Gareth explained on 08/07/2007 :
> "BGN" <nickmooney@spamcop.net> wrote in message
> news:4khu8395pn2vl5vrnddlpvul2t1rde6lh0@4ax.com...
>> On Fri, 6 Jul 2007 23:15:23 +0100, "Gareth" <hotmail.com@dgareth.spm>
>> wrote:
>>
>>>I just checked my Orange bill and I notice that I have been charged 35p a
>>>minute for calling 0871 numbers. Wtf?
>>
>> They're generally revenue generating numbers and cost more to call
>> than an 0870 number.
>>
>> I suggest you review an updated copy of your T&C's to check what the
>> call charges are stated as.
>
> I wasn't clear enough - Orange charge 35p a minute for *all* 0871 numbers -
> even callthrough 0871 numbers that are charged by other operators at 10p a
> minute (T-Mobile) or 15p a minute (Virgin).
>
> There is no rationale related to the actual call cost to the operator for
> Orange to do this.
>

Yes there is. Profit.

Why would a telco want you to be encouraged to use a callthrough
number?