Numbers covered by free minutes allowance

[Gemini566]

I note that we are going to be charged for certain numbers in July this year, but I cannot seem to find what the situation is regarding which numbers are counted as part of my unlimited minutes allowance right now.

For example, is an 0845 number free to call from my S5 when I have unlimited calls and texts on my tariff?

Thank you for your time and attention to my query.

Gemini566

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

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

[jonsie]

 Basically the only numbers covered by your allowances are01, 02 and 03 numbers and all uk mobiles. 

[Anonymous]

Note this is expected to change in December when 0800 numbers should also be free from a mobile.

[Cleoriff]

Apparently under a new system called UK Calling this will change in July not December

"This will make the cost of calling service numbers clear for everyone. It's called UK Calling, and it's the biggest change to telephone calls in over a decade".

http://www.ukcalling.info/

Please click on the link at the right hand side of the article  for a more in depth explanation

(credit to Adam Temperton for the link)

[Bambino]

Thanks for the clarification and link supplied by Adam @Cleoriff What's unfortunate is that Ofcom are going to allow numbers beginning with 084 and 087 to carry on. You're still going to be charged. They're just making it easier for you to know how much you're being ripped off by. It makes my blood boil that utility companies use these numbers. I pay them enough. If I'm calling to query a charge or to report a fault, why should I have to pay for the privilege of doing that? It appears from that link is all that's being done is to make calls to 0800 numbers from mobiles free.

Using www.saynoto0870.com to avoid those extortionate numbers stays in my bookmarks. Ofcom remains as toothless as ever.

[Anonymous]

Just to clarify on this. All companies that are not "financial" must now offer a mobile friendly number (i.e. an 01 or 02 or 03 number) and this must be publicised.

The EU do some things will it appears. Not many but some

[Cleoriff]

At least the Freephone numbers that were only free if calling from a landline will become free when using your mobile

http://www.ukcalling.info/freephone

Additionally there is this info re 0845 numbers...

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-cuts-off-costly-calls

[Anonymous]

Given that Adam hasn't been on here for some time I do wonder if the link is it of date?

The info about December 2015 was only a few weeks ago that I read it. ..

[Bambino]

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@Anonymous wrote:
Just to clarify on this. All companies that are not "financial" must now offer a mobile friendly number (i.e. an 01 or 02 or 03 number) and this must be publicised.

The EU do some things will it appears. Not many but some

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You mean like still allowing networks to charge for roaming? All phone numbers to any large company should be 0800 numbers. Whether you're calling from a mobile or a landline is immaterial. The call should be free.