Ofcom has advised that a statement on the regulation supporting 0870 number revenue share payments should be made by Christmas this year.

Ofcom is seeking to restore the link between the cost of calling 0870 and the cost of calling geographic numbers in the UK which means:

• Calls to 0870 numbers are charged the same rate, or less, than calls to numbers that begin with 01 or 02
• Any call packages with inclusive minutes will also have to include 0870 calls
• The interconnect payments for 0870 numbers will be aligned to match those applicable to UK geographic calls, thereby reducing the outpayment revenue stream available from 0870 number ranges

The above changes to 0870 number ranges were originally planned for implementation on the 31st January 2008 but were delayed due to:

• The need to wait for an outcome of the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) judgement on mobile termination. It was felt that the outcome of the CAT dispute would inform the cost model used for 0870.
• The realisation that a large number of automatic security alarm services using 0870 would fail if the call was prefixed by a pre-call announcement thereby creating potential life threatening risks.

Update

On 2nd May 2008 Ofcom published a 103 page update. Click here to view it...

In summary:

• Ofcom is proposing to drop the requirement for a pre-call announcement for 0870
• Ofcom is seeking further Stakeholder feedback by 5pm 16 June 08
• Ofcom will then consider Stakeholder feedback and publish a final notification
• Ofcom propose that the 0870 changes should take place 'at the end of the 3rd month following the date of publication' of the final notification
  
  

In addition:
The CAT judgment on the mobile termination case was handed down 20th May. The result is that Ofcom will have to re-consult on the rate setting element of the 0870 determination. This is likely to add a further 3 month delay on top of the above timescales.

What other changes have been announced?

• 0871 services will come under the remit of ICSTIS, the premium rate regulator. The applicable ICSTIS Code of Practice and pricing promotion guidelines for 0871 are still in development, however the primary objective is to ensure pricing information is displayed on any material that promotes 0871 numbers. Given leadtimes for some types of promotional material / publications we would encourage you to consider publishing call pricing information now.
• No changes to 0845 - this will be reviewed by Ofcom in 18 months time. All revenue shares are likely to be removed.
• No changes to 0844 - this will be monitored by Ofcom for any consumer issues.
  

What Next?

OPTION 1
Core Telecom can provide you with a brand new 0871 number FREE OF CHARGE to replace your 0870 number. Click here to select your number now

OPTION 2
Core Telecom can provide you with a brand new 0872 number FREE OF CHARGE to replace your 0870 number. Click here to select your number now

0871 and 0872 numbers can generate up to 7p per min for you on all calls and cost no more than 10p per min to the caller.

If you want to discuss your 0870 number change contact our Sales team on 0844 686 2000. Alternatively email help@coretelecom.co.uk