10/02/2013
Navigating the world of mobile phone charges can often feel like deciphering a foreign language, particularly when it comes to specific network providers. For EE customers, understanding the intricacies of their call costs is crucial to managing expenditure and avoiding those dreaded surprise charges on your monthly bill. This guide aims to demystify EE's call charge structure, focusing on what happens when you exceed your inclusive minutes and the often-complex charges associated with calling service numbers.
Pay Monthly Call Charges: Beyond Your Bundle
Once you have exhausted the generous allocation of minutes included in your EE pay monthly bundle, a per-minute charge will apply to any further calls made to UK phone numbers. While this is a straightforward concept, the actual cost can vary depending upon the type of number you are dialling. It's important to be aware of these rates to make informed decisions about your mobile usage. For those who frequently make calls outside their inclusive allowance, understanding these charges can lead to significant savings.
Special Numbers: The Access Charge Explained
A common area of confusion arises when calling service numbers that begin with prefixes such as 084, 087, 09, and 118. These numbers are typically not included in standard call packages, and their charges are structured in a two-part system: the access charge and the service charge. The access charge is the fee levied by EE for connecting your call. Think of it as the network's fee for facilitating the connection. This portion of the charge is set by EE themselves. The second component is the service charge, which is determined by the organisation or company you are actually calling. They set this rate, and it can vary considerably depending on the service being provided. Therefore, when you dial these numbers, you are essentially paying two separate charges, one to EE and one to the service provider.
Breakdown of EE's Per-Minute Access Charges (Pay Monthly)
To provide a clearer picture, here's a general overview of EE's per-minute access charges for pay monthly users when calling various UK prefixes. Please note that these figures can be subject to change, and it's always best to refer to EE's official documentation for the most up-to-date information.
| Number Prefix | EE Access Charge (per minute) | Typical Service Charge Range (per minute) |
|---|---|---|
| 01, 02, 03 (Local & National Geographic) | Included in bundle / Standard per minute rate | N/A (Calls usually included in bundles) |
| 0800, 0808 (Freephone) | Free | Free |
| 084x | *Variable (Check EE's latest guide) | Typically £0.07 to £0.19 per minute |
| 087x | *Variable (Check EE's latest guide) | Typically £0.10 to £0.50 per minute |
| 09xx (Premium Rate) | *Variable (Check EE's latest guide) | Typically £0.50 to £3.60+ per minute |
| 118 (Directory Enquiries) | *Variable (Check EE's latest guide) | Can be very high, often a fixed connection fee plus per minute |
*It is crucial to consult EE's official PDF documents for the precise access charges for 084, 087, 09, and 118 numbers, as these can fluctuate. These are often published as "Call Costs" or "Service Charges" guides on their website.
Pay As You Go (PAYG) Call Charges
For those customers who opt for EE's Pay As You Go (PAYG) service, the call charge structure operates differently. Instead of a monthly bundle, you top up your account with credit, and calls are deducted from this credit. The per-minute rates for PAYG customers are generally distinct from pay monthly plans. Similar to pay monthly, calls to special service numbers will also incur an access charge from EE and a service charge from the provider. The exact rates for PAYG users can also vary, and it's advisable to check EE's current PAYG price guide for the most accurate figures.
Finding EE's Official Charge Information
EE provides comprehensive PDF documents that detail the access and service charges for a wide array of 08 and 09 numbers. These documents are the definitive source for the most current and accurate pricing. You can typically find these by searching for "EE Call Charges" or "EE Service Charges" on the EE website, or by following direct links provided by EE customer support. Accessing these PDFs ensures you have the most up-to-date information, which is vital for understanding the costs associated with premium and special rate numbers.
Why the Two-Part Charge System?
The two-part charging system for 084, 087, 09, and 118 numbers was introduced to provide greater transparency and to ensure that the costs associated with premium services are borne by those who use them. The access charge covers the network costs incurred by EE, while the service charge compensates the organisation providing the information or service. This model allows businesses to offer a range of services, from customer support helplines to premium entertainment lines, and to charge accordingly. For consumers, it means being aware that the cost of a call is not solely determined by their mobile network but also by the service they are accessing.
Tips for Managing Call Costs
- Monitor Your Usage: Keep track of your inclusive minutes and data usage through your EE account or the EE app.
- Check Before You Call: If you need to call a 084, 087, 09, or 118 number, take a moment to find the EE access charge and the service charge beforehand. Many websites that list these numbers will also provide the associated costs.
- Consider Alternatives: For some services, there might be alternative, cheaper contact numbers, such as a standard geographic number (01, 02, 03) or a freephone number (0800, 0808).
- Use Wi-Fi Calling: If you have Wi-Fi calling enabled and are within a Wi-Fi zone, calls made over Wi-Fi may be charged differently or even included in your bundle, depending on your plan.
- Review Your Plan: If you find yourself frequently exceeding your minutes or calling premium numbers, it might be worth reviewing your EE plan to see if a different bundle would be more cost-effective.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are all 08 numbers charged the same way?
No. While 0800 and 0808 numbers are typically free to call from all UK networks, numbers starting with 084 and 087 are subject to the two-part charging system (access charge + service charge) and are usually not included in inclusive minutes.
What is the difference between an access charge and a service charge?
The access charge is the amount your mobile network (EE in this case) charges for connecting the call. The service charge is the amount the organisation you are calling charges for the service itself, and this rate is set by them.
Can I call 0800 numbers for free on EE?
Yes, calls to 0800 and 0808 numbers are generally free to make from EE, regardless of whether you are on a pay monthly or pay as you go plan.
How do I find out the exact cost of calling a 09 number?
You should check the specific service provider's website or consult EE's official PDF call charge documents. These will clearly state both the EE access charge and the service charge set by the provider.
What happens if I run out of minutes on my pay monthly plan?
If you run out of inclusive minutes on your pay monthly plan, EE will charge you a per-minute rate for any additional calls made to UK numbers until your next billing cycle begins.
Understanding these charges empowers you to make smarter choices about your mobile phone usage. Always refer to EE's official documentation for the most precise and up-to-date information regarding call costs.
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