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Ofcom consultation on 0870/0871 numbers

From: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2008/05/nr_20080502

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Ofcom today set out proposals to provide clarity about the price of
calls to 0870 numbers and strengthen consumer protection on calls to
0871 numbers.

0870 numbers are used by many businesses and organisations for a wide
range of services including road traffic advice, customer services and
financial services. This consultation is part of Ofcom’s wider review
of so-called “non-geographic” telephone numbers (those not assigned by
location) following consumer concerns over the lack of transparency
about the cost of calls.

Today’s consultation proposes that all calls to 0870 numbers should
normally cost no more than calls to geographic numbers (01 or 02
numbers) and that 0870 calls should be included in communications
providers’ call packages price plans on the same basis as geographic
calls. This may significantly reduce the cost of calling these
numbers.

Currently 0870 calls are priced at levels that enable businesses and
organisations to share the revenue generated by per-minute call
charges. Ofcom’s proposals would effectively end revenue sharing on
0870 numbers when combined with other proposed changes to non-
geographic call regulation.

Communications providers that want to charge 0870 calls at rates above
those for geographic numbers would be bound by strict rules about how
prices are publicised and would be responsible for ensuring their
customers know what 0870 calls cost. If communications providers do
not comply with these rules, they could be subject to penalties
including possible fines.

Ofcom aims to have the proposed changes in place by the autumn.

Extension of Premium Rate Services Regulation to other 087 numbers

Separately, Ofcom also published a consultation setting out proposals
to improve consumer protection for calls to the most expensive 08
numbers (0871 numbers) by bringing these within the remit of the
premium rate services regulator PhonepayPlus (formerly called ICSTIS).

Under PhonepayPlus rules, businesses would be required to publish the
price of calls in their advertising and promotional materials and
PhonepayPlus would also investigate complaints about excessively long
call queuing times only after the complaint has first been referred to
the service provider.

PhonepayPlus also has a range of powers that enable it to address
scams quickly when they arise. Ofcom is now seeking views on the rules
that PhonepayPlus will apply to 0871 numbers.

Ofcom aims to publish a decision in summer 2008 and PhonepayPlus will
start to regulate these numbers by the end of the year.

The consultation on 0870 numbers can be found at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/0870calls/

The consultation on 0871 numbers can be found at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/087prs/
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Regards
Sunil

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