Orange Now Charge for 0800 calls on Pay Monthly Tariffs

d2macreject · 01-12-2005, 17:59

In the straw that breaks the camel's back, Orange are now charging for 0800 calls.

Last month they started to charge £1 for itemized bills. Their new tarrifs are frankly sh**e (I refuse to budge from Everyday 50) and they have the nerve to run commercials claiming that the longer you stay with the network the better it gets.

Um, let's see. In 1998 when I signed up to my first Orange contract on Everyday 20, it was a network which offered genuine value for money and good tariff structures. They upgraded Everyday 20 to 50 and for the price each month it was and still is unbeatable, when coupled with a calling card service (now out of bounds.)

Then Hutchinson sold out and France Telecom took over, then Hans Snook left and the network has become more extortionate by the year. £100+ to upgrade on my tariff, 18 month contracts to get free phones etc.

It's only a matter of time before they try and turf the remaining Everyday 50 people off the tariff.

Customer Services claims it brings them into line with the other networks, I seem to remember it was being different from the other networks that made Orange so distinctive in the first place.

lee18xx · 01-12-2005, 18:16

If you phone Orange and threaten to leave over the new charge for 0800 numbers (quote the terms and conditions in your contract, 4.3 i think it is) and they will add a special bundle onto your account where you get them for free

01-12-2005, 22:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee18xx

If you phone Orange and threaten to leave over the new charge for 0800 numbers (quote the terms and conditions in your contract, 4.3 i think it is) and they will add a special bundle onto your account where you get them for free

I don't think that will help in this instance as the OP appears to have held the contract for at least 12 months so can cancel at anytime (giving the normal notice)

I think the free 0800 deal is only being offered to customers still within their madatory contract period cancelling earlier since Orange have now made changes to the agreed tariff, hence the ability to cancel. The free 0800 deal offered usually expires at the end of the mandatory contract period.

d2macreject · 01-12-2005, 22:04

I'm in the middle of another new contract (my eigth) so I'll give it a go.

flagpole · 02-12-2005, 11:48

I don't have a problem with paying for 0800 numbers. they are free from a land line because the owner pays for the termination at around ~1p a minute.

They do not pay for the connection from a mobile. so IMHO you should pay from your mobile your land line rate, less about 1p per minute.

Mr Cable · 02-12-2005, 13:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2macreject

It's only a matter of time before they try and turf the remaining Everyday 50 people off the tariff...

I thought they already had? Seriously though, I agree - e50s' days are numbered.

Everything Goes · 02-12-2005, 15:48

Orange France got fined £174 Million for anti competitive behavior. Plus that 3G license was very expensive so they have to make that money back somehow!

Orange has been going downhill since Hans Snook left and France Telecom took over. They hate ED50 cos its good value for money much like they are trying to get rid of Out Here for pay as you go customers.

adamw · 02-12-2005, 17:24

I called and spent an hour on phone.

They agreed that they would extend the 0800 to 25/12/05. I am still not happy.

Please update me as to how you get on with the threat of cancelling contract mid term as I renewed for 12 months July '05 so I am very annoyed as I use one tel to call abroad.

Anyone other ideas re how to get around it? As cust service tells me all 08 numbers are a flat 10p min and not coming out of inclusive minutes.

d2macreject · 02-12-2005, 17:40

No luck. Orange wouldn't play ball, despite going to retention services and threatening to leave. They claimed there was no way to give 0800 add on packs.

They don't give a stuff.

02-12-2005, 19:14

When were you informed of the increase cost of 0800 numbers? If within the last month, you can cancel giving 14 days written notice prior to your billing date under term 4.3 as stated by lee18xx above

Orange Terms & Conditions

makavelianz · 03-12-2005, 10:27

Anyone else tried cancelling their contract my contract is like 20 days old dont know if i can cancel now and keep my phone would be nice though

has anyone given it a go?

03-12-2005, 17:16

It depends on what you were told when you took out the contract - if it said that 0800 calls were free then you can cancel without charge.

If you were told that 0800 calls were chargeable, you cannot cancel without charge.

According to term 14.1, I cannot see how they ask for the phone back as that was aquired outside the terms of the contract

makavelianz · 03-12-2005, 18:36

When extacly did they change their terms and conditions? it was free when i took up the contract bout 3 weeks ago.

pyphon · 04-12-2005, 10:08

i got a new phone on a 12 month contract rather than a 18 month, just said i want a new phone but don't want the 18 month contract, so said i was gonner just cancel and get a new 12 month contract with them, worked a treat, said i could get it on a 12 month deal, and got 120 free txts for 6 months.

Examinus · 04-12-2005, 12:42

I just phoned Orange and the man told me to phone customer services. I said I was thinking about leaving Orange so followed the menu like I was told. He was really nasty.

Should I phone normal customer services? What should I say to them?

makavelianz · 04-12-2005, 13:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Examinus

I just phoned Orange and the man told me to phone customer services. I said I was thinking about leaving Orange so followed the menu like I was told. He was really nasty.

Should I phone normal customer services? What should I say to them?

Yes orange are seeming to want to piss people of lately i have been having bad experience with them to but you need to tell them as you use your contract with orange mainly to phone free phone numbers and now that they have started charging you for it, you do not want it no longer and refer them to the terms and conditions 4.3 ok hope everything goes well.

Examinus · 04-12-2005, 13:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by makavelianz

Yes orange are seeming to want to piss people of lately i have been having bad experience with them to but you need to tell them as you use your contract with orange mainly to phone free phone numbers and now that they have started charging you for it, you do not want it no longer and refer them to the terms and conditions 4.3 ok hope everything goes well.

I did do. The man just kept saying you need to sort it out with customer services and I am still in contract until May. He wouldn't listen to me.

makavelianz · 04-12-2005, 13:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Examinus

I did do. The man just kept saying you need to sort it out with customer services and I am still in contract until May. He wouldn't listen to me.

Threaten to take them to court or even worst lets all get in touch with watchdog this stuff cant be happening or trading standards i dont know what else to say or wait another week or so im sure alot more people will be telling orange to sod of and buy then they will know the procedures.. well we can hope :yawn:

Examinus · 04-12-2005, 13:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by makavelianz

Threaten to take them to court or even worst lets all get in touch with watchdog this stuff cant be happening or trading standards i dont know what else to say or wait another week or so im sure alot more people will be telling orange to sod of and buy then they will know the procedures.. well we can hope :yawn:

I can't do that!

The man was really horrible to me.

dan river · 05-12-2005, 01:08

Ring customer services, follow the advice above and if you continue to be fobbed off ask to be put through to ext46889. The guy's name is Paul (I think.. been a while since i spoke to him!). This chap is very nice to speak to and he knows the score. I had the 0800 pack added to my account thus enabling me to continue making free 0800 calls.

Examinus · 05-12-2005, 01:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan river

Ring customer services, follow the advice above and if you continue to be fobbed off ask to be put through to ext46889. The guy's name is Paul (I think.. been a while since i spoke to him!). This chap is very nice to speak to and he knows the score. I had the 0800 pack added to my account thus enabling me to continue making free 0800 calls.

I'm scared

muffin789 · 05-12-2005, 08:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Examinus

I'm scared

Just bite the bullet and make the call. If you don't try to sort it, you can't then complain that you're unhappy with the service.

If the person you're speaking to is offensive/rude or whatever, get their name and ask to be put through to their supervisor, then make a complaint about them. We're far too happy to put up with appalling levels of customer service in this country!!

If they put the phone down on you (I've had this happen to me as soon as I've started to ask for names etc.), just call back and ask to be put through to the most senior person you can. Stay calm and be rational about things, and you'd be surprised how wasy it can be to get results.

Sarah

steve007 · 05-12-2005, 09:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2macreject

In the straw that breaks the camel's back, Orange are now charging for 0800 calls.

Last month they started to charge £1 for itemized bills. Their new tarrifs are frankly sh**e (I refuse to budge from Everyday 50) and they have the nerve to run commercials claiming that the longer you stay with the network the better it gets.

Um, let's see. In 1998 when I signed up to my first Orange contract on Everyday 20, it was a network which offered genuine value for money and good tariff structures. They upgraded Everyday 20 to 50 and for the price each month it was and still is unbeatable, when coupled with a calling card service (now out of bounds.)

Then Hutchinson sold out and France Telecom took over, then Hans Snook left and the network has become more extortionate by the year. £100+ to upgrade on my tariff, 18 month contracts to get free phones etc.

It's only a matter of time before they try and turf the remaining Everyday 50 people off the tariff.

Customer Services claims it brings them into line with the other networks, I seem to remember it was being different from the other networks that made Orange so distinctive in the first place.

I disagree. Whilst I dislike the fact that orange charge for 0800 numbers and charge additional money for calling 0870 and 0845, I believe that the options available to the consumer have improved drastically.

Overall the customer service is better and there are better tarrifs available and pay as you go and improved drastically since the early days of Just Talk and contract too.

I could give many examples of how things have improved but my guess is that most people know this already and its only a handful of people who are unhappy.

pjb007 · 05-12-2005, 10:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2macreject

In the straw that breaks the camel's back, Orange are now charging for 0800 calls.

This has been the case for years (on PAYG), I seem to think that you get a recorded message before they connect the call.

muffin789 · 05-12-2005, 11:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjb007

This has been the case for years (on PAYG), I seem to think that you get a recorded message before they connect the call.

Yeah I remember that. Years and years ago I had an Orange PAYG phone and got charged for those calls, I think it happens on other networks' PAYG as well.

01-12-2005, 17:59	#1
d2macreject Guest Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 715	Orange Now Charge for 0800 calls on Pay Monthly Tariffs In the straw that breaks the camel's back, Orange are now charging for 0800 calls. Last month they started to charge £1 for itemized bills. Their new tarrifs are frankly sh**e (I refuse to budge from Everyday 50) and they have the nerve to run commercials claiming that the longer you stay with the network the better it gets. Um, let's see. In 1998 when I signed up to my first Orange contract on Everyday 20, it was a network which offered genuine value for money and good tariff structures. They upgraded Everyday 20 to 50 and for the price each month it was and still is unbeatable, when coupled with a calling card service (now out of bounds.) Then Hutchinson sold out and France Telecom took over, then Hans Snook left and the network has become more extortionate by the year. £100+ to upgrade on my tariff, 18 month contracts to get free phones etc. It's only a matter of time before they try and turf the remaining Everyday 50 people off the tariff. Customer Services claims it brings them into line with the other networks, I seem to remember it was being different from the other networks that made Orange so distinctive in the first place.

01-12-2005, 18:16	#2
lee18xx Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: UK Posts: 2,794	If you phone Orange and threaten to leave over the new charge for 0800 numbers (quote the terms and conditions in your contract, 4.3 i think it is) and they will add a special bundle onto your account where you get them for free

01-12-2005, 22:00	#3
dawson Posts: n/a	Quote: Originally Posted by lee18xx If you phone Orange and threaten to leave over the new charge for 0800 numbers (quote the terms and conditions in your contract, 4.3 i think it is) and they will add a special bundle onto your account where you get them for free I don't think that will help in this instance as the OP appears to have held the contract for at least 12 months so can cancel at anytime (giving the normal notice) I think the free 0800 deal is only being offered to customers still within their madatory contract period cancelling earlier since Orange have now made changes to the agreed tariff, hence the ability to cancel. The free 0800 deal offered usually expires at the end of the mandatory contract period.

01-12-2005, 22:04	#4
d2macreject Guest Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 715	I'm in the middle of another new contract (my eigth) so I'll give it a go.

02-12-2005, 11:48	#5
flagpole Inactive Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 43,524	I don't have a problem with paying for 0800 numbers. they are free from a land line because the owner pays for the termination at around ~1p a minute. They do not pay for the connection from a mobile. so IMHO you should pay from your mobile your land line rate, less about 1p per minute.

02-12-2005, 13:09	#6
Mr Cable Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 2,868	Quote: Originally Posted by d2macreject It's only a matter of time before they try and turf the remaining Everyday 50 people off the tariff... I thought they already had? Seriously though, I agree - e50s' days are numbered.

02-12-2005, 15:48	#7
Everything Goes Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the future.... Posts: 11,259	Orange France got fined £174 Million for anti competitive behavior. Plus that 3G license was very expensive so they have to make that money back somehow! Orange has been going downhill since Hans Snook left and France Telecom took over. They hate ED50 cos its good value for money much like they are trying to get rid of Out Here for pay as you go customers.

02-12-2005, 17:24	#8
adamw Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: south mancheter, M22 Posts: 12	I called and spent an hour on phone. They agreed that they would extend the 0800 to 25/12/05. I am still not happy. Please update me as to how you get on with the threat of cancelling contract mid term as I renewed for 12 months July '05 so I am very annoyed as I use one tel to call abroad. Anyone other ideas re how to get around it? As cust service tells me all 08 numbers are a flat 10p min and not coming out of inclusive minutes.

02-12-2005, 17:40	#9
d2macreject Guest Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 715	No luck. Orange wouldn't play ball, despite going to retention services and threatening to leave. They claimed there was no way to give 0800 add on packs. They don't give a stuff.

02-12-2005, 19:14	#10
dawson Posts: n/a	When were you informed of the increase cost of 0800 numbers? If within the last month, you can cancel giving 14 days written notice prior to your billing date under term 4.3 as stated by lee18xx above Orange Terms & Conditions

03-12-2005, 10:27	#11
makavelianz Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 930	Anyone else tried cancelling their contract my contract is like 20 days old dont know if i can cancel now and keep my phone would be nice though has anyone given it a go?

03-12-2005, 17:16	#12
dawson Posts: n/a	It depends on what you were told when you took out the contract - if it said that 0800 calls were free then you can cancel without charge. If you were told that 0800 calls were chargeable, you cannot cancel without charge. According to term 14.1, I cannot see how they ask for the phone back as that was aquired outside the terms of the contract

03-12-2005, 18:36	#13
makavelianz Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 930	When extacly did they change their terms and conditions? it was free when i took up the contract bout 3 weeks ago.

04-12-2005, 10:08	#14
pyphon Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Teesside Posts: 2,545	i got a new phone on a 12 month contract rather than a 18 month, just said i want a new phone but don't want the 18 month contract, so said i was gonner just cancel and get a new 12 month contract with them, worked a treat, said i could get it on a 12 month deal, and got 120 free txts for 6 months.

04-12-2005, 12:42	#15
Examinus Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 16,994	I just phoned Orange and the man told me to phone customer services. I said I was thinking about leaving Orange so followed the menu like I was told. He was really nasty. Should I phone normal customer services? What should I say to them?

04-12-2005, 13:04	#16
makavelianz Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 930	Quote: Originally Posted by Examinus I just phoned Orange and the man told me to phone customer services. I said I was thinking about leaving Orange so followed the menu like I was told. He was really nasty. Should I phone normal customer services? What should I say to them? Yes orange are seeming to want to piss people of lately i have been having bad experience with them to but you need to tell them as you use your contract with orange mainly to phone free phone numbers and now that they have started charging you for it, you do not want it no longer and refer them to the terms and conditions 4.3 ok hope everything goes well.

04-12-2005, 13:07	#17
Examinus Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 16,994	Quote: Originally Posted by makavelianz Yes orange are seeming to want to piss people of lately i have been having bad experience with them to but you need to tell them as you use your contract with orange mainly to phone free phone numbers and now that they have started charging you for it, you do not want it no longer and refer them to the terms and conditions 4.3 ok hope everything goes well. I did do. The man just kept saying you need to sort it out with customer services and I am still in contract until May. He wouldn't listen to me.

04-12-2005, 13:20	#18
makavelianz Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 930	Quote: Originally Posted by Examinus I did do. The man just kept saying you need to sort it out with customer services and I am still in contract until May. He wouldn't listen to me. Threaten to take them to court or even worst lets all get in touch with watchdog this stuff cant be happening or trading standards i dont know what else to say or wait another week or so im sure alot more people will be telling orange to sod of and buy then they will know the procedures.. well we can hope :yawn:

04-12-2005, 13:33	#19
Examinus Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 16,994	Quote: Originally Posted by makavelianz Threaten to take them to court or even worst lets all get in touch with watchdog this stuff cant be happening or trading standards i dont know what else to say or wait another week or so im sure alot more people will be telling orange to sod of and buy then they will know the procedures.. well we can hope :yawn: I can't do that! The man was really horrible to me.

05-12-2005, 01:08	#20
dan river Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 1	Ring customer services, follow the advice above and if you continue to be fobbed off ask to be put through to ext46889. The guy's name is Paul (I think.. been a while since i spoke to him!). This chap is very nice to speak to and he knows the score. I had the 0800 pack added to my account thus enabling me to continue making free 0800 calls.

05-12-2005, 01:14	#21
Examinus Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 16,994	Quote: Originally Posted by dan river Ring customer services, follow the advice above and if you continue to be fobbed off ask to be put through to ext46889. The guy's name is Paul (I think.. been a while since i spoke to him!). This chap is very nice to speak to and he knows the score. I had the 0800 pack added to my account thus enabling me to continue making free 0800 calls. I'm scared

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Orange Now Charge for 0800 calls on Pay Monthly Tariffs

05-12-2005, 08:13	#22
muffin789 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Devon Posts: 1,608	Quote: Originally Posted by Examinus I'm scared Just bite the bullet and make the call. If you don't try to sort it, you can't then complain that you're unhappy with the service. If the person you're speaking to is offensive/rude or whatever, get their name and ask to be put through to their supervisor, then make a complaint about them. We're far too happy to put up with appalling levels of customer service in this country!! If they put the phone down on you (I've had this happen to me as soon as I've started to ask for names etc.), just call back and ask to be put through to the most senior person you can. Stay calm and be rational about things, and you'd be surprised how wasy it can be to get results. Sarah

05-12-2005, 09:06	#23
steve007 Banned User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Hereford Posts: 1,681	Quote: Originally Posted by d2macreject In the straw that breaks the camel's back, Orange are now charging for 0800 calls. Last month they started to charge £1 for itemized bills. Their new tarrifs are frankly sh**e (I refuse to budge from Everyday 50) and they have the nerve to run commercials claiming that the longer you stay with the network the better it gets. Um, let's see. In 1998 when I signed up to my first Orange contract on Everyday 20, it was a network which offered genuine value for money and good tariff structures. They upgraded Everyday 20 to 50 and for the price each month it was and still is unbeatable, when coupled with a calling card service (now out of bounds.) Then Hutchinson sold out and France Telecom took over, then Hans Snook left and the network has become more extortionate by the year. £100+ to upgrade on my tariff, 18 month contracts to get free phones etc. It's only a matter of time before they try and turf the remaining Everyday 50 people off the tariff. Customer Services claims it brings them into line with the other networks, I seem to remember it was being different from the other networks that made Orange so distinctive in the first place. I disagree. Whilst I dislike the fact that orange charge for 0800 numbers and charge additional money for calling 0870 and 0845, I believe that the options available to the consumer have improved drastically. Overall the customer service is better and there are better tarrifs available and pay as you go and improved drastically since the early days of Just Talk and contract too. I could give many examples of how things have improved but my guess is that most people know this already and its only a handful of people who are unhappy.

05-12-2005, 10:19	#24
pjb007 Forum Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shropshire - (Tx: The Wrekin) Posts: 10,284	Quote: Originally Posted by d2macreject In the straw that breaks the camel's back, Orange are now charging for 0800 calls. This has been the case for years (on PAYG), I seem to think that you get a recorded message before they connect the call.

05-12-2005, 11:52	#25
muffin789 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Devon Posts: 1,608	Quote: Originally Posted by pjb007 This has been the case for years (on PAYG), I seem to think that you get a recorded message before they connect the call. Yeah I remember that. Years and years ago I had an Orange PAYG phone and got charged for those calls, I think it happens on other networks' PAYG as well.