I was told yesterday that OneTel (now TalkTalk) are no longer offering cheap overseas calls UNLESS you buy their whole package--- No Thanks...

Is there a service you recommend via 0800 or local access (0208 640... Wimbledon) to get cheap calls to the USA ?

I have a BT line WITH SkyTalk service.

Thanks!
Last edited by donelson : 29-11-2006 at 09:06

The simplest method would be for you to get yourself a 1899 account - 4p connection and 1p/minute to USA landlines and mobiles.

Alternatively, there are a number of providers offering 0844 gateway numbers at 1p/minute (see http://callchecker.moneysavingexpert.com/callchecker/) but, with them:

(1) it'd be prudent for you to dial a 1280 prefix to hop back onto BT to ensure you get charged only 1p/minute (Sky Talk don't appear to publicise their 0844 rates);

(2) you start paying for the call halfway through dialling (after the 11th digit of the 0844 number);

(3) you still pay even if your 'target number' is engaged or unavailable.

0844calls 1p/min 0844 861 2121
Bestminutes 1p/min 0844 861 6262
Cleverates 1p/min 0844 721 2525
DialAround 1p/min 0844 861 2929
DiscountDial 1p/min 0844 861 3030
PhoneCheap 1p/min 0844 861 3838
Ratebuster 1p/min 0844 720 0000
Telesavers 1p/min 0844 861 2525
Telestunt 1p/min 0844 861 8888

BTW, 'local access' is meaningless these days. Since 1/7/04, when BT forced 99% of its residential customers onto BT Together packages, the cost of calling any UK 01 or 02 number has been the same regardless of where you call from or to (i.e. calling London from London costs the same as calling Liverpool from London or Lancaster from Leeds).
Last edited by Heinz : 29-11-2006 at 09:27

Heinz, Thanks!

Is there one of these that you recommend for (a) reliability, (b) line quality, and (c) reputation?

Without question, 1899.

That's far more convenient too (just a short prefix to remember), you don't get charged anything if you hit an engaged tone and you can check your calls online within a few minutes!

I have a 18185 account too (see HERE) because they save me a fortune on my weekday daytime UK 01/02 calls (you won't need that with Sky Talk), 0845, 0870, calls to UK mobiles (077, 078, 079 numbers) and on my calls to Spain (1899 charge 2p/minute for those but 18185 only charge 1p/minute).

However, you might want to consider changing from Sky Talk CPS to Euphony's euTalk+18 CPS package (averages at £4.33/month over the first 18 months and increases to £5.99/month thereafter). That'll get you free calls to the USA and 27 other countries as well as to UK 01/02 numbers.
Last edited by Heinz : 29-11-2006 at 10:12

Heinz, thanks very much.

For example, Ratebusters (easy to remember number, works from my and my wife's cellphones): If I dial their access number to call the USA at 1p/min, are there any hidden charges?

Note: I have SkyTalk because my family are not "dependable" to dial a prefix before calling Grandma etc...

On OneTel, I had about £4 per month of calls to the USA.

See above re Euphony


Don't misunderstand.

The 1p/minute cost of the 0844 providers is from a BT landline (who now also charge a 3p call set-up fee). Calling an 08xx number from a cellphone is likely to cost 40p/minute or more.
Last edited by Heinz : 29-11-2006 at 10:21

Thanks. What do Euphony charge for mobile calls to the USA?

Do you mean what do they charge to call USA mobiles from a CPS'd landline?

Good point. Don't know (but, with the way the cellphone systems work in the USA, it should be the same as for a call to a USA landline - nothing for up to 60 minutes).

I think you'd have to ask (01256 857 000).

What about from Vodafone mobile to 1899 ? per minute and connection? Any idea?

You lost me there.

1899 is a prefix for making outgoing calls from a BT landline.

Ah, I see on the 1899 website. There's a different number for mobile access.

One more question: If I join, will they pass on my details to junk-spam companies? (I know they're trying to make money, okay, but I don't want junk-spam to start hitting my mobile phone etc)

Can't say for certain but I've never had any spam which appears to have been as a result of registering with them.

I've emailed them now and asked if they hand over your details to 3rd parties...

I will report back here as to what they say...


Heinz, thanks for all your kind advice.

They assured me that they don't give or sell their customers' info.

Try http://www.cheapercallrate.com

They're rarely cheapest.

Check your options - http://callchecker.moneysavingexpert...ntcallchecker/

sky talk will be offering free calls to the usa so you won't need to find an alternative supplier. Just a quick question i was compairing cost of onetel talk talk and sky talk there 0845 and 0870 from sky is more expensive then one tel. does any one know any company that give free calls to uk landline and plus have a descent rate for 0845 and 0870 plus calls to europe.

At the moment i am paying £8 for talk unlimited with onetel and get good rates to international, i normally phone greece and germany and usa any idea and i don't wnat to be tied to a any contracts. i got sky tv and a bt line.
Last edited by rez_khan : 15-12-2006 at 18:52

I'd suggest better options for most people are:

Revert to BT line rental (BT Together Option 1).

Sign up for Primus Saver Option 2 CPS so you get free evening and weekend UK 01/02 calls for no monthly fee.

Sign up for 18185 and use them or BT for 0845 and 0870 calls (see HERE for when to use them or to use the 1280 prefix to hop back onto BT). Use 18185 also for calls to UK mobiles (077, 078 and 079 numbers).

For international calls, check out the MSE International Callchecker each time you need to make a call.

My suggested 'telephony money-saving plan' is HERE.
Last edited by Heinz : 15-12-2006 at 19:23

or if you got a mike and fairly decent internet connection then it wont hurt to give http://www.freecall.com a go, 300 mins each week of totally free calls to usa landlines and mobiles!

Sky has announced that Sky Talk will allow FREE calls to the USA, and some other countries as well...

Actually that's not so.

Their free (no monthly fee) Sky Talk Freetime CPS package only gives free calls (of up to 60 minutes, redial to avoid charges) to UK 01/02 numbers evenings and weekends.

Their (£5 per month) Sky Talk Unlimited CPS package is inclusive of calls (of up to 60 minutes, redial to avoid charges) to UK 01/02 numbers and to ten designated international destinations (the USA is, indeed, one) at all times.

Hence, it is more accurate to say in the latter case that such calls made by those subscribing to the Unlimited package are not free - an (in advance) fee of £5 per month has to be paid for them.

Remember, too, that subscribers also have to continue paying their Sky TV subscription.

Some would say that Euphony's euTalk+18 CPS package (£4.33/month averaged over the 18 month contract) which is inclusive of calls (of up to 60 minutes, redial to avoid charges) to UK 01/02 numbers and to 28 designated international destinations at all times is better value.
Last edited by Heinz : 07-02-2007 at 10:18

Why not use 1899 for those?

(Or is that because 1899 put up the connection before 18185 and the later was cheaper on 29/11/06 when the post I quoted was made)?

Yes, sorry. I meant the "unlimited package" from Sky Talk. I already had this, and was paying £5 per month, so the "USA calls" are, for me, an entirely free bonus.

I was using 1899, but now don't have to, unless calling the USA from my mobile phone (--happens once a year).

I should note that I used to use Bulldog (Bad Dog). Now with the Sky package, DSL Max, and Sky Talk, I am saving around £35 per month over Bad Dog, AND getting TWICE the DSL speeds that I was getting with Bad Dog.
Last edited by donelson : 07-02-2007 at 14:20

LOL

....

Yes, 18866 were dumped first (well, just 'parked' really - so as to save re-registration hassle if they become front-runners again), then 1899 blotted their copybook at the same time as 18185 did - mid January IIRC. Now, they all charge 5p connection so, for UK 01/02 calls, there's no difference.

However, 18185 are still ahead with their per minute prices for calling UK mobiles and with their price to call Spain so I just stick with them now.

But I keep an eye and ear open!
Last edited by Heinz : 07-02-2007 at 15:35