[chips]

Is it just Vodafone, or do all the other providers not include numbers beginning with 08 in ones included minutes.

I pay for 500 any network minutes per month, but have just discovered that any number beginning with 08 is not included in my 500 minutes and is charged as an extra.

Companies now increasingly use "lo-call" or free 08 numbers to assist their customers. But, if you are with Vodafone, you effectively pay twice to call these numbers. Annoying to say the least .

[jenic]

when i was on orange contract it used to be free to call 0800 numbers but not anymore since i went to PAYG

[dolph]

Wherever possible I'll try and find a regular landline number as an alternative...

http://www.saynoto0870.com/

[RohanM]

Typically, any 'non geographic' number (or 'NGN', e.g. 08xx, 09xx - where the prefix does not denote an area code) will not be included in any inclusive minutes. This usually also applies to landlines where you have similar plans (e.g. free calls at weekends/evenings). 0800 numbers are free from landlines and some mobile plans, but the majority of the latter charge.

And, of course - apart from 0800 (where it is just the mobile operator knicking your money) - it is because the people you are calling on 087x are getting a kickback ('revenue share') on every minute of a call from BT/C&W/Energis/whoever supplied the NGN.

[chips]

Originally Posted by andrewdolphin

Wherever possible I'll try and find a regular landline number as an alternative...

http://www.saynoto0870.com/

Thanks for that, really useful .

[chips]

Originally Posted by RohanM

Typically, any 'non geographic' number (or 'NGN', e.g. 08xx, 09xx - where the prefix does not denote an area code) will not be included in any inclusive minutes. This usually also applies to landlines where you have similar plans (e.g. free calls at weekends/evenings). 0800 numbers are free from landlines and some mobile plans, but the majority of the latter charge.

And, of course - apart from 0800 (where it is just the mobile operator knicking your money) - it is because the people you are calling on 087x are getting a kickback ('revenue share') on every minute of a call from BT/C&W/Energis/whoever supplied the NGN.

They're all at it then, I was afraid of that .

[jian]

0870 and 0845/0844 numbers for, part of the allowance on o2 price plans. They are the only company to offer this.

[chips]

Originally Posted by jian

0870 and 0845/0844 numbers for, part of the allowance on o2 price plans. They are the only company to offer this.

Thanks, I'll give them a call.