15th JULY 2009

Businesses reaping revenue from premium rate numbers could be hit by high bills from 1 August, when charges for calls to 0870 numbers switch to the call receiver. The major change to the regulatory regime has been introduced by Ofcom, the independent regulator and competition authority for UK communications industries.

The changes to the 0870 numbers are two-fold.  Companies will no longer be able to make revenue by having a 0870 telephone number and if they continue to use one, they will probably incur a charge to receive calls.  The changes will also affect companies using 0871, 0872 and 0873 telephone numbers, which are now regulated by Phone Pay Plus.

Ofcom announced the changes to the 0870 numbers this April, following an extensive review carried out over a three year period.  Consultation highlighted public confusion over the cost of dialling 0870 numbers.   Consumer campaigns such as ‘Just say no to 0870’ have also gained widespread momentum in recent years.

Our role as a business telecoms specialist is to ensure our business customers are equipped for the changeover come the 1st of August.  There are many number ranges available, including some remaining revenue share ones.  We are advising businesses to carefully consider all the options available to them and consider whether it makes commercial sense to change numbers. They also need to allow enough time to inform customers of any changes.

HIGHnet customers will be charged 2p per minute to receive calls to their 0870 number.  Please note that BT Retail are charging 3.5p per minute in comparison.