Common myths
"Our service covers several counties. We use an 0845 number so that all callers pay the same rate irrespective of distance."
In the 1990s and for several years afterwards, this was a laudable reason for using 0845 numbers. However, in 2004, BT scrapped the price differential based on distance for calling 01 and 02 numbers. Calls to 01 and 02 numbers now cost the same irrespective of location within the UK. For most people, 01 and 02 calls are "inclusive" within their monthly calling plan on their landline or mobile. Calls to 0845 numbers are usually non-inclusive with every call pushing up the bill.
"Calls to our 0845 number are charged at the "local rate"."
When BT scrapped the price differential based on distance for calling 01 and 02 numbers in 2004, a distinct "local rate" ceased to exist. Concerned at the number of organisations still describing their 0845 numbers in this misleading way, CAP issued a statement in 2005.
"We have a special arrangement with our provider so that the call price is reduced."
There is no such arrangement. Only BT's retail call prices which are capped by regulation. The many dozens of other landine and mobile retail telecoms providers have no such restriction.
"We do not make a profit from our 084 number."
This may be true when taken literally, but it ignores the fact the organisation received a financial benefit. The additional charge paid by the caller will have at least partly subsidised the additional costs of running the 084 number, reducing the amount (often to zero) that the called party paid to run the non-geographic number and its features.
"Callers benefit from not hearing an engaged tone with their call answered immediately."
This is not a benefit. Call charging starts as soon as the call is answered. Instead of hearing the engaged tone at no cost, the caller is placed in a queue, with either musak or marketing announcements, all the while paying for the call. This
"Calls cost 5p/min from a BT landline, other providers may charge more."
This statement, often seen when 0843 and 0844 numbers are advertised, ignores the fact that BT has a 15p connection charge. A one-minute call costs just over 20 pence. A large number of short calls could lead to a significant shock when the bill arrives. The statement is also unhelpful for the 80% of callers using another landline provider or a mobile phone to make the call. Thankfully, Ofcom's "unbundled tariffs" system will shortly come into force requiring users to declare their Service Charge, not the BT retail call price.
"Our 084 number is not a premium number."
All calls to 084 numbers involve part of the call cost being passed on to the telecoms company running the non-geographic number. At present, their is no requirement to declare this happens nor the amount. From 26 June 2015, the called party must declare their Service Charge thus making it clear the caller is paying a premium charge over and above whatever they pay their provider for simply connecting and conveying the call.
Amended: 2014-07-14
In the 1990s and for several years afterwards, this was a laudable reason for using 0845 numbers. However, in 2004, BT scrapped the price differential based on distance for calling 01 and 02 numbers. Calls to 01 and 02 numbers now cost the same irrespective of location within the UK. For most people, 01 and 02 calls are "inclusive" within their monthly calling plan on their landline or mobile. Calls to 0845 numbers are usually non-inclusive with every call pushing up the bill.
"Calls to our 0845 number are charged at the "local rate"."
When BT scrapped the price differential based on distance for calling 01 and 02 numbers in 2004, a distinct "local rate" ceased to exist. Concerned at the number of organisations still describing their 0845 numbers in this misleading way, CAP issued a statement in 2005.
"We have a special arrangement with our provider so that the call price is reduced."
There is no such arrangement. Only BT's retail call prices which are capped by regulation. The many dozens of other landine and mobile retail telecoms providers have no such restriction.
"We do not make a profit from our 084 number."
This may be true when taken literally, but it ignores the fact the organisation received a financial benefit. The additional charge paid by the caller will have at least partly subsidised the additional costs of running the 084 number, reducing the amount (often to zero) that the called party paid to run the non-geographic number and its features.
"Callers benefit from not hearing an engaged tone with their call answered immediately."
This is not a benefit. Call charging starts as soon as the call is answered. Instead of hearing the engaged tone at no cost, the caller is placed in a queue, with either musak or marketing announcements, all the while paying for the call. This
"Calls cost 5p/min from a BT landline, other providers may charge more."
This statement, often seen when 0843 and 0844 numbers are advertised, ignores the fact that BT has a 15p connection charge. A one-minute call costs just over 20 pence. A large number of short calls could lead to a significant shock when the bill arrives. The statement is also unhelpful for the 80% of callers using another landline provider or a mobile phone to make the call. Thankfully, Ofcom's "unbundled tariffs" system will shortly come into force requiring users to declare their Service Charge, not the BT retail call price.
"Our 084 number is not a premium number."
All calls to 084 numbers involve part of the call cost being passed on to the telecoms company running the non-geographic number. At present, their is no requirement to declare this happens nor the amount. From 26 June 2015, the called party must declare their Service Charge thus making it clear the caller is paying a premium charge over and above whatever they pay their provider for simply connecting and conveying the call.
Amended: 2014-07-14
