13 May 2008
14 February 2008
Ofcom has delayed the implementation of changes to the regulation of 0870 numbers, previously planned for 1 February 2008. A further statement confirming the changes is planned, by Ofcom, for spring 2008.
The planned changes provide for the price of calls to 0870 numbers to be not more than to standard 01 and 02 geographic numbers. If a communication provider wishes to depart from this rule, it must arrange for free pre-call announcements stating how much the call will cost. It is expected that owners of 0870 numbers will have to pay 2 pence per minute (exc. VAT) for each call RECEIVED.
The requirement to charge no more than the rate for geographic calls will also extend to all-calls packages and bundled-minutes. So for example, if you have subscribed to a package that allows you to make national calls to geographic numbers at no charge then 0870 calls must also be free of charge. Similarly if your subscription has a call allowance that includes national calls to geographic numbers then you will also be able to use the allowance to make 0870 calls.
| Number | Calls to (pence per min exc. VAT) | Number owner (cost to receive calls exc. VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| 0870 -current | 6.73 | Free |
| 0870- post implementation | Same as calls to 01 & 02 national calls | 2p |
| 0871 | Up to 8.51 | Free |
| 0800 | Free | 3p - may vary |
| 0845 | Local call rate | Free |
| 0844 | Up to 4.255 | Free |
| 03xx (see below) | Same as calls to 01 & 02 national calls | 2p |
03xx numbers are being introduced partly as an alternative to 0870 numbers and partly to expand the range of numbers available. Calls to 03 numbers will cost the same as calls to geographic numbers starting 01 and 02, and be included as part of any inclusive minutes or discount schemes in the same way as geographic calls. Callers will be able to dial 03xx numbers with the same confidence as they have in dialling 0800 numbers.
Ofcom is taking specific action to prevent scams on 070 'personal numbers', which are often confused with mobile numbers. 070 number allocation will cease from the end of 2007. The future use of personal numbering services will be examined, in particular the migration of current 070 services.
