Gripe

[purpletigron]

When did BT start charging for 1471-3 (just the 'return the call with 3' part, I think)?

To add the message, 'there is usually a charge for this service' at the end of the existing 'speech' is ludicrous - who is going to guess that they need to hang on for extra crucial information?

Underhand sods.

Comments

[bugshaw.livejournal.com]

Years ago. I can't remember how I heard about it, but since then I've grumbled and tried to save the 10p and written down the number and redialled it. :-(

[purpletigron.livejournal.com]

Sh*t. I never knew. I didn't see it on my bills, either - and I do check them. I really must move over to The Phone Co-op!!!!!

[overconvergent.livejournal.com]

I thought they'd always charged for it ...

[lil-shepherd.livejournal.com]

So did I.

[purpletigron.livejournal.com]

Charging for phone services is a mess. The information - cost per call, cost per unit - should be 'up front', so we can compare services. 'There may be a charge for this service.' at the tail end of a long verbal message is almost useless :-(

[stevegreen.livejournal.com]

It's classed as an operator-controlled call. (That said, I just listened to a 1471 call and although the "press 3 for return" option was offered, there was no mention of a charge.)

[purpletigron.livejournal.com]

I consider that to be an unreasonable business practice.

[stevegreen.livejournal.com]

See below. It may be that Telewest doesn't charge for this service.

[purpletigron.livejournal.com]

I've never spotted it on my bill.

[stevegreen.livejournal.com]

The fee is probably incorporated into the actual call charge, and many people have opted not to bother with individual call listing for amounts below 50p.

[purpletigron.livejournal.com]

Bastard, bastard, bastard.

I thought I'd opted for all calls listed, but in any case ... bastard!

[stevegreen.livejournal.com]

I'd check your bill.

Just realised I was using my Telewest handset when I checked 1471 out earlier (we have two separate lines), so I tried our BT handset and yes, there was a warning about potential charges. Maybe Telewest doesn't bother charging.