Ofcom has been carrying out a review of the Number Translation Services (NTS) regulatory framework involving suppliers, service providers and the general public through a series of consultations.
What is the outcome of the review?
Ofcom intends to restore the link between 0870 calls and geographic call prices (national rates). Ofcom wants all operators to charge their equivalent national geographic rates for 0870 calls at the end of a 12 month period. It is believed that this will address the biggest headline consumer issue of high 0870 call prices.
What other aspects will be affected under the review?
There will be no change to 0871 pricing. However Ofcom intends to extend the remit of ICSTIS to cover 0871. This will require all 0871 users to display price information on all advertising and promotional literature. Operators will also have to display price information on adverts for 0844 and 0845 calls in line with the Advertising Standard Authority guidelines.
In addition Ofcom proposes that BT's call prices for 0870 and 0845 calls are subject to a ceiling of current standard prices during the transition process.
What is Planet Numbers response?
Planet Numbers will be studying the consultative document in great detail on its release. Planet Numbers will endeavour to ensure that customers are kept fully informed of the changes to 0870. We are also developing new pricing options to ensure that the changeover will be cost efficient.
What will happen to 0870?
0870 will continue to exist. However, 12 months after Ofcom's final decision, the regulation requiring revenue share on these numbers will end. Customers can continue to use 0870 numbers, but some may choose to gradually phase over to 0845 number ranges. Planet Numbers will work closely with its customers to ensure that, where customers choose to do this, this is managed within the best interests of the customer.
What will be the implications for 0870 customers?
Under the proposed Ofcom determination it will no longer be commercially viable for customers to have revenue share at the end of the transition period hence the considered alternatives are as follows:
- Continue with your 0870 number(s) and pay a termination rate, likely to be in line with our freephone rates
- Transfer to an alternative number range e.g. 0845, 0844 or 0871
- In order to transfer to any alternative number range then a change of number will be required, but Planet Numbers will help to align number ranges as closely as possible
- Planet Numbers will continue to operate both the existing and new numbers simultaneously until an agreed termination period has ended. There may be a charge for this service
- Planet Numbers will work with customers to update existing contracts in line with the regulatory environment
- Planet Numbers will work with customers in order to develop a solution which best meets their needs
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