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editWorking within the telecoms industry I still find it hard to believe that, in particular, companies providing telephony services to busineeses, still use BT pricing as a benchmark.
In the case of Network Europe Group I am aware that the cost of calling their 084 numbers is considerably higher than calling local or even national GTN's (01, 02, 03) numbers through other providers.
Whilst I do appreciate that there may be some small benefits to the customer (in the case of NEG's primary client base this would refer to patients) in terms of reduced waiting times or the use of "ring-back" facilities I struggle to comprehend how this justifies, in many circumstances, calls costing double that of a local or national rate call to a geographic landline number.
82.16.22.158 (talk) 14:23, 24 October 2012 (UTC)--82.16.22.158 (talk) 14:23, 24 October 2012 (UTC)
The article appears to be an advertisement for NEG and makes a number of factual errors concerning the cost of phoning an 0844 number from either a landline or a mobile. In addition, the article fails to mention that 0844 numbers are not included in either landline or mobile call packages. The Department of Health issued further guidelines on this subject on 23 February 2012. In summary;
'The Department’s position on the use of 084 numbers has not changed since the response to the consultation in 2009. Persons should not be charged more to contact an NHS body or Primary Medical Service contractor, than they would if they were calling a geographic number in the same manner. NHS bodies and GP practices are still free to use 084 numbers, providing these conditions are met. As discussed, all Primary Medical Services contractors and NHS bodies must review their telephony arrangements to ensure that callers are not charged more than if they were calling an equivalent geographic number. If the use of an 084 number does not meet these conditions, then all reasonable steps must be taken as described above.'
This condition is not met by the service provided by NEG. Moreover, until 0844 numbers are included in landline and mobile call packages, this condition cannot be met.Smithdr49 (talk) 16:56, 20 November 2012 (UTC)[1]