling an 0800 number last year. i presumed it would come out of my minutes. so got a bit charge and ironically had hardly touched my normal minutes i presume if it's ofcom then it applies to all companies? i'm on virgin as i get a good deal. i usually use say no to 0870 for alternate numbers or dial banks via the "international" number on the card

23-04-2015, 07:28	#16
Mark C Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Hampshire Posts: 8,102	Quote: Originally Posted by Bandspread199 Had a text from Vodafone to say that numbers starting 08 will be free to call from July 1st as ordered by Ofcom! 08, or 0800 ? There's a major difference ?

23-04-2015, 07:32	#17
bikerlad Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: London Posts: 391	Quote: Originally Posted by Mark C 08, or 0800 ? There's a major difference ? 080 numbers.

23-04-2015, 08:40	#18
david16 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Central Belt Posts: 12,290	Quote: Originally Posted by unique i got charged a fair few quid calling an 0800 number last year. i presumed it would come out of my minutes. so got a bit charge and ironically had hardly touched my normal minutes i presume if it's ofcom then it applies to all companies? i'm on virgin as i get a good deal. i usually use say no to 0870 for alternate numbers or dial banks via the "international" number on the card I always do the same. But I find there are a lot more 0844, 0845 and 0870 numbers I have to find alternative numbers to than 0800 and 0808 numbers. Will the number of inclusive minutes for making calls to landline numbers that are non 08 or 0500 numbers stay the same from July?

23-04-2015, 10:53	#19
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by david16 I always do the same. But I find there are a lot more 0844, 0845 and 0870 numbers I have to find alternative numbers to than 0800 and 0808 numbers. The number of 084x numbers have diminished over the last year since most customer service use of them was banned, it's always worth trying any 0845 xxxxxx number as 0345 xxxxxxxx, many companies have bought the same 0345 number but still publicise the 0845 if they are allowed to.

23-04-2015, 20:03	#20
jchamier Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: This forum Posts: 3,392	Quote: Originally Posted by plymouthbloke1974 It wasn't Cellnet and Vodafone that forced them to change (that would be anti-competitive). I thought they raised the complaint that got Oftel looking into it, at the same time as lots of people were essentially taking the proverbial using 0800 based calling cards to reduce the cost of calls. I used an 0800 ISP over a Nokia cellular data PCMCIA modem for about 6 months. The ISP charged me at 2p/min on my credit card. Was cheaper than any data service Orange offered. Quote: It was due to the proliferation of calling card services that allowed cheap calls via 0800. They used to block identified numbers but the providers simply changed the number and the cycle continued. Until the networks gave up and just made all 0800's chargeable, I also think it was a case of "If Voda/Cellnet can do it and earn a few bob, why not us?" I remember the volume of numbers being discussed on the (long since gone) Orange mailing list.

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0800 numbers to be free from mobiles from 1st July!