How to by pass AOL to use BT?

I should have it somewhere, but can someone remind me of the prefix code to dial a number via BT rather than using the 'free' AOL system.

1280 but some CPS can block it, especially if you're paying line rental to them instead of BT so you need to doublecheck it works.

BE* - AOL byoa (no longer available)

Many thanks, as I have the latest BT 'plan, calls to 0845/0870 are free at weekends so why not get something back?
I'll be glad when my contract runs out and I can lose the 'fee' imposed for calls I don't make.

I assume you are on AOL Talk, like me.

1280 certainly works for standard 01, 02, 03 calls. I use it to make the six BT calls per quarter required for the free 1571 service (calls made at weekends so the six calls are free as well).

BUT
The last time I tried prefixing 1280 for the free weekend 0845 and 0870 calls I was charged by AOL (not BT) and didn't get the free calls. They must be wise to this one. Could someone else confirm this wasn't just me doing it wrong?

Prefix 18185 also works for cheap international calls.

Ian

I think this page on the BT site should clear things out !

Changes for customers using 1280

BE* - AOL byoa (no longer available)

Fabyon - you're right - 1280 doesn't work now with AOL Talk.

I got my quarterly BT bill yesterday and the six 1280 calls I made to qualify for the free 1571 service were not charged to BT. They have added a £2.94 "BT Answer 1571 low use charge".

But 18185 still works for me.

I will have to get a proper answering machine now instead. There's no way this behaviour by BT encourages me to feel good about them or want to return to them.

Ian

I'm on AOL Talk and had a long discussion with them. Originally AOL said it should work, then said they had blocked it as it was just for 'testing purposes', before changing their story a third time to say I should ask BT since they had made the changes.

BT told me that they had stopped 1280 to stop customers using their network. I let them know I was surprised that they didn't want people's business.

I am annoyed as I now have to pay £2.80 per month for caller display which was free as we used to make 0844 (for international calls) through BT.

A possible loophole is getting a BT Chargecard but be very careful using those as their charges are ridiculously high. A possible loophole is getting operator connected calls on 100 (I believe you have to make two calls a month to qualify for the BT 'freebies' such as caller display and 1571).

It's really becoming daft.
My latest bill from BT gave me a credit for the 'chargeable' unlimited weekend plan as it's now included in the line rental (I think!), but you can't actually use it.
Bit like the £4.50 'payment processing fee' I have to pay each quarter (when they let me take money from their accounts, I will allow them to TAKE from mine), which if I pay monthly, is only £1.50.
So I pay a month in advance and pay £1.50 for the pleasure, but 3 months in advance for a £4.50 charge.
If only I could do that to my customers!!
Oh, they also say the British Telecom Payment Services are nothing to do with British Telecom. You just can't make it up.