Connection kit

[Art_Garfunkel]

Has anyone downloaded this new "connection kit" yet? It looks to me like it just swaps between a small set of numbers including the same numbers we use now. I will stiick to swapping manually as I do now since I don't want their software cluttering up my PC.

These are the numbers I found embedded in the software.

1470 08089933251
1470 08089977001
1470 08089916001
1470 08089977080
1470 08089916080
1470 08089933328
1470 08089933006

Also

1470 16164208450790070
1470 16164208452402225

It also had the pay as you go number 0845 0796699 in there presumably since it needs to recognise it and leave it alone.

Ignore the 1470 since thats just to ensure you are allowing them to detect the phone you are calling from. The first group then I assume are the ones you can use. I haven't checked them all yet, but it seems likely.
The second set I don't recognise, but may be old ones it just has to recognise like the payg one.

Does anyone know any more about this or any stories about the effects of using the software. I am very cynical about offers to 'improve' things for me.

[Paul]

i only recognise a few of the numbers they seen to have added more. are they all free phone.

[oldboy2000]

all 0808 numbers are Free Phone....

[arfa]

Has anyone checked to see whether the connection kit only does what Freeserve claims? Their insistance on Anytime users using this package obliges me to suspect that the package may do more than just connect.

[Worldlife]

I'm reasonably happy with the number that was allocated to me on an area basis (the third on Art's list)

I prefer to have control of my dial up procedures and I guess the only reason for this shunting around is that some parts of the Freeserve system (or maybe BT line connections) are from time to time overloaded.

I've had the same number with Virgin for yonks and it is always a first time connection any time of the day. Go thou Freeserve and do likewise without involving additional software and line shunts.

[Worldlife]

Dear AnyTime Member,

You need to download the new Freeserve AnyTime Connection Kit today.

At Freeserve we appreciate that sometimes it can be difficult to get connected to the Internet at busy times of the day. That's why we've developed the Freeserve Connection Kit - an essential piece of software that makes it easier for you to get onto the Internet.

This free piece of software only takes a few minutes to download and will make sure you get online every time. It's vital that you download it because the Freeserve AnyTime number that you are currently using to connect to the Internet will be phased out and replaced by a range of numbers used only by the Freeserve Connection Kit.

Click here Download the connection kit



You'll only notice the Freeserve Connection Kit working if you have connection difficulties, such as receiving an engaged tone when you try to dial-up. If this happens, the software will automatically redial other Freeserve AnyTime numbers until it connects you to the Internet.

We're now providing the Freeserve Connection Kit to all of our new members. So as an existing Freeserve AnyTime member, it's vital that you download the software today to ensure that you can enjoy the best of the Internet with Freeserve.

Would you like to know a bit more about the Freeserve Connection Kit and how it will help you? Take a look at the "Tell me more" section at the bottom of this email to find out more.

Best regards,

Eric Abensur
Chief Executive




For technical advice about the Freeserve Connection Kit call our Customer Support on 0800 587 3401.
Lines are open from 7am-1am, seven days a week, calls may be monitored..

Tell Me More...


1) What does the Freeserve Connection Kit do?
You won't notice the Freeserve Connection Kit working, unless you receive an engaged tone when you try to connect to the Internet. It'll then dial other Freeserve AnyTime numbers until you're connected. Typically, the software takes 15 - 20 seconds to kick in, depending on your operating system and modem. The Freeserve Connection Kit will also help you if you experience other connection difficulties, and provide you with appropriate instructions.

2) How do I know if I have installed the Freeserve Connection Kit correctly?
You will see a small FS icon in the bottom right hand corner, "system tray", of your screen.

If the icon is not there, please repeat the installation process, by going to the Freeserve Connection Kit and follow the instructions carefully.
Note: Members using Windows XP may need to expand the system tray to be able to view the Connection Kit icon, you can do this by clicking on the small arrow sign pointing left.

3) How should I connect to the Internet?
You should connect to the Internet using either your Freeserve or Internet Explorer icon. If you normally check your emails in Outlook Express first please see question 5 below.

4) Why does my new Freeserve AnyTime number begin with 1470?
For security purposes you must display the phone number you are calling from, when you connect to Freeserve AnyTime. To ensure this occurs 1470 has been added to your new number. The call is still FREE and you only display your phone number to us for that particular Internet call.

5) How do I update Outlook Express with my new Freeserve AnyTime number?
This should happen automatically, however sometimes Outlook Express can hold previously used dial-up numbers. So, it's possible if you use Outlook Express to connect to the Internet your computer could use one of these old numbers by accident. To avoid this click here to learn more.

6) Further questions?
If you have any other questions, please feel free to go to Connection Kit Help for more information or call our Freeserve Connection Kit freephone support line on 0800 587 3401. Lines are open from 7am to 1am, seven days a week and calls may be monitored.

[Worldlife]

I have OBEYED and I am back. My security system did not like the meddling with my settings but as it was from Freeserve I generously gave my clearance to allow the installation to go ahead

[Paul]

i just use xp's automatic systems its does the same thing but you can change the settings to just a few seconds before trying the next number. if i remember rightly win 98 also does the same thing.

[Worldlife]

Valid suggestion Paul but I was particularly concerned with the following point in the Freeserve email:-

It's vital that you download it because the Freeserve AnyTime number that you are currently using to connect to the Internet will be phased out and replaced by a range of numbers used only by the Freeserve Connection Kit.

It seems to me those that don't use the connection kit will need be aware of number changes and then manually update to valid numbers.

[Paul]

interesting but so far i have not been requested to use this kit and the only place i found out about it was here. may be it because they are going to kick me off for "excessive use"

[MegaTsunami]

We had the e-mail too but haven't downloaded the kit yet.... coincidentally Freeserve Anytime has been dire recently especially last weekend - kept getting cut off for no apparent reason despite using 2 separate numbers

Should we download this kit then ?

[Worldlife]

Mega note the information in my post of 4th June quoting the Freeserve email:-

It's vital that you download it because the Freeserve AnyTime number that you are currently using to connect to the Internet will be phased out and replaced by a range of numbers used only by the Freeserve Connection Kit.

The program seems to be working OK and causing no problems so it might be best to download and install it.

[MegaTsunami]

Ta !

[elektrojogi]

I've downloaded the connection kit and now when I connect to the internet the icon that usually appears in the corner of my screen is no longer there. Does anyone know how to get it back?

[jonzo]

We had all this for Ntl world not long ago .We all had an email "You must use this dialing software" etc etc .. The number will be phased out etc ..All I did was read some forums got the numbers and put them into my dun settings ..but still use the same number Ive always used no probs ..If u can get away without putting some dialing software on Id recommend it 100 per cent . IMO

[costello@terryandjamie]

I have analysed my telephone bill and found that my the connection kit and my auto dailler have dialed the "pay as you go" number 0845 0796699 1,386 times in 9 days costimg my a total of £58.21 + vat. when i am already paying for freeserve !!!!

That works out to 150 calls a day, which could work out at £1380 per quarter on your telephone bill !!!!!

I spoke to the support man on 0800 587 3401 (nice guy) who tells me that he believes it is okay for me to have to have to use the "pay as you go rate" service when all the other tele numbers I'm paying for dont work.

He talks to me about small print and screen discalimers but what he doesnt reliase is that i am in bed when its all going on.

what a great way to make money MR Freeserve- whens the next upgrade!

I feel a court case loomimg.

The bottom line; pay as you go should not be part of the freeserve kit unkess its free

[costello@terryandjamie]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Art_Garfunkel
[B]Has anyone downloaded this new "connection kit" yet? It looks to me like it just swaps between a small set of numbers including the same numbers we use now. I will stiick to swapping manually as I do now since I don't want their software cluttering up my PC.

These are the numbers I found embedded in the software.

1470 08089933251
1470 08089977001
1470 08089916001
1470 08089977080
1470 08089916080
1470 08089933328
1470 08089933006

Also

1470 16164208450790070
1470 16164208452402225

It also had the pay as you go number 0845 0796699 in there presumably since it needs to recognise it and leave it alone.

Ignore the 1470 since thats just to ensure you are allowing them to detect the phone you are calling from. The first group then I assume are the ones you can use. I haven't checked them all yet, but it seems likely.
The second set I don't recognise, but may be old ones it just has to recognise like the payg one.

THE PAYG NUMBER IS SET TO GO OFF AS A LAST RESORT BUT IT COULD COST YOU £1000/QUARTER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ian]

Hi costello, I think you have a pretty good case against freeserve, they have been harrassing people to install their stupid dialler software for months, and its cocked up and cost you money.

Ive heard of several people getting huge phonebills after their pcs dialled the wrong number after they upgraded from payg to one of the unmetered packages, I`m pretty sure all of them ended satisfactorily..

If you get no joy getting the money back from freeserve, drop the ispa a quick complaint http://www.ispa.org.uk/html/consumer...ints_form.html