3.Why do you use 0844 numbers?
In making the decision to move from 01603 numbers to non-geographic 0844 numbers we looked at all the County STD codes. We found that while it cost 3p per minute to call Norfolk County Council from seven codes within Norfolk, if you lived in one of the other 12 STD areas within the county you were charged the National rate of 8p per minute.
This situation does not demonstrate a fair or equitable service to people across Norfolk.
0844 numbers are charged at 4.25p per minute ex VAT (5p per minute including VAT), so irrespective of location every citizen of Norfolk will pay exactly the same for a landline call to our new 0844 numbers (mobile charges will vary by operator).
The costs to NCC associated with 0844 are restricted to the line and number rental, we don’t generate any income from using this number.
[I have added the various departments to the list - mc661]
3.1 What are the equivalent geographical numbers?
Education General Enquiries: 0844 800 8001 01603 638034
Adult Education Brochure Line:
0844 800 8002 01603 222222
0844 800 8002 Network announcement
School Transport: 0844 800 8003 01603 306007
Waste Management: 0844 800 8004 01603 306008
0844 800 8005 01603 306005
Library Renewals: 0844 800 8006 01603 306009
0844 800 8007 01603 222425
Street Lighting: 0844 800 8008 01603 306006
0844 800 8009 01603 306005
0844 800 8010 01603 306010
General Enquiries: (txtphone) 0844 800 8011 01603 223833
General Enquiries: (fax) 0844 800 8012 01603 638041
Trading Standards: 0844 800 8013 01603 306001
Social Services:
0844 800 8014 01493 845009
0844 800 8014 01603 481295
0844 800 8014 01603 306003
0844 800 8014 01603 306002
0844 800 8014 01553 669300
0844 800 8014 01493 850317
0844 800 8014 01553 669326
0844 800 8014 01493 845005
0844 800 8015 01603 306005
0844 800 8016 01603 306005
0844 800 8017 01603 306005
0844 800 8018 01603 306011
0844 800 8019 01603 306005
General Enquiries: 0844 800 8020 01603 306005
3.2 What revenue do you receive per minute and in total from the use of 0844 numbers?
We do not receive any revenue for the use of 0844 numbers.
3.3 Are you aware of the revenue collected by your telecom provider, from your callers?
Yes, The 0844 call cost is 4.25p per minute ex VAT, 5p per minute including VAT
3.4Have you considered the revised COI guidelines?
Yes.
3.4.1If so what conclusions did you come to?
We have implemented 0844 numbers to provide all citizens and council taxpayers of Norfolk with an equitable cost of access to our services. Although we do not provide a national service our service covers a wide area (Norfolk) that encompasses a large number of STD codes. Dependent upon where a caller is a variable rate would be paid for access to a 01603 number. The map depicted below explains this. We therefore believe that our strategy is fully in line with the COI guidelines - please refer to paragraph 3.50 on page 24.
3.5 Do you realise that all calls (local/national) cost the same?
This is not true as call costs may vary if using other, non-BT, network operators or a mobile telephone.
However the purpose of a 0844 non-geographic number is to provide the same call charges to all callers. The local call cost from a BT line is 4.25p per minute ex VAT, 5p per minute including VAT.
3.6 Do you realise that 0844 numbers now offer no cost advantage to callers, irrespective of their location, only disadvantages?
We do not believe this statement to be true. As stated above callers in locations such as King’s Lynn will be charged at National rate to access our Norwich numbers, there the use of 0844 does provide a cost advantage for such callers. It is true that callers who have local exchanges with ‘local’ rates for access to 01603 (those shown in yellow on the map depicted below) are at a disadvantage however our strategy is to provide equity of cost across the county.
3.7Are you aware of the cost implications to your callers, when using 0844 numbers?
Yes the 0844 call cost is 4.25p per minute ex VAT, 5p per minute including VAT, and we do not publicise that this is a ‘lo-call’ rate.
Please note that all call costs quoted are based on BT rates and that call costs may vary if using other network operators or a mobile telephone.
Any telephone call (excluding 0800 calls) made from a BT line incurs a minimum call cost of 4.2 pence excluding VAT.
I also enclose a copy of our standard response to questions from the public relating to our use of 0844 numbers.
The documents supplied in response to your request are for your personal use. They are copyright Norfolk County Council and may not be copied, distributed, published, or exploited for commercial purposes or financial gain without the explicit written consent of Norfolk County Council.
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FOI Response - Norfolk County Council (Read 45,475 times)
