Keith wrote on Dec 19
th, 2006 at 7:08pm:
I'm trying to avoid the work of reading all the detail and would just like clarification. Am I right in assuming they are all effectively the same and that if you have a fully inclusive package none will have any cost.
Yes, if you have a inclusive (geographical call package it will be included. For those that don't, it will be charged the same as a normal geographical number unlike existing 084x/087x numbers which are charged extra for.
However, don't expect companies to change to these numbers as they will be reluctant simply because it's very possible that any company/government department/organisation using this new number range will themselves have to pay x amount per minute for calls they receive (no extra cost to us however). This on it's own is likely to put them off migrating when they can use an 0845 which many people still think it's 'local' rate for which they (in most cases) don't have to pay an incoming call fee.
Public pressure may force government departments to use them but they will also be reluctant as it will cost them more than their existing 084x/087x number now and they will lose revenue share they get (in most cases) from their existing 084x/087x number.