Say no to 0870 numbers

[digger1]

Over the years I've got really p****d off with these 0870 etc., numbers.

I subscribe to an "All inclusive" landline phone package from Virgin Media, their XL package, in which all calls to UK numbers starting with 01, 02, & 03 are included within the monthly fee.

However, numbers to 08 and other non geographical numbers are charged as extra calls on top of the monthly fee.

I'm sure that you all will know that most medium to large organisations advertise their services with contact telephone numbers in the 08 series of non-geographical numbers. Most government departments do also.

I complained to OFCOM about this stating that I was on an all inclusive package and that I was effectively being charged twice to call these numbers.

In essence, they agreed and told methe fllowing, stating that all public bodies should advertise their geographical number together with their non-geographical number so that callers can decide for themselves which number is the most ecconomical to use. And that Ofcom takes "a dim view" of organisations who do not do this especialy where persons of low income are involved.

The "Direct Gov" website also uses contact numbers startong with 08 (some are 0800 freefone numbers) without offering a geographical alternative.

Well folks, there IS an alternative.

Log on to www.saynoto0870.com and most of your prayers will be answered.

Open this web page and click on "Search for an alternative number" then fill in either the box for the 08 number or the one for the organisations name and then click on search.

If the organisation is in their database, and most are, you will be presented with a table of not only their geographical telephone number but any 0800, etc., free numbers also.

There is also an option for you to add to the database, alternative numbers that you know of for orgganisations that are not yet on their database.

I hope that this info will be of use to many of you. Please let me know how you get on and if you appreciate this service then please spread the word.

Good luck,

Digger1.

Ive posted loads of times about this site

[Peter_]

It is a well known site but some companies are now only using the premium numbers by choice and if standard numbers are available they do not accept incoming consumer calls on them.

[Sirius]

I use it all the time. I will not pay for what i class as premium rate numbers.

That site has saved me loads and loads.

[Caspar]

I've used this site for years, it's certainly come in handy

[cuggle]

i always look there first to see if i can ring the landline number

[Matthew]

My ISP PlusNet has actually listened to its customers and gone back to a 0114 number from a 0845 number.

Yes that site is a good one, first port of call, often gets me numbers Google cannot find as well.