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News on Non geographic number change

In 2004 Ofcom began a review of 0845 and 0870 numbers, largely because the regulatory regime surrounding calls to these numbers was no longer working as originally conceived. During the course of this review, public concern highlighted some confusion regarding 08 number charging – in particular, the cost of dialling an 0870 number.

Ofcom’s Consultation, entitled ‘NTS: A Way Forward’ was followed by an announcement of changes to the 08 numbering regime. The table below provides a brief overview of these changes:

Non-Geographic Number	08 Numbers Today	08 Numbers Feb 2008 Onwards
0800/0808	Free to Callers owner of 0800 pays for cost of call	No change to this service
0844	A range of charges to the caller up to 5ppm. Calls are capped at 5ppm but there is the opportunity for the owner to obtain revenue share depending on the retail charge.	Charges to the caller to be capped at 5ppm. Services monitored by Ofcom. Revenue share available subject to retail price.
0845	Equivalent to BT Standard local rate (E.g. approx 4ppm at Peak times).	No change for the next two years although pricing will be capped at current levels.
0870	National Rate equivalent to BT standard national rate (e.g. approx 8ppm at Peak times). Revenue share for owner.	The retail rate will change and be charged at the originating telecom providers normal national geographic rates. This reduction in retail call prices will effectively end revenue share.
0871	A range of charges to caller from 6ppm –10ppm. Revenue share for owner.	Charges remain the same. However, numbers will be regulated by ICSTIS, the Premium Rate Service regulator. Revenue share remains for owner.

New UKNumber Code

In addition to the 08 number changes, Ofcom have announced the launch of a new UKwide number which will have the prefix 03. This number type enables organisations to offer consumers a single national point of contact without making additional charges for the service. Calls to 03 numbers will cost the same as calls to geographic 01/02 numbers and will be included as part of any inclusive call minutes or discount schemes for geographic calls. Some 03 number ranges have been reserved for the not for profit/charitable sector to help provide an identity for these bodies.

Numbers ranges will be available for allocation for any subscriber later this year.

What are the implications? What are the implications?

From February 2008, organisations that continue to use 0870 numbers will lose any call revenue share payments and may be subject to call charges for receiving calls on this number type. 0871 numbers will also begin to be regulated by the Premium Rate Services Regulator: ICSTIS.

Industry wide negotiations are currently underway to determine exactly how 0871 numbers will be regulated and what charge (if any) will be levied for the routing of 0870 calls from February 2008.