Non-geographic numbers

[#1]

I have the Anytime package which I am told that 0845 and 0871 calls are inclusive at all times. I would like to know if this includes 0844 and 0871 calls as well. Thanks

[#2 · Accepted solution]

it doesn't include 0844 or 0871 as that is a premium rate number

0845 and 0870 are included

[#3]

A warm welcome to the forums @DorsetDave 

As Oldjim has advised, 0871 and 0844 are premium rate numbers. They are not included in any call plan. 0870 and 0845 numbers are included, but only up to 60 minutes per call.

[#4]

Many thanks for the replies. It wasn't clear to me but now it is, but its generally confusing for people overall with 084 and 087 numbers. I feel the regulator needs to clarify the situation.

Incidentally I tried to use chat and phone support but there was a long waiting time so the Forum was very useful. I only joined Plusnet in July after seeing good reports especially about customer support. Unfortunately Plusnet seems to be a victim of its own success in this regard as I have met people saying the waiting times can be often quite long.

[#5]

Moderator's note by Mike (Mav): I have changed the fix to Oldjim as he was the first to give the answer in message #3.

[#6]

I understand that 0871 & 0844 numbers are premium and therefore incur a service charge from the service provider which will be passed on as a charge to the telephone account.

However, shouldn't the PlusNet access charge of 9.58p/min be included in calling packages?

[#7]

No because they are calls to premium rate numbers and charges related to such numbers are not included in any call plans.

[#8]

Hmm. Sounds like a convenient opportunity to cash-in, assuming there's no difference in cost to PlusNet of arranging a connection to an 0844 number compared with an 0845 number.

Regardless, thanks for the clarification.

[#9]

@derbyjon, there is a higher cost to Plusnet for calls to those numbers.  You can get an income from owning an 0844 or 0871 number (if your provider passes that on to you).

[#10]

Isn't that income the separate service charge though?

As an example, I called an 0844640xxxx number for 1 minute 9 seconds (so a 2 minute billable call). That number type carries a service charge of 1p/min.

(From magenta: Charge Code: SC002 1p/min + Acc Charge)

I was billed 21p for the call, which I assume is PlusNet's access charge of 19p plus the service charge of 2p.

The income to the service provider is just that 2p to my understanding.

[#11]

Quite possibly.  It's been a while since I've looked at it.  I'm not aware (though haven't done much research into it) of any provider who have the access charge included in any allowances.  

[#12]

You are probably correct in all providers failing to include it in their package allowances.

That's what's known as price collusion isn't it? 

[#13]

The clue is in the wording, with the reference of "calls to" specific numbers. As such, it covers all elements of charges resulting from a "call to" a number.

Phil

[#14]

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@derbyjon wrote:

You are probably correct in all providers failing to include it in their package allowances.

That's what's known as price collusion isn't it? 

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At one time a certain "Virginal" provider (I am sure you get the reference) did include calls (limited by a set number of minutes) to ALL 084/087 numbers including 0843/4 and 0871/2 numbers.  But they stopped offering the plan when the moved to 4G