hello
I'm looking for a UK implementation example, of calling a standard
number  e.g. geographical, 0845 / 0870 that takes the caller to an
options menu or voice portal giving an option to select content or a
service which forwards the call to a premium rate number invisibly to
pay for this access. The menu system should warn the caller that this
option will cost them xx.p per minute, 'press 1 on keyboard if you
want to continue' for example. The cost of this second leg of the
call, as well as the first leg, must be billed to the caller.
The lead programmer says it cannot work with the charges billed to the
caller, but it works if the charges are borne by the company.
I want to prove otherwise, from vague memory I recall (perhaps
incorrectly) there are UK content services that work along these
lines.
The implementation I want it to work for is for a forwarding number.
Traditionally in the UK the call forwarding charges for a landline are
billed to the owner of the number. I want a number that can be
forwarded but the forwarding charge is billed to the caller (if the
caller decides to proceed), with a message of something like "Sorry,
the person you are trying to reach is not available, if you would like
to reach them at another number press 1 to proceed and you will be
billed at 35p per minute, otherwise please hang up...thank you for
your call"
Somebody may already be using such a UK service?

Since I am not a registered Google researcher, you get a freebie.

The service that you are referring to is called "en-route caller
announcment" coupled with "propter usage" AND "automated call
routing"(I work for a major telecom).  I believe that in the UK
CONCERT offers this service, and I know that AT&T will roll it out.

Basically it goes like this:  caller dials a number and hears a mssg
(caller announcement). They are asked to press 1 if they agree with
the charges (prompter usage) once the number is pressed,the call is
automatically routed wherever you want it to go (automated routing). 
If you are looking ot bill a credit card, though, that is typically
done through a third party service and reseller.

Not sure what the costs would be in UK, but your local business
services rep should be able to help.


Thank you - be sure to tip your waiter

E

As far as I know, it's against the OFTEL regulation code to have
premuim rate calls billed through a non-geographic number.  Following
'The Big Number' initiative, which reorganised UK phone numbers to
make billing more transparent, once can only be chaged for the call
you think you are making.  Thus, calls forwards cannot be charged to
the user though this system.  However, this does not stop you billing
by credit card.

http://www.oftel.org.uk/consumer/advice/faqs/numfaq2.htm

In 2001 Oftel published a public consultation document called
"Restoring trust in Personal Numbering". This primarily dealt with
abuse of 070 numbers. However, Chapter 3, entitled "Linked issues"
sets out Oftel's view regarding revenue sharing on 087 numbers. This
can be found on their website:
http://www.oftel.org.uk/publications/numbering/pers1001.htm#3