Say NO to 0870 numbers

If you are signed up to a phone package with unlimited UK landline calls you may have been surprised to still be facing call charges each month. This is because most of these deals include landline calls to numbers beginning with 01 and 02 only.

This means that you're still charged when ringing 0845, 0870, 0844 and 0871 numbers. Similarly many mobile phone packages also exclude these numbers from your inclusive minutes - you may also find that you're charged for "freephone" numbers when using your mobile (0800).

With so many businesses using NGN's (non geographic numbers) it is sometimes hard to avoid making these calls at least once a month meaning you always face extra charges when your phone bill arrives. However, a website called SAY NO TO 0870 can help save you money.

The website contains a database of alternative landline numbers for NGN's. For example, you may receive a ParcelForce "while you were out" leaflet if they've tried to make a delivery. The card prompts you to ring an 0870 number (costing approx 6p/min) but a quick search on the website provides you with an alternative number for the Preston depot, an 01772 number.

With the above example you would be able to make the call for free if you were on an inclusive calls package but you don't have to be on a special deal to benefit because calling an 0870 number can be 50% more expensive than a standard landline number. By ringing the 01772 number in the example you'd be saving approx 2p/min.It may not sound like a great deal of money but when you consider how long you are kept on hold with some NGN's it can soon add up!

So why do companies use 0870 numbers anyway? The main reason is because in many cases they get a share of the revenue - helping to cover the cost of running customer support lines etc. You will find that there are lots of businesses who use 0870 numbers for customer service or order enquiry services when their order numbers might be 0845 number or even a freephone (0800) number!

Saynoto0870.com keeps a database of many numbers providing cheaper alteratives to help save you money. For example, did you know that in some cases you can ring the freephone order number and be asked to be put through to customer services?

In many cases businesses use the 0870 numbers to forward to existing landlines and where possible the cost saving website provides you with these landline numbers so you can call the directly!

If you are unable to find an alternative you could try using an override provider whereby you call their telephone number first before dialling the 0870 number. These services can usually save you some money by charging a lower rate than you standard operator.

Search for override numbers | Visit SAYNOTO0870