Posted by Telecoms on Jan 19, 2009 in
broadband Over the last few months the fog has began to clear from the broadband speed lists and at long last the UK are starting to get a clear picture of exactly what they are likely to get when signing up for a new broadband connection.
Ofcom have been pushing hard for clearer and more realistic information on what customers are likely to REALLY get when ordering their broadband and although the code is only voluntary, there has been a good response from ISP’s offering to comply.
The code has 8 sections, the highlights of which are as follows;
1. Training – The ISP agrees to train all sales people including agents and shop staff on how to implement this code.
2. Information where Broadband is sold – The ISP must give customers and estimate of the maximum speed they can get and not accept an order until the customer has been told their estimated speed and give this speed information in writing.
3. Up to Date, Accurate Information – Ensure all web-based line checkers contain information that is accurate and updated regularly.
4. Dealing with Speed Problems – The ISP must help you ascertain why your broadband is not as slow as promised and should offer an alternative package without any penalties if the actual speed is a lot lower than the original estimate.
5. Giving Information on Websites – If there are any restrictions on the use of the broadband connection (such as a fair use policy) these should be detailed clearly on the website.
6. Making Things Happen – ISP should adopt all code principles within 6 months of signing up.
7. Complying with the Code – Ofcom employ mystery shoppers to confirm this code is followed and also request ad-hoc mystery evidence as additional confirmation
8. Customers and the code – The ISP must tell you it complies with this code, this gives you a clear set of standards to judge them by.
You can get full details on this code direct from the Ofcom website at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/
Service Providers who currently comply with this code of practice are as follows;
AOL Broadband, Aquiss Internet, AAISP, Beaming, Be Broadband, BT Total, Broadband, Dark Group Ltd, Demon, Eclipse Internet, Exa Networks, Fast.co.uk, Firefly Internet, Firenet Internet, Freedom2Surf, Gravity Internet, Greenbee Broadband, IDNet, Karoo, MacAce.net, Madasafish, Namesco Ltd, Netplan Internet Solutions Ltd, NewNet, NewNet Direct services, Nildram, O2 Business Broadband, Odyssey Systems Ltd, O2 Home Broadband, Orange Home, Pipex Homecall, Pipex Internet, Playlouder.com, PlusNet Broadband, Polestar Interactive Ltd, Post Office Limited, Pro-Net Internet Services Ltd, Rutland Telecom, SAQ - Service Access Quality, Sky, Solutios, Stream Networks Ltd (StreamNET), Surf Anytime, TalkTalk, TalkTalk Business, Tiscali, Toucan, Twang, UK Online, Vivaciti, Virgin Media, Waitrose Broadband, YSH, Zen Internet
Tags: broadband, isp, ofcom
Posted by Telecoms on Dec 24, 2008 in
NGN,
Telephony Do I own the number ?
Most telecoms providers will answer No to this question and this is wrong and unfair, but still so many people will be fooled into purchasing something they never own.
It is essential that you make sure that you own the number you have purchased ! Imagine your provider going bust and you losing all of your business telephone and fax numbers.
Owning your own number will also allow you to port it to different providers to make good use of new offers, promotional rates or just better service.
Am I paying a Rental Charge ?
There is absolutely no reason why should be paying a rental charge to own a non-geographic number, do not be tricked into paying any kind of monthly service fee, gold number charge or monthly rental. All non-geographic numbers should have a one off charge for their purchase, then potentially some recurring call costs (in the case of 0800 or 0808 numbers only !)
Am I receiving a Rebate for calls made to my number ?
If you are using an 0870, 0871 or 0844 number, you should be receiving a regular rebate for all calls made to your number, prices will vary from provider to provider, but you should be looking to receive a minimum of a penny for every minute you receive calls.
Remember, 0800 and 0808 numbers will not issue a revenue share and you are likely to be charged for every call received.
Do I have to pay a charge for calls made to my number ?
Both 0800 and 0808 numbers will cost the receiving party money to receive the call. With both of these numbers, the caller doesn’t pay a penny to make calls (with the exception of calls made from some mobile networks)
You should not be paying any money for calls received on 0844, 0845, 0870 and 0871 numbers.
Can I view call statistics for calls made to and from my number ?
Most Non-Geographic Number providers will supply you with web-based statistics that will allow you to view call volumes, call times and the lengths of calls as a minimum.
Many will go one step further, offering advanced analytics, call trends and dozens of other reports that can help to analyse your businesses calls.
Tags: 0800x, 0844, 0845, 0870, 0871, non-geographic numbers
Posted by Telecoms on Nov 24, 2008 in
Cheaper Calls,
broadband Talk Talk are owned by the Carphone Warehouse and have been one of the cheapest home phone providers for a couple of years now.
All customers who sign up for a Talk Talk account get 100% free calls to all other Talk Talk users in the UK and reduced call costs to other landlines.
There are already almost 3 million customers who have signed up to Talk Talk and made substantial savings over their existing telecoms providers.
Currently, Talk Talk have an offer whereby if you sign up to the international Tariff you will get free 8Mb Broadband at no additional cost.
You can sign up for an account, or view more information by clicking this link to Talk Talk
Tags: Cheaper Calls, Talk Talk