If you use this lookup tool here (it's free) – it will tell you which network any uk mobile number is on https://www.aql.com/telecoms/network-lookup/ If it is a manx number, it's possible it will indeed cost you more to text.

aql have created a text service for twitter which uses textable landline numbers. It works from T-mobile handsets and it looks like most t-mobile bundles will include the messages in the bundle (so you dont pay extra). The link to get a free number is here https://www.aql.com/sms/twitter/

Kinda made my point for me, though. Thanks!

Twitter doesn't say that the 0764 is its UK number…what it actually says is:

“For people using any number other than 40404: once your phone is verified, you'll be able to send your updates to +44 7624 801423 , but you will not be able to receive text updates from Twitter. Find out more on the Twitter Blog.

A word of caution for UK residents using the international number: some carriers don't charge an international fee to use the Twitter international number within the UK, but others do. Some carriers consider it an international number and charge from .15 to .25 per message. Remember to check your phone plan for international rates; be aware that even in the UK, standard messaging rates vary by carrier, and do apply. “

Twitter is no different, therefore most networks decided charge lo-premium charges as technically the Twitter access number sends texts to a US network and then to a server.

I think mate, you need to calm down and learn to check things before you sign up to them. If in doubt, leave it out….untill you do your research. Now get on with your life for fuck sake.

I was new to the UK as well, so didn’t have a clue about Channel Islands or whatever – understood +44 to be UK number.

Then I got a huge bill, because I had been exclusively using the SMS update on my phone (and not mobile web). At the time Twitter was still relatively unknown, and no one was interested in the story.

I’m on Orange pay as you go. Text messages to Twitter are not taken from your bundles or allowances. They are now charged, currently at 20p per text message. This is a recent change, ie in the last three days or so. So much for “unlimited UK texts”.

T-Mobile charge 20p per Twitter text on their “Text appeal” rate which is supposed to be 3p per UK text message. It has nothing to do with the +44 for UK users – the mobile networks have just decided that they want to screw users for money so texting Twitter has become a lot more expensive overnight.

Twitter can’t be held responsible for what operators charge their “customers” (When I find a provider who doesn’t charge ludicrously to text Twitter, I’m off to join them) but it should make it clear that “UK customers should be aware that the 07624 801423 number is not always charged at the standard UK text rate”.

How about a list of UK mobile providers and what they charge contract and PAYG users for texting Twitter? Surely such a list would benefit those customers who are now being fleeced by greedy mobile networks. I for one will move to a cheaper provider.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Man#Communications

You’re just supposed to know this. Yes, I would agree, it’s stupid.

It’s one specific example of Little-Island Anomalies. Another, similar example would be that Jersey postal addresses have Royal Mail postcodes and have the same prices as for post sent to a destination within the UK, and yet you need to complete a customs declaration and your recipient may have to pay import tax.