Following Ofcom’s strategic review of telephone numbering in the UK, there are going to be changes to the regulations regarding 0870 and 0871 number ranges.

Introduction of Changes

One of the key changes is to align the cost of an 0870 call to that of a national rate call in spring 2008. The effect of these changes is that you may be charged to receive calls to your 0870 numbers. There are alternative non-geographic numbers available to you, the key features of which have been set out below. Please ensure that you carefully consider each option in full before making any decision.

What to do next?

If you want to keep using your 0870 number/s

·         Calls to 0870 numbers will cost the caller the same as calls to national rate geographic (01 or 02) numbers.

·         No monthly subscription will apply for your use of the number at present

·         No revenue will be generated from any numbers dialled

·         There will be a charge to you or your organisation of 3.0 pence per minute (BT RRP 3.95 pence per minute) from 1st March 2008 for every call you receive on your 0870 telephone numbers.

If you want to move either an 0871 or 0844 number/s

Moving to 0871

·         ICSTIS (soon to be rebranded as PhonePayPlus), the premium rate services industry regulator will be responsible for the regulation of 0871 numbers as of 31st January 2008.

·         Individuals and organisations wishing to use 0871 numbers after 31st January 2008 will be required to undergo due diligence and register with ICSTIS and abide by the ICSTIS’ 11th Code of Practice. Further information is available from the ICSTIS website, http://www.isctis.org.uk/service providers/default.asp.

·         The 0871 tariff will be rated at 10 pence per minute to the caller;

·         Calls provide a revenue share payment to you of 3.0 pence per minute.

·         Rebranding and promotion costs will need to be considered when contemplating a move to 0871 numbers.

Moving to 0844

·         No changes have been made to the regulatory legislation regarding 0844 telephone number ranges.

·         The 0844 tariff will be rated at 5.0 pence per minute for the caller;

·         No costs are passed onto you, the customer, whatsoever

·         Rebranding and promotion costs will need to be considered when contemplating a move to 0844 numbers.