Phone codes could all change again if number rationing fails

456789

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/telecoms/article6938196.ece

The possibility of a further shake-up of telephone codes was raised by the regulator yesterday as it tries to overcome a drought in numbers.
Faced with an increasing scarcity of numbers, Ofcom raised the prospect of introducing so-called “overlay” codes — a second code that would operate alongside the existing code — across large parts of the country.
Such a move would make the traditional link between areas and codes a thing of the past. It could also trigger anger among businesses and personal users.
The Big Number change of 2000 was one of the least-liked moves by Oftel, Ofcom’s predecessor, triggering widespread chaos and confusion and costing businesses millions of pounds.The average cost to businesses of that change, in which 0171 and 0181 were replaced by 020, was £5,000. The highest costs were reported as updating stationery and loss of business.

I guess this time everyone will have the added hassle of updating their mobile phone contact list! (though on the other hand most probably don't have a diary/book for numbers anymore)

redux

It was surely incompetence by Ofcom to allow issue of 10,000 number blocks in each exchange to dozens of companies some of whom would probably struggle to surpass 100.

The group of exchanges around where I live have in theory a million possible numbers and a population of much less than 100,000. The BT 6 figure numbers in town begin with 8, the surrounding villages with 7, and other companies than BT have the others. I'd guess that Magrathea who supply numbers to several VoIP companies have a higher proportion in use than others, but even so I've never yet seen any of theirs outside a 1000 sector.

DonnyDave

I echo redux's comments.

It's absolutely ridiculous giving out lots of numbers to telephone companies who only need a few. A then to only invoke "conservation measures" when they are running low is like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted!

There are plenty of geographical numbers within each area code if they were managed responsibly.

DonnyDave

A consultation from Ofcom on this:

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/conserve/