Number Translation Services
More than just a number...
NTS (Number Translation Services), or
telemarketing numbers, were introduced in the nineties to provide
businesses with recognisable national telephone numbers. They gave
organisations a visible, cohesive corporate image and offered
unprecedented reach and accessibility. For the first time,
businesses with multiple locations could offer their customers one
direct telephone route to their services.
NTS calls are directed to chosen
destinations and charged at a rate relating to the number dialled.
NTS includes 0800 (free to the caller), 0844 (flexible call tariffs
1-5p per minute), 0845 (local rate), 0870 (national rate), 0871 (up
to 10p per minute) and 09 (premium rate) numbers.*
In essence, NTS numbers make it easy
for customers to contact businesses while organisations can explore
different business telephony opportunities - from attracting new
customers via freephone numbers to subsidising or supporting parts
of their business through revenue share.
Revenue share enables organisations to
indirectly part subsidise consumer services, which would otherwise
be charged via traditional direct payment methods.
Over the years NTS numbers have played
a significant role in increasing the effectiveness of national
marketing campaigns, telephone banking, charities, utilities and
pay-as-you-go internet services, as well as promoting a local
presence across many regions and managing inbound call centre
traffic.
*Rates inclusive of VAT.
Summary of Ofcom changes to NTS
As a result of consumer demand and to
promote price transparency, Ofcom has introduced changes to Number
Translation Services (0800, 0844, 0845, 0870, 0871 and 09 numbers).
Their proposals will have an impact on how businesses manage their
incoming calls.
The table below summarises call
charges and status before and after the Ofcom implementation. All
rates are inclusive of VAT.
NTS number
|
Pre-Ofcom review
|
Post-Ofcom review
|
| 0800 |
Free to the caller - you pay for the call. |
No change to this service. |
|
0844
|
Callers pay a range of retail rates up to 5ppm and there is the
opportunity for you to make revenue depending on the retail rate,
subject to volume. |
No change to this service, however, 0844 rates will be closely
monitored by Ofcom.
|
|
0845
|
Callers pay a retail rate equivalent to BT standard local rate
(e.g.: approx 3.95ppm).There may be no ppm cost for you for this
service, subject to volume. |
No change for the next 2 years.
|
|
0870
|
Callers pay a retail rate equivalent to BT standard national
rate (e.g.: approx 7.95ppm daytime). There is no call cost to you.
There is the opportunity for you to make revenue depending on the
retail rate, subject to volume. |
The retail rate will change and callers will be charged no more
for 0870 than they currently pay for national geographic numbers.
This reduction in retail call rates will effectively end revenue
share for you. |
|
0871
|
Callers pay a range of retail rates from 5ppm - 10ppm. There is
no call cost to you. There is the opportunity for you to make
revenue depending on the retail rate, subject to volume. |
Charges remain the same however numbers will be regulated by
ICSTIS, the premium rates service regulator. Revenue share
remains.
|
|
09
|
Callers pay a range of retail rates up to £1.50 per minute
depending on service offered.
|
No change to retail rates, however,
all adult services are to be confined to 0908 and 0909 numbers.
Revenue share remains.
|
Note: ppm = pence per minute
From delivering the best call option
for your dial-up services or help lines, to protecting revenue
share, ntl:Telewest Business can provide you with a range of
realistic solutions appropriate to your business needs.
Discover
why Ofcom has decided to introduce these changes.