May 0870 Update

Ofcom has set out new proposals to provide clarity about the price of calls to 0870 numbers and strengthen consumer protection on calls to 0871 numbers.

Ofcom have released a consultation document that proposes that all calls to 0870 numbers should normally cost no more than calls to geographic numbers (01 or 02 numbers) and that 0870 calls should be included in communications providers’ call packages price plans on the same basis as geographic calls.

This may significantly reduce the cost of calling these numbers.

Ofcom’s proposals would effectively end revenue sharing on 0870 numbers when combined with other proposed changes to non-geographic call regulation.

Communications providers that want to charge 0870 calls at rates above those for geographic numbers would be bound by strict rules about how prices are publicised and would be responsible for ensuring their customers know what 0870 calls cost.

If communications providers do not comply with these rules, they could be subject to penalties including possible fines.

Separately, Ofcom also published a consultation setting out proposals to improve consumer protection for calls to the most expensive 08 numbers (0871 numbers) by bringing these within the remit of the premium rate services regulator PhonepayPlus (formerly called ICSTIS).

Under PhonepayPlus rules, businesses would be required to publish the price of calls in their advertising and promotional materials and PhonepayPlus would also investigate complaints about excessively long call queuing times only after the complaint has first been referred to the service provider.

Ofcom aims to have the proposed changes in place by the autumn.

Ofcom go for 03 Numbers

Ofcom recently announced that it has adopted new 03 UK Wide numbers for a whole series of contact lines including it's main switchboard, Media Office & Advisory Team.

As a public body themselves, they have taken full advantage of the new 0300 range, which have been specifically allocated for these types of organisations. There numbers include 0300 123 1000 and 0300 123 3000.

Windsor Telecom are proud to offer organisations some of the most memorable 03 number ranges available, such as 0300 111 0000 and 0300 999 0000

03 numbers were introduced by Ofcom as an alternative number for organisations, including public sector bodies, who wish to offer their consumers a single, trusted point of contact.

Download and read more from Ofcom's press release or see our main 03 numbers page for more information.

Ofcom & 0870 Numbers - Urgent Update

Ofcom confirmed on 29th October 2007 they will be delaying the implementation of changes to 0870 numbers.

They also confirmed that there would be formal notification put into the public domain stating this within the next few days. As a result of this Telecoms Suppliers are now able to provide this information to their customers.

This means the proposed changes to 0870 numbers e.g. stopping out-payments and changing call charges will not be implemented on 1st February 2008.

At the moment it is unclear how long this delay may be as Ofcom may need to consult on new or amended policy proposals for 0870.

Why has this happened?

The main reasons for this delay is the growing opposition to these changes from major companies/sectors who use 0870 numbers, and that Ofcom have learned a valuable lesson with the recent changes they made to 070 numbers, where pre-call announcements are having to be utilised.

They discovered that the pre-call announcements applied to 070 numbers have caused 'safety of life issues' with critical emergency type services that use 070 numbers and have put the public at risk by making them waste valuable time listening to the pre-recordings rather than getting help.

The Ofcom proposals regarding 0870 numbers from 1st February 2008 includes a similar ability to apply pre-call announcements should an Originating Communication Providers wish to still charge more than the standard national rate (OCPs e.g. who the caller uses to dial the number, such as BT, Vodafone, 02, Kingston Communications etc). It is feared that again these pre-recordings could waste time in time-critical situations and as such, Ofcom has decided to delay the current 0870 policy implementation and undertake an assessment.

General 0870 History

Although there is a delay if Ofcom’s proposals still go ahead then the UK’s 0870 numbers will be very different indeed. It means that 0870 numbers will almost certainly attract inbound call changes payable by the number owner. At the moment some owners of 0870 numbers are able to earn small amounts of revenue from their 0870 numbers, which is generated when callers use their numbers.

This has meant that they are able to provide additional services to their customers, such as technical support lines, emergency numbers or help lines. Furthermore many charities actually completely rely on this extra revenue stream to keep afloat and provide valuable services to the public.

Windsor Telecom has kept its customers completely up-to-date with developments through our 0870 Advice Pages and our team of dedicated Account Managers.

• Have you got an 0870 number?
• What’s your view?
• What do you think of the delay?
  

Please comment & see our 0870 Advice Pages to learn more