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  • Question

    When are calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers free?

    • Answer
    • 0845 and 0870 numbers are usually used by large companies, banks and other businesses. Calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers are free from your BT landline - depending on which plan you're on.

      If you're on the Unlimited Weekend Plan, these calls will be inclusive at the weekends, if you're on the Unlimited Evening and Weekend Plan, they're included evenings and weekends and if you're on the Unlimited Anytime Plan, they're inclusive 24/7. This doesn't include dial-up internet calls to ISPs or indirect access numbers.


      Do I need to opt-in?

      No, it's automatic. If you're on a calling plan (Unlimited Weekend Plan, Unlimited Evening and Weekend Plan, Unlimited Anytime Plan, and BT working together). Customers on Broadband Talk and BT Basic Calling Plans also now automatically receive these calls free - depending on their plan.


      I make most of these calls in the day, but am on Unlimited Weekend Plan/ Unlimited Evening and Weekend Plan, why is it not free 24/7 for me?

      In order to get inclusive 0870/0845 calls during the day, you can sign up to our Unlimited Anytime Plan for just £5 a month with a 12 month contract and get all of your UK landline calls inclusive as well. For more information on the deals available go to www.bt.com/calls


      Are 0871 and 0844 calls included?

      No, calls to 0871 and 0844 numbers are not included. Additionally, calls to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and indirect access numbers are not included.


      What is an indirect access number?

      An indirect access number is any number which connects you to another number that is both known by and could be directly dialled by you from your BT landline. The indirect access number charges a cheaper rate. There are typically two types of these calls.

      1. You first dial an 0870 or 0845 number, and then, while still connected, you dial the intended destination number to be connected
      2. You are connected directly to the intended destination number by dialling an 0870 or 0845 number, having previously routed the destination number through an 0870 or 0845 number, which can be done via the internet or by other means


      Which packages are eligible for these calls, and when?


      Calling planDaytimeEveningWeekends
      Unlimited Anytime PlanYesYesYes
      Unlimited Evening & Weekend PlanNoYesYes
      Unlimited Weekend PlanNoNoYes
      BT Together LocalNoYesYes
      BT Working TogetherYesYesYes
      BT Working Together TalkNoYesYes
      Pay & CallYes*Yes*Yes*

      Broadband Talk and BT Basic customers will receive these calls inlcusive from 1 April.

      * Pay and call customers will be on either the Unlimited Weekend Plan, Unlimited Evening & Weekend Plan or the Unlimited Anytime Plan - inclusive calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers will be the same as these plans.


      Is there a Fair Usage Policy?

      You can make 1000 minutes of calls a month, or 150 calls a month. This is considerably more than most customers are likely to ever make. If you exceed either of these limits you'll just be charged the standard BT rates until further notice.

      Why is there a Fair Usage Policy?

      It is important that we set a limit to ensure we continue to be able to provide the inclusive calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers for all customers. We have set a limit of 1000 minutes of calls a month, or 150 calls a month. We're confident that we have set these limits so high that you're very unlikely to break them.


      What will happen if I exceed the Fair Usage Policy?

      If you exceed the Fair Usage Policy (either 1000 minutes or 150 calls in a given month), you'll receive an SMS to your landline, informing you that you've breached the Fair Usage Policy and will be charged at BT's standard rates for any further calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers (a call set-up-fee applies).



      If you exceed the Fair Usage Policy you'll no longer receive inclusive calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers. Details of how to contact us about it will be provided in the SMS notification.


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    • View Answer at http://bt.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/12732/c/345,361,1083
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