Originally Posted by
WorldLux

I can't think of any phone number where you don't get charged right from the moment where the connection is live.
I'm not UK based, but for me in Canada local calling (defined as roughly a 100 mile radius from my home) is free and unlimited and has always been. It's all included in the monthly charge for a landline ( which is approximately £20/month)
Similarly just about every business of any size has a toll free 1-800, 844, 877, or 855 number that is also free.
The only calls I would pay individually for are long distance or international calls to an individual.
My mobile has free unlimited national calls.