Simplifying NGN

Understanding the changes to non-geographic numbers

Following a consultation process, the telecoms regulator Ofcom implemented changes to non-geographic numbers beginning with 08 and 09. They came into effect on 1st July 2015. The aim was to make the cost of calling these numbers clear for everyone.

So what changed?

There were two main changes as part of the Ofcom statement: Simplifying Non-Geographic Numbers:

  1. Free means free. Calls to 080x numbers are free from wherever they originate, meaning both UK landlines and mobiles.
  2. Unbundled pricing. An ‘unbundled tariff’ is applied to numbers beginning with 084, 087, 09 or 118. There has historically been confusion over the costs of calling these numbers, but they are now separated into an Access Charge (unregulated and set by the phone company originating the call) and a Service Charge (regulated and set by the phone company that operates the number).

Price publication obligation

Users of 084 and 087 numbers covered by the unbundled pricing have an obligation to publish the Service Charges wherever they advertise or publish their numbers. This should be in a format similar to ‘Calls will cost Xppm plus your phone company’s access charge’. The recommended wording is issued by the Committee for Advertising Practice (CAP).

The Service Charges for the 08 number ranges are as follows (the cost includes VAT):

0843

0844

0843 512 4p per minute 0844 247 7p per minute
0843 456 3p per minute 0844 663 7p per minute
0843 460 2p per minute 0844 840 7p per minute
0843 505 1p per minute 0844 850 7p per minute

0845

087

0845 230 7p per minute 0870 044 8p per minute
0845 260 7p per minute 0870 350 8p per minute
0845 370 7p per minute 0870 610 8p per minute
0845 460 7p per minute 0870 620 8p per minute
0845 470 7p per minute 0870 621 8p per minute
0845 505 7p per minute
0845 520 7p per minute 0871 250 13p per minute
0845 647 7p per minute 0871 876 13p per minute
0845 812 7p per minute

If your Windsor Telecom number is not in the ranges above, then it is likely you have ported the number to us. The Service Charge is set by the originating operator (e.g. BT or Gamma).

Summary and links

Ofcom’s Simplifying Non-Geographic Numbers took effect from 1st July 2015. Calls to 080 numbers are free to all UK callers. Call charges for calls to 084, 087, 09* and some other numbers are split into an Access Charge and a Service Charge. Users have an obligation to publish the Service Charges wherever they advertise the phone number.

Windsor Telecoms access charge is 6.5ppm.

* Windsor Telecom does not provide 09 services. This information is provided for completeness.