0870 number changes
Delays to the Ofcom policy changes to 0870 Number Ranges
Earlier this year, Ofcom announced some major changes to the 0870 Number Range which were due to be implemented by the 1st February, 2008;
- There will no longer be any Revenue on 0870 numbers.
- Mobile and Fixed-Line providers have to charge the same or less for 0870 calls as they do for National Rate Calls to UK Geographic Numbers (01 or 02).
Following an industry meeting last week, Ofcom have now advised TTNC and other Operators that the date to implement these changes has slipped to later in 2008.
At the moment, it is unclear how long this delay may be as Ofcom needs to consult with TTNC and other Operators on new or amended policy proposals, but it is likely to be in the region of 3 to 6 months.
The delay is linked to Health & Safety issues that have been identified in relation to the pre-call announcements which some Communication Providers were planning to provide to callers.
We are liaising with Ofcom on this matter and will announce the new timescales as soon as we receive confirmation from Ofcom.
Why is there a delay?
From the 1st September 2007, Ofcom required Originating Communication Providers (OCPs) to apply pre-call announcements on calls made to certain 070 Personal Number ranges.
The pre-call announcements applied to 070 numbers have caused "safety of life" issues with "critical" (emergency type) services that use 070 numbers.
The Ofcom proposal for restoring the geographic link for 0870 calls from 1st February 2008 includes a similar ability to apply pre-call announcements should an OCP choose to do so. The current proposal is:
- Originating Communications Providers (OCPs) should charge no more for 0870 calls than national calls to geographic numbers. Yet OCPs who wish to charge higher rates for 0870 calls will be required to make a free to-caller price pre-announcement at the beginning of the call, informing the caller of the cost of the call.
If the current 0870 proposal is implemented then the potential for similar issues to arise on 0870 (on a greater scale), as experienced with the 070 pre-call announcement, cannot be ignored.
What happens next?
Ofcom has decided to delay the current 0870 policy implementation and undertake an assessment. There is also likely to be an industry consultation in which all operators will take part.
Once Ofcom has collated all of the information collected from the assessment and consultation they will issue and new proposal and implantation date.
TTNC recommends that anyone planning to change their 0870 number to an alternative number range continues to do so, if you are unsure about what to do then please contact us.
TTNC has kept all customers informed about these proposed changes for the last 18 months and will continue to do so via emails and our News section and 0870 pages in our Web site.
Please contact your account manager for further information, alternatively, we may be able to provide the relevant contact details at Ofcom if you wish to speak to someone.
More information about the proposed changes;