Saynoto0870.com
SAYNOTO0870.COM is a UK website with a directory of non-geographic telephone numbers and their geographical alternatives.
The website, which primarily started as a directory of alternatives to 0870 numbers (hence the name), also lists alternatives for 0844, 0845, 0871 and even 0800/0808 freephone numbers.
The vast majority of numbers are submitted by visitors to the website, but the discussion board also offers a place for visitors to request alternatives numbers if they are not included in the database. Some companies that advertise a non-geographic number will also offer a number for calling from abroad - usually starting +441 or +442 - this number can be used within the UK (removing the +44 and replacing it with 0) to avoid the cost of calling non-geographic numbers. Some companies will also offer a geographic alternative if asked.
Motivations behind the website
- Many people don't realise that there are many phone providers offering cheaper calls to standard telephone numbers (those beginning with 01 or 02), which don't apply to 0844, 0845, 0870 and 0871 telephone numbers. The site was started before the latest Ofcom ruling, meaning it will no longer be applicable from February when 0870 call rates become the same as geographic call rates.
- Organisations using non-geographical numbers often receive a cut of the cost paid by the caller.
- Calls to non-geographic numbers are charged at a premium rate if called from a mobile phone, and are not included in bundled minutes.
Publicity
The site has gained popularity by being awarded Website Of The Day by BBC Radio 2. It has also been featured on the BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine show, BBC Radio Gloucestershire's Website of the Week [1] and in the The Guardian newspaper[2]. Some of its forum members have also been interviewed in newspapers regarding the issues surrounding the use of non-geographic numbers, including the owner Daniel.[3]
The website is also supported by Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert.com website.
Criticisms Q&A
- The adverts on the site often offer non-geographic numbers to buy.
- Unfortunately, due to the context of the website, the Google ads system often displays adverts for people selling these numbers, but there is no option to exclude certain adverts or contexts from the Google ads system.[1]
Conclusion
Because of sites like saynoto0870 we are all paying more for calls as many companies have switched from a cheaper 0870 to a more expensive 0871.