New Ofcom rules should soon make it cheaper to call 0870 numbers
29/Apr/09
(Business)
The measures - which will come into effect on 1 August 2009 - will
also give consumers a much clearer idea of how much it costs to call
these numbers.
0870 numbers are used by many businesses and organisations to
provide a wide range of information and advice including many customer
service lines.
But consumers are often charged more for calling these numbers than
they would if they called a 'geographic rate' (01, 02 or 03) number.
Revenue sharing
And because they cost more, businesses and organisations are also
able to take a cut of the call charges - a practice known as revenue
sharing.
However, the new rules will encourage communication providers to
stop charging higher prices for calls to 0870 numbers from fixed lines
and mobiles than calls to 'geographic rate' numbers.
They will also be encouraged to include 0870 calls in call packages on the same basis as geographic calls.
Communications providers that want to continue charging for 0870
calls at rates above those for geographic numbers will be bound by
strict rules about how prices are publicised on websites and in
promotional material at point of sale.
Enforcement action
They will also be responsible for making sure their customers know how much they will be charged for calling an 0870 number.
Communications providers will not be allowed to advertise 0870
numbers as 'national rate' unless they are charging at geographic
rates.
If they do not comply with these rules, they could be subject to enforcement action including possible fines.
Ofcom's new rules should also effectively end revenue sharing on 0870 numbers.
Ofcom welcomes steps that some fixed line companies have already
taken to include calls to 0870 numbers in call packages and reduce
their prices.
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/features/0870ruleswww.0870ver.co.uk
Wherever possible I will not use 0870 numbers . I go to www.saynoto0870.com type in the 0870 number and in most cases get an alternative 01 or 02 number.
I really don't see why I should be expected to pay any more than a standard call charge to phone a company especially if I am one of their customers or want to buy something from them
Posted by:
Geoff
Cox
on
30/Apr/09 12:24
I'm with The Utility Warehouse Discount Club, just voted by The Financial Times Awards on 13th March, British plc of The Year. I've been a happy satisfied customer for over 5 years. From 1st April this year calls to 0845 and 0870 numbers are now included in their bundled packages of free calls, probably another reason why they keep winning awards in the leading consumer guide....so I love my bill even more!!...I'd be delighted to tell you more of the savings....even greater for businesses, helping to re-direct your spend. I will be completing my profile this very evening. I wholeheartedly agree with Geoff Cox's comments..here-here!!!
Posted by:
Miriam
Smith
on
14/May/09 20:31
0870
Charges
Had
your bill yet? £10, £20, £30, Or more?
Don't delay
free of charge we will put a redirection announcement on your number so you
won’t get any more charges when you take your calls!
Call us now 08444 127 009 solution hosted by cable
& wireless
OFCOM
have changed the way 0870 numbers work
What
these changes mean to you
The
introduction of call charges to receive your calls will drive additional costs
into your business. We are keen to make business aware of a FREE of CHARGE
solution we offer so these additional charges can be stopped.
Companies
that continue to use 0870 numbers after 31st July 2009 will face increased costs
in the form of charges (pence per minute and/or monthly
charges).
Our
Solution
If we can
transfer your 0870 number to Cable & Wireless, we can offer you FREE of CHARGE a new 08xx number and put a
redirection announcement on your 0870 number. The charges you are now receiving
with stop immediately
www.0870charges.co.uk
Posted by:
Don
Bradley
on
28/Nov/09 06:53