How will it affect me?

About Number Translation Services

Since the initial proposal was published, ntl:Telewest Business has spent some time considering what the Ofcom changes will mean to our customers and others. While it is a comprehensive review that requires careful number managment, it also provides organisations with opportunities to rethink and refresh their telephony strategy and to look at new numbers to subsidise and support their services. In fact, you may actually find that other NTS numbers more closely match your business requirements.

Below is a guide for each NTS number detailing its existing status and the new regulatory changes. We explain its impact on your business and our recommendations on advertising your NTS numbers. We also include advice for public sector organisations.

Note: All telephone rates shown are retail prices, i.e. the cost to the caller in pence per minute, and are inclusive of VAT.

NTS numbers

0800

Current status: Free to caller - you pay for the calls.

After Ofcom Implementation: There is no change to this service.

What it means to you: Your service is unaffected.

Recommendations: There is no change to 0800 and you will continue to pay the call charges.  0800 is a good option for organisations that want to advertise new products and services or attract new audiences. When calls are free, audiences are more likely to make contact.  ntl:Telewest Business can quickly provide 0800 numbers to keep pace with market change, product launches, business promotions and special offers.

0844

Current status: Callers pay a range of retail rates up to 5ppm and there is the opportunity to make revenue depending on the retail charge, subject to volume.

After Ofcom implementation: No change to this service. However, Ofcom wil closely monitor the services that are offered.

What it means to you: Your service is unaffected.

Recommendations: Businesses may want to consider moving their 0870 numbers to 0844. ntl:Telewest Business' 0844 service delivers flexibility with a range of price points from 1ppm to 5ppm, there is the opportunity to make revenue share if call volume is high. In addition, as a non premium rate number, 0844 will be more favourably perceived by your customers. We advise our customers to publish and update their call charges.

0845

Current satus: 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.

After Ofcom implementation: No changes for the next two years.

What it means to you: Your service is unaffected.

Recommendations:  0845 remains the ideal choice for customer service and complaint lines for UK companies, allowing them to project a national image. It is also used to provide competitive pay-as-you-go services to millions of internet subscribers around the UK.

0870

Current status: 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.

After Ofcom implementation: 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.

What it means to you: Businesses that generate income through 0870 numbers will lose this revenue stream and may be charged an additional premium for calls received if they don't migrate. You will need to devise new call pricing strategies to subsidise your business, call centre and service charges.

Recommendations: Call revenue is critical for many businesses as it is the way that they support 'free' services - such as telephone banking and help lines, to their customers. For these businesses, it makes sense to look at other NTS numbers that can offer revenue share rather than absorb losses. ntl:Telewest Business recommends that businesses move to either 0871 or 0844 numbers, depending on the level of return required.

0871

Current status: Callers pay a range of retail rates from 5ppm - 10ppm.  There is no cost to you.  There is the opportunity for you to make revenue depending on the retail rate, subject to volume.

After Ofcom implementation: Charges remain the same however numbers will be regulated by ICSTIS, the premium rates service regulator. Revenue share remains.

What it means to you: You will be protected by ICSTIS, the premium rates service regulator ensuring that all services are reputable and of a high quality.

Recommendations: Existing 0871 customers need not change. ntl:Telewest Business has six price points which offer flexibility as well as a continued revenue stream. When 0870 call prices are reduced, 0871 will provide a series of realistic pricing options that will enable revenue share businesses to continue to subsidise their services. Businesses should think carefully about applying the appropriate retail rate for services offered. It is not recommended to charge higher price bands for complaint lines for instance.

09/Premium services

Current status:  Callers pay a range of retail rates depending on service offered.

After Ofcom implementation:  No change to the retail rates, however, all adult services are to be confined to 0908 and 0909 numbers. Revenue share remains.

What it means to you:  All adult services must be on 0908 and 0909 number ranges. If you have adult services on any other number range you will need to migrate them.

Recommendations:  Ensure that your NTS number choice is appropriate for your service. If you are uncertain about NTS relevant to the type of service you are providing you can call ntl:. We can quickly arrange migration from 08 to 09 numbers for you.

Advertising your NTS numbers

Ofcom supports better visiblity of NTS call rates and will require all communications providers to give greater prominence to NTS call prices on websites, published price lists and promotional materials.

What it means to you: Organisations should ensure they are following ASA (Advertising Standards Authority)/CAP (Committee on Advertising Practice) guidance on advertising NTS numbers.

Recommendations: As good business practice, ntl:Telewest Business advises that all organisations should make their customers aware of their call charges. The ambiguity of some NTS tariffs has led many consumers to wrongly assume that they are being charged very high retail rates.

The public sector

Ofcom states that it is inappropriate for public sector bodies to use 084 or 087 numbers exclusively when dealing with low income or vulnerable groups. In a new 'numbering review' consultation, Ofcom is proposing to open a new range (03) for organisations who would like to use a non-geographic number but who do not require revenue share. Ofcom believes that this range would be well suited to meeting the requirements of the public sector.

What it means to you:  Public sector bodies should follow the government's best practice guide.

Recommendations:  Public bodies want the best deal for their citizens while retaining high levels of service excellence. ntl:Telewest Business can help you devise solutions. We are one of the few telecoms providers that has a specialist team solely dedicated to the issues and requirements of the public sector. 

Learn how ntl:Telewest Business can help