| On
19th April, 2006 Ofcom confirmed measures to improve price transparency and strengthen consumer protection
for calls to 0870 numbers.
These changes are part of Ofcom's final statement
following its review of all chargeable 08 number ranges (known as Number Translation
Services or NTS).
The main points of interest to end users of 08 numbers
are as follows:
- With effect from a date in 2008 yet to be announced, the cost of calling
an 0870 number will be reduced to that of a normal geographic call.
- At the same time royalty
out payments will no longer be available to resellers or end users when calls
to 0870 numbers are charged at the same rate as a normal geographic call.
- The
option will remain to charge 0870 callers at a higher rate but all such calls
will have to make a free-to-caller price pre-announcement at the start of the
call.
- 0871 numbers will become regulated by PhonepayPlus (the industry-funded regulatory body for all premium rate charged telecommunications services)
and end users will be required to include information about the price of calls
(10p/min) in advertisements and on promotional material.
- Ofcom
will review the pricing of calls to 0845 numbers in mid-2008.
On 2nd May, 2008 Ofcom issued two further statements:
Regarding 0870 numbers (read the full statement here):
- It is now intended not to require the use of pricing announcements after it became clear they might cause serious problems for machine-to-machine calls including personal, fire and burglar alarms, leading to potential life threatening consequences.
- It is being proposed that CPs wishing to charge more for 0870 calls than for geographic calls would be subject to new requirements to display their 0870 charges prominently on price lists, advertising and promotional materials.
- Prior to implementation of these proposals, Ofcom is obliged to conduct a public consultation and have allowed 6 weeks (until 16 June 2008) for responses. Once responses to the consultation have been reviewed Ofcom will publish a statement specifying its conclusions. Assuming no significant changes are made in response to stakeholder comments, it is anticipated that the statement will contain the final legal notifications implementing the proposals.
Regarding 0871 numbers (read the full statement here):
- Subject to further consultation it is proposed to make PhonepayPlus
(the industry-funded regulatory body for all premium rate charged telecommunications services)
responsible for 0871 numbers and end users will likely be required to include information about the price of calls
(10p/min) in advertisements and on promotional material.
- The closing date for responses to the 0871 number consultation is 16 June 2008. Following receipt and consideration of responses Ofcom will publish a policy statement setting out its decision and hopes to publish its Policy Statement in August 2008.
- Assuming no significant changes are made as a result of the responses to the consultation, it is envisaged adopting a policy statement which would contain the final notifications implementing the modification to the PRS Condition (‘the Policy Statement’).
- Ofcom is proposing to give stakeholders three months’ notice to allow them to make final preparations for the extension of PRS regulation to 0871 numbers. Subject to the outcome of the consultation, it is Ofcom's intention that the modification to the PRS Condition would take effect three months after publication of the final notification in the Policy Statement. On this basis, PhonepayPlus would be expected to commence regulating the 0871 Number services from November 2008.
It is
inevitable that, in the absence of royalty out payments, end users of 0870
numbers will be charged a rental per number and possibly a cost per minute per received call with effect from Ofcom's implementation date sometime in 2008
although how much this might be is unlikely to be decided until Ofcom issues its final policy document. Suffice
it to say that, given the tendency of telecom services to become commoditised,
it is likely to be quite modest.
The following links lead to previous Ofcom documents
that detail its full decision about the future of all chargeable 08 number ranges: News
release dated 19/04/06
Ofcom
confirms changes to 0870 calls News release dated 27/07/06
Ofcom plans future of UK Telephone Numbering Statement
NTS: A Way Forward Statement
Providing citizens and consumers with improved information about Number Translation Services and Premium Rate Services Statement
Raising confidence in telephone numbers: Amending General Condition 17 Statement
Raising confidence in telephone numbers: Next steps on 0870 numbers
Statement
Guidance on bodies eligible to use ‘030’ telephone numbers END |
What our customers say:
"Having
been tasked with setting up a European Office I have set about looking for suppliers
with a certain amount of nervousness. However using Adcall has been a delight.
From my first contact to request free call numbers to having them connected to
new premises before we moved in, was effortless. An exemplary service and one
I readily commend to your prospective clients. Thanks again."
WR,
Wokingham "I wish to express
my gratitude for your professionalism. I will refer any individual who is expressing
an interest in telephone numbers to contact Adcall, as I know they would be handled
with care and professionalism."
MA, Newcastle-U-Tyne "At
last, a telecomunications company which seems to have its act together. I'm mega
impressed with this service." KL, Macclesfield "It's
a change to find an online company that does what it says it will do."
GM, Leics "Thanks
for your prompt reply to my question. Most sites often don't bother to reply at
all!" DL, London "I've
passed your name to several other companies in my building, which I think could
use your service."
SA, Wilts "Very
easy to use site. I found navigation simple."
MT, Coventry "Thank
you for your prompt actions and help. It is as always a pleasure doing business
with you."
RS, Surrey "Thanks
for the excellent service." NO, Aldershot "Excellent
stuff. Thanks for the incredibly prompt response and service."
TW,
Southampton "Incredible service.
Thanks as always."
BG, High Wycombe
|
