0870 changes
What they mean for your business
The popularity of Number Translation Service numbers (also known
as Telebusiness or Non-Geographic Numbers) has been accompanied by
complaints from the public and consumer bodies alike around the
lack of visibility of price, as well as general dissatisfaction
about the higher price of these compared with local
alternatives.
As a result of these concerns, Ofcom, the independent regulator
for the UK communications industries, will be introducing a new
directive on 0870 numbers that affects any business using those
numbers. The new Ofcom 0870 Calls Directive requires mobile and
fixed line providers to charge the same or less for 0870 calls as
they do for national rate calls to geographic numbers (starting 01
or 02).
Later in 2008, 0870 numbers will no longer generate rebate
(revenue share) for the number owner and all calls will be charged
at the same rate as for a telephone call to a geographic telephone
number. This means telecom service providers will have to begin
charging owners of 0870 numbers for all the calls they receive on
those numbers. In other words, where companies may have previously
received calls for free or generated revenue on their 0870 number
they will now have to pay for those same calls.
Whether you're an existing or new customer, ntl:Telewest
Business can advise you on the best option for your business and
help minimise the pain in dealing with the changes. As a start,
we've prepared a brief guide to these changes that you can download
here: