0845 numbers costing UK consumers £1.3bn from their mobiles

Consumers are spending £1.3billion pounds each year by making calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers from their mobile phones, according to a study by Post Office HomePhone and Broadband.
 
The study, which was carried out amongst 2,025 mobile phone users (both monthly tariff and pay as you go customers), found that one in four (24 per cent) make an average of one call per month to high call rate numbers from their mobile. One in ten (10 per cent) assumed these numbers would be included within their free monthly minutes allowance which has led to a quarter of UK mobile phone users (25 per cent) experiencing ‘bill shock’ when they received a higher phone bill than anticipated.
 
Reaching for a mobile phone to make these calls adds an average of £25 a year to a consumer’s mobile phone costs.
 
Over a third of consumers (39 per cent) cite convenience as the main reason for choosing mobile over landline, whilst 23 per cent prefer to use their mobile even though they are aware they may incur a greater cost. One in seven (14 per cent) admit they have never considered the cost implications of calling from a mobile.
 
Hugh Stacey, Head of Post Office HomePhone and Broadband, said: “It seems that in the age of on-the-go technology, we’re prioritising convenience over cost when it comes to making important calls. Many companies, such as banks and utilities companies tend to use these numbers, so it’s useful to know that many providers, such as Post Office, offer free calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers during evenings and weekends.
 
“Most UK households have both a landline and mobile phone so by using the free calls on the landline, UK consumers could save up £650million per year on these calls. We’re urging consumers to think twice before making calls to numbers with a higher call charge on their mobile phones and consider making the most of the free landline calls to ensure they’re getting the best deal.”
 
Line rental including weekend calls costs just £12 a month with Post Office HomePhone. Customers can also tailor a package to suit their needs and benefit from a  range of  inclusive calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers.