The assertion that 'much of the problem appears to relate to the lack of understanding of call costs' is simply wrong. The public understands the call costs and is fed up with paying these call costs just to feed the deep Energis (and other) corporate pockets. Interesting that the one hundred individual responses was 'unexpected'.

http://closer.energis.co.uk/documents/closer/BP%20newsletter%20-%20March1.pdf


Move against 0870 by Ofcom

The response to Ofcom's NTS (Number Translation Service) Policy Project has resulted in a consumer backlash against 0870 / 0871 numbers. Unexpectedly, over 100 individuals responded to Ofcom's recent consultation. Put in perspective, Ofcom's document was hardly a riveting read, full of technical detail and over 100 pages long! The responses can be read at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/ntsoptions/Responses/?a=87101It’s attracted extensive media coverage and numerous “campaigns” are appearing on the web, putting huge pressure on Ofcom to be seen to be 'doing something', about 0870 / 0871 services in particular. Much of the problem appears to relate to the lack of understanding of call costs - the majority of consumers surveyed just do not seem to know how much they pay for calls. Energis is supporting Ofcom in its desire to bring greater clarity and transparency to prices and would urge that you have similar discussions with your customers. We need to ensure numbers areused appropriately - in one particularly bad example an 0870 number was used for a 'victim's helpline' managed by National Rail after an accident. Greater policing of the regulations looks possible, with suggestions that ICSTIS powers will be extended to cover NTS numbers. This will of course impact costs and prices, and it is important that the industry is seen to be responding positively to this growing consumer issue.

Hi idb,

Where do you get the information that there were 100 individuals who responded to the NTS consultation?

Quite a few individuals who actually responded decided in retaliation for Ofcom's redactions to withhold their response from publication. I know specifically of 30 persons who submitted their responses on that basis.

wrote on Aug 1^st, 2005 at 4:07pm:

Hi idb, Where do you get the information that there were 100 individuals who responded to the NTS consultation?

Just quoting what the Energis article stated. The number of published responses to NTS review/options for the future from individuals is less than 100, however with those that withheld their information, I'm sure it must be (significantly?) higher.

Yes, I see. I think you are right, It was in fact significantly higher than 100. Thanks idb.