As implied by another member, I have initiated this thread so that some discussion about the Ofcom Plan for 2014-15 can take place.   the Summary is about 3 pages long located here;---

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/draft-annual-plan-2014-15/summary

The full Consultation is here :---

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/draft-annual-plan-2014-15/

If we all pool our knowledge and views we may be able to produce a significant response by the deadline of 14 February.

My initial thoughts are that Ofcom should address the following areas, including the inputs by SCV :---

Recognition of the fundamental matter that now the industry has decided to sell its services principally in packaged form it is important that Ofcom give attention to the matter of packages and what they include and what they exclude so as to ensure that the public are not deceived.   The principle to be applied should be that ALL 01,02 and 03 numbers should be included in all packages without exception.   All 07 numbers should be included (together with 01,02,03 if declared) in mobile packages without exception.   It is the anomalous exceptions such as 070, 078 numbers and Channel Island numbers that can cause consumer harm.

The danger of harmful confusion between 118 and 0118 numbers to be removed.

The failure to recognise that "local rate" and "national rate" are now the same (in general).

The mistaken assumption that landline callers need to make "a lot" of daytime calls to justify choice of an "Anytime" calling plan.

Doubt about the 03 range, as invariably offering calls on the same terms as those to 01/02 numbers.

Members are here invited to qualify these and to add further suggestions.

Good idea but I'm a bit confused by the reference to 078 numbers - aren't these normal mobile numbers?   A lot of members of my family have mobile numbers starting 078.   I do agree about the Channel Islands, many online businesses are based there, the numbers look like normal 01 numbers and I'm never certain whether I'll be charged or not, I don't think I have been so far (inclusive calls package with Utility Warehouse).

CJT-80 wrote Yesterday at 8:55pm on another thread:

"However as we have noticed on here before Ofcom does not appear to work in the favour of the consumer..."



You may be right in your view but that should absolutely NOT be the case.   If you look at the Ofcom Summary of their current consultation on the Ofcom plan for 2014-15 it is full of references to their obligations to consumers, for example :---


1.3 Ofcom's principal duties are to further the interests of citizens in relation to communications matters and to further the interests of consumers in relevant markets …..

1.5 In 2013, we defined an over-arching strategy, set out below, which we believe best delivers consumer and citizen benefits in the light of these duties

Strategy
We will provide proportionate protection for consumers ...
One of the five Strategic Purposes declared by Ofcom is to “Protect Consumers from Harm”.

Protect consumers in a range of priority areas …. continue to identify areas of consumer harm …..

We will assess the successful delivery of these proposed priorities against the outcomes we are seeking to secure for citizens and consumers.

1.18 We will also remain responsive to new issues, emerging concerns that affect consumers across the UK …..

….... we will aid governments in the UK nations, to ensure that consumer and citizen benefits are available …...

Ofcom also ask :---
What are your views on Ofcom's proposed priorities for 2014/15?
What are your views on Ofcom's proposed major work areas for 2014/15?

I would suggest that it is up to us to bring our concerns relating to consumer and citizen issues with telecom services to the attention of Ofcom and then to hold them to account.

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/draft-annual-plan-2014-15/summary

Barbara wrote on Jan 5^th, 2014 at 10:12am:

Good idea but I'm a bit confused by the reference to 078 numbers - aren't these normal mobile numbers?

078 is likely to be a typo, probably meant to be 076.

I agree with the initiative of this thread and its reason.

I think one particular piece should be highlighted because this is the basis that Telecos advise on their Anytime and other packages to new Customers, see below


Quote:

The mistaken assumption that landline callers need to make "a lot" of daytime calls to justify choice of an "Anytime" calling plan.

I feel that the way the Telecos frontline staff advise at present is seriously flawed and is the basis for a lot of New and old Customers are on Evening and Weekend Packages. This also applys to retired people who have been on the wrong package for years. I have personally advised several local pensioners and helped them change to Anytime.

Ian G wrote on Jan 5^th, 2014 at 2:59pm:

Barbara wrote on Jan 5th, 2014 at 10:12am: Good idea but I'm a bit confused by the reference to 078 numbers - aren't these normal mobile numbers? 078 is likely to be a typo, probably meant to be 076.

Exactly so.

As the author of a hastily drafted private message, which was (unexpectedly) quoted verbatim by Loddon, I must apologise for having typed "078" when I meant "076". I assume that Loddon would wish to join me in this apology.