Getting charged for just calling a number without connecting?

[Zillionairemark]

Have just looked at my bill - i've been charged (twice) for just ringing a number of a new phone to see if it's working without the person answering it/call not actually being connected -  just ringing the number to make sure it's working....is this legal?...i'm disgusted that they're allowed to charge for this.

[bristolian]

Calls are only charged once they're connected. If you were connected to a voicemail, that would satisfy the conditions.

Although with most users now being on a call-inclusive plan, this shouldn't be an issue with landlines or mobiles.

[Zillionairemark]

Yes but neither of these calls were actually answered..didn't realise that they could charge for just ringing?..that's astonishing.

[bristolian]

If yours is what some people refer to as "RTNR" (ringtone no reply) then the call should not be charged.

I'm intrigued that you've incurred actual call charges though - was this an 01/02/03/07 number or something else?

[Zillionairemark]

To an 07 number - a new phone for my mum as her previous had stopped taking calls - just rang the new number/phone twice to see if it was ringing/receiving calls - like I said,as soon as it rang out I closed the call...if this is an actually legal thing that phone companies can charge people for,i'm utterly astonished...I wonder how many people know that they can be charged in this situation?

[bristolian]

Try comparing the bill entry with that of your phone's call log - do the call lengths tally? I'd also be very intrigued to see the (suitably redacted) bill entry for this.

Otherwise nothing more I can add to previous replies.

[Zillionairemark]

One call rang for 5 seconds the other 8 seconds..both have been charged at 83p..£1.64 total by ee.

[Katie_B]

Hi @Zillionairemark. 

I'd recommend speaking with customer care. 

The team will be able to look into this further and request a billing recalculation. 

Katie

[Zillionairemark]

Thanks but tbh I can't be bothered dealing with customer services on anything these days..sadly everything seems to be heading down this path where us (the customer) seem to be getting ripped off..I'll just know in future to not ring anyone incase i'm charged for just ringing without even getting put through..absolutely gobsmacked by these charges.