Ofcom to reduce the cost of calls to 0870 numbers

mr_fishbulb

Just saw this on Teletext.

Ofcom will require mobile and fixed-line providers (including payphones) to charge the same or less for 0870 calls as they do for national-rate calls to geographic numbers (starting 01 or 02). If providers wish to charge more for 0870 calls they will have to make a free-to-caller price pre-announcement at the start of the call.

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2006/04/nr_20060419

Graham1

Yes, but when you read the small print it also says:

"Ofcom has decided that changes to 0870 calls will be introduced 18 months after the conclusion of the wider Numbering Review (due for publication in summer 2006)."

Heinz

mr_fishbulb wrote:

Just saw this on Teletext.

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2006/04/nr_20060419

And, as has already started, it just means they'll move to 0871 (most are 10p/minute) and 0844 (many are 5p/minute) numbers to guarantee their income.

pricefighter

Yes the RIP OFF continues to 2008.

See: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/04/19/ofcom_fudge/

DonnyDave

Ofcom has carried out a few consultations on 0845/0870 numbers now. There is another one which is a review of the whole numbering scheme in the UK. This covers 0870, so it appears that Ofcom is covering the same ground twice and probably coming to conflicting conclusions.

At present there are few responses to the numbering review. Visit https://www.saynoto0870.com/consultation for guidance on responding. The deadline has just been extended to Thursday 25 May, so get typing!

JohalaReewi

The current consulation seems to cut across this decision to slash 0870 costs. They are now proposing that new 03 codes be introduced which will be non geographic numbers charged at 01 & 02 rates, with no revenue stream, and it is hoped that they will be part of included calls packages (such as BT option 3). They then say the 08 range will be streamlined so that 080 is free, 081 is pay a bit, 082 is pay a bit more, and so on up to 089 which is pay quite a bit more. Under this scheme, the current proposal for 0870 will be an anomaly. Doubly so considering there are currently different rates within the 087 band.