Don`t get caught out by hidden charges in your phone bill - stark warning by TeleVoice.

M2 PRESSWIRE-20 August 2003-TeleVoice: Don`t get caught out by hidden charges in your phone bill - stark warning by TeleVoice(C)1994-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:08202003

TeleVoice, the telecommunications service provider which recently launched the `Pay as you go` home telephone service is advising consumers to be wary of the small print and hidden charges encountered in some of the `too good to be true offers` currently advertised.

Dozens of telecom providers offer alternatives to BT which bombard consumers with many misleading claims about their cheap and free calls. The truth is, no-one is cheaperall the time to all destinations, so it is imperative that when you choose a provider, you make sure it is tailored to your individual needs.

Direct comparisons between the many different telephone packages in the market place can be confusing and time consuming as telecom companies make a point of ensuring that restrictions, time-limitations, special dialling sequences and, detailed breakdowns of real costs etc. are well hidden and overly complicated.

As a result, consumers are being trapped by this as they do not look at the finer details of a plan. In most cases, this is how telecom companies are making their revenue.

What the phone companies would rather you didn`t think about :

* All alternative fixed line companies still use the BT local loop meaning consumers still pay a quarterly rental/service bill to BT

* Most alternatives will only work on a standard BT residential line, without any restrictions

* Cable companies claim `connection is free`. What they don`t tell customers is that they will pay a premium on standard monthly subscriptions to cover the cost, normallyequivalent to GBP10 a month

* Most companies require `An Agreement`. Meaning that it is open ended and subject to terms and conditions that the customer cannot easily access.

* Most advertising neglects to mention restrictions and limitations of use

* Most bills are calculated to round-up any costs and donot breakdown calls of short duration, or costs of reconnection.

Pip Errington, Chief Executive TeleVoice comments:

"Consumers are being enticed into deals that almost `seem too good to be true`, and, often are. Apathy and a willingness to take the easy option has seen consumers signing on the dotted line and often committing themselves to contracts that are not cheaper. Although, we aren`t saying we are cheaper than all providers, we can guarantee that what you see, is what you get with a TeleVoice phone service."

For more information on the TeleVoice service and the services provided by the company log on to www.televoiceservices.com or call 0870 44 30 711.

Notes To Editors:

TeleVoice was launched in 1999 to offer you the world's first 'Pay as you Go' home telephone service. Demand has grown quickly for the service and TeleVoice products are now available through over 2000 retail outlets throughout the UK.

Following extensive consumer research, TeleVoice developed a service that completely eliminates phone bills with pre-payment; a unique product that caters for what you really want from your telephone service, which means the average user can cut costs on local, national and international calls by a remarkable 50%. Consumers can also earn loyalty bonus free minutes when topping-up their call credit.

TeleVoice products can be used just like a standard telephone service. Unlike most telephone services, which only offer either reduced call costs or account query facilities, the TeleVoice phone service requires no special pre-dialling sequences or hidden costs. Consumers can also take advantage of the Internet service, which offers the same benefits and allows exactly the same control as the TeleVoice phone service.

TeleVoice enables savvy customers to keep a tight control on their call spend, as they can monitor the cost of all phone calls and gain free and instant access to their account details 24 hours a day.

TeleVoice`s policy is to supply products based on consumer demand and the Company constantly reviews and evaluates its current services with both existing and potential customers. Therefore, TeleVoice is confident that its products are directly answering a consumer need for a transparent phone service which is robust, cost-effective and easy to use.

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CONTACT: Pip Errington, CEO of TeleVoiceTel: +44 (0)870 443 0700Simon Robinson/Ana Ribeiro, Parkgreen CommunicationsTel: +44 (0)20 7287 5544

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