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Over the last few years the communications regulator OFCOM has undertaken industry consultation to address concerns over the use of 08xx and 09xx numbers.
OFCOM wanted to make sure that callers were:
- Better informed about the price of calls
- Able to complain about excessively long call waiting times
- Better protected from scams
Following a three year consultation, OFCOM has announced a range of changes that come into effect from 1st August 2009.
The number ranges that will be affected are 0870, 0871, 0872, 0873 and 09.
A new 03 number range has also been introduced, designed primarily for public sector and not-for-profit organisations.
If you have a 0870 number you will need to consider what impact this could have on your business.
Firstly, OFCOM would like to see the cost of dialling a 0870 reduced to a rate similar to geographic (01 and 02) numbers.
Secondly, companies making money from 0870 numbers will lose revenue share and these numbers will incur call delivery charges. This charge will depend on the company that supplied the 0870 number.
Many businesses' call strategies will change from profit centres to cost centres if they take no action.
Graham Leach, Managing Director of Uniworld, said “As an SME you need to be aware of the possible impact of these changes on your business. These changes will not affect every organisation but, where they are relevant, the changes could have a substantial impact and we recommend that you find out more.”
In addition, the premium-rate regulator PhonepayPlus will regulate 0871, 0872, 0873 and 09 numbers that are charged above 5p a minute.
This means that any organisation wishing to hold 0871, 0872, 0873 and 09 ranges must register with PhonepayPlus and comply with the 11th Code of Practice and the Statement of Application.
Businesses should seek their own legal advice regarding compliance and PhonepayPlus (http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/) has a dedicated team to help.
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Graham Leach
Managing Director |
