Archive for February, 2007

Ofcom is amending the Plan to introduce 03 numbers, which will be designated as being priced in the same way as geographic numbers. Customers will pay no more to call 03 numbers than they would pay to call a standard geographic 01 and 02 numbers (up to national rate).

Calls to 03 numbers also will be treated like calls to calls to standard 01 and 02 numbers in respect of their inclusion in bundled minutes and whether they qualify for discount packages.

Revenue-sharing with end users will not be permitted on 03 numbers.

The restrictions on the use of 03 numbers are quite limited, allowing flexibility in how 03 calls are delivered in a technical sense. Some restrictions in the definition of 03 numbers were removed in response to consultation responses.

Numbers beginning with 030 will be specifically made available for use by public services and other not-for-profit organisations.

Ofcom will maintain guidance on its website on the type of bodies falling within this definition, to assist CPs with their decisions to allocate 03 numbers to end users.

Ofcom’s guidance includes more types of organisation following comments received in consultation responses.

Ofcom is also making it possible for end users who have numbers beginning with 084 and 087 to transfer to the equivalent number in a 03 number range.

The first 03 sub-ranges to be available for allocation

0300 – Public services and other not-for-profit organisations

0303 – Public services and other not-for-profit organisations

0306 – Public services and other not-for-profit organisations

0330 – Any organisation or end user

0333 – Any organisation or end user

034X – Specific users currently using the equivalent 084X numbers

037X – Specific users currently using the equivalent 087X numbers

For further information, please visit the Ofcom link below;

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/numbering03/03allocation/

TTNC has launched an additional 4.3 Million New Geographic Phone Numbers and can now supply a Number for every Local Area Code in the UK. TTNC’s Geographic Numbers can be used for:

• Routing to any Fixed Line or Mobile Number
• Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and Menu Services
• PSTN to VoIP Termination – Supports SIP, IAX & H.323
• Intelligent Call Routing – Hunt Groups, Time of Day, etc
• Inbound Fax Numbers to provide a Fax to Email Service

Benefits of using Geographic Numbers

• Numbers have Once-Off Connection Charge no Monthly or Annual Charges
• Use to advertise in Local Newspapers, Yellow Pages and other ‘Local’ media.
• Manage your Number and Call Routing Services using the Novero Platform™
• Measure Advertising results with detailed Call Statistics and Reports
• No need to install new Telephone Line or pay Line rental
• Route Calls to any Landline or Mobile in the UK as well as International destinations
• Numbers are not tied to a Telecom’s Exchange and are completely portable
• Free termination to SIP or IAX destinations such as an Asterisk Server (PBX)

Memorable Geographic Numbers

A special note to bargain hunters: Because TTNC’s Geographic Number Rages are fairly new and have never been used, there are a few thousand very ‘Special’ Memorable Numbers available, Numbers of this calibre are rarely available and won’t be available for long.

Numbers in our New Geographic Ranges can be ordered in Real-Time via www.ttnc.co.uk and be used immediately.

For more information about Geographic Numbers, please visit; www.ttnc.co.uk/numbers/local-area-codes.do

Following on from the Strategic Review of the use of Number Translation Service (NTS) in 2005, OFCOM has now confirmed some major changes to the UK’s Numbering Plan which will affect the use of 0870 Numbers;

• There will no longer be any Revenue on 0870 numbers by end of January 2008.
• Mobile and Fixed-Line providers are to charge the same or less for 0870 calls as they do for National Rate Calls to UK Geographic Numbers (01 or 02).

OFCOM’s changes are mainly in line with their proposals published in the Public Consultation in September 2005, many of the responses to the Consultation highlighted the case for changes to 0870 Numbers and increased consumer protection.

These changes may have both Financial and Customer Service implications for Businesses and Organisations currently using 0870 Phone Numbers.

As a PECN Operator, TTNC has many Customers who use 0870 Phone Numbers that will be affected in one way or another so we have put together a Web page with some information. If you use 0870 Numbers then make sure you read this information as these changes will affect you.