Changes to 0870 numbers
July 7, 2009
The latest changes outlined by Ofcom will mean that from 1st August, all 0870 numbers will no longer be based on a revenue share model and instead the owners of 0870 numbers will have to pay a call delivery charge. Networks will have to charge the same or less for 0870 calls as they do for national-rate calls to geographic numbers (starting 01 or 02). If networks wish to charge more for 0870 calls they will have to make a free-to-caller price pre-announcement at the start of the call.
This change is likely to significantly reduce the price of many calls to 0870 numbers. It will also mean that 0870 calls will generally be included in call packages. Currently daytime 0870 calls usually cost around 8 pence per minute from fixed-lines. Typical fixed-line call packages offer calls to geographic numbers at 3 pence per minute or less.
Organisations using 0870 currently have the opportunity to share the revenue generated by per minute call charges. The changes to the regulations will effectively combine with lower call charges to end revenue sharing on 0870.
Guess it time on those numbers then – what about 03 numbers? http://www.intelesis.co.uk/03-virtual08.php
03 numbers look attractive as the charging is predictable and they offer the control associated with 0870 so disaster recovery or changes to routing plans can be quickly initiated.