On 28 September 2005, Ofcom published a consultation entitled “NTS: A Way Forward” (‘the September 2005 Consultation’), setting out a number of proposals for the regulation of Number Translation Services. The deadline for responses was 6 December 2005. Ofcom has reviewed its proposals in the light of the responses received, which numbered 1308, and this Statement sets out Ofcom’s conclusions.

Ofcom concluded that a major shake-up of non-geographic numbering is required to give these numbers clear and enduring meaning for consumers and to provide viable alternatives for businesses currently using these services

• 0870 Revenue share to cease
  0870 calls are to cost no more than a national call to a geographic number, whether made from a fixed line, mobile, or payphone
• 0871 to be regulated by ICSTIS
   Revenue share remains
• 0844 / 0845
  Due to be reviewed in 2 years, timetable commenced in July 2006

Business Implications

• Out payments will cease on 0870
• Rental charges introduced on existing 0870 accounts, Jan 2008
• Call centre services will need to be funded through other means e.g. 0871
• Some network services may become chargeable on 0870 e.g. IVR, call recording, etc
• 0870 numbers can only be allocated to existing customers, new customers should be offered another appropriate number range
• Limited timescales regarding the decision process
  Ofcom deadline is January 2008

The pricing characteristics of 0871 and 0844 are different from 0870. Rates to all 0870 numbers vary dependant on the time of day the call is made e.g. Peak, Off-peak or Weekends. Calls to 0871 or 0844 are charged at a fixed rate e.g. 10p per minute or 1p to 5p for 0844 – inclusive of VAT

Changes to your 0870 tariff

From 1 August 2009, businesses will no longer be able to generate revenue from their 0870 numbers. We would like to take this opportunity to inform you of your new 0870 tariff, as detailed below. The introduction of a call termination charge will also be implemented.