using 118118

[Anonymous]

Hi, can anyone tell me how much 02 charge for using the 118118 service?

On the website, under Directories Enquiries it says customers are charged £5 per minute.

My friend has a dispute with 118118/02 regarding a call conected to a freephone number, she was indeed charged £5 per minute.

My question is about where the £5/min goes.

118118 are adamant that they take £2.57/min and 02 (I have phoned 202 3 times today) say all £5/min goes to 118118.

After a long (free) talk to 118118 I am inclined to believe them.

By saying 118118 get all the cash, 02 can side-step the issue it seems.

Someone gets the £2.43/min.

I will contact the Regulator 'Phone Pay Plus' but if anyone can shed some light on this I would be grateful.

[Bambino · Accepted solution]

Calling 118118 from a mobile is very expensive, and £5/min is probably correct. Also calling 0800 numbers from your mobile on O2 are also chargeable calls.

I really don't understand why anyone uses 118118 when you can find any number you might be looking for using Google.

[Anonymous]

Look here http://www.o2.co.uk/help/everything-else/special-numbers

[jonsie]

The cost is clearly outlined on the website. Who gets what is something none of us as customers can answer.

http://www.o2.co.uk/help/everything-else/directory-enquiries-numbers

[MI5]

We wouldn't know as we are all customers.
Ofcom or the regulator may now more......

[Anonymous]

I'll tell you why this is important.

The call was by a distressed friend to a freephone crisis helpline.

Call lasted about 40 mins and was billed at £165 plus vat!!

After discussion 118118 have refunded what they say is their 'share' - £80.

02 on the other hand, say that as the £5/min all goes to 118118, 'there is nothing 02 can do', I beg to differ.

[jonsie]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I'll tell you why this is important.

The call was by a distressed friend to a freephone crisis helpline.

Call lasted about 40 mins and was billed at £165 plus vat!!

After discussion 118118 have refunded what they say is their 'share' - £80.

02 on the other hand, say that as the £5/min all goes to 118118, 'there is nothing 02 can do', I beg to differ.

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Then you need to take it to the regulator....

[MI5]

As mentioned, although we can sympathise, we can't offer any more assistance, unfortunately.

[Bambino]

You can also lodge a complaint directly with O2: http://www.o2.co.uk/how-to-complain

As I said in my earlier reply, 118118 notwithstanding, your friend would also be charged for calling the freefone number on their mobile.

[Anonymous]

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The call was by a distressed friend to a freephone crisis helpline.

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Let me share something with you:

I don't have a landline = only mobile

there are times I use, & I don't mind saying this = the Samaritans

& what I do is, after initial introductions, is to politely say 'can you ring me back please'

& when asked why, I explain I only have a mobile & am of limited means (true)

& then they ring me back

btw, I have supported the Samaritans for many many years with donations when I am able

WispaRed7