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Agenda Item (3): 0870 Delay to Dispute Determination

See above. Geoff stated that whilst the dispute resolution and 0870 condition removal are separate activities they are clearly linked. The 0870 policy changes can not be implemented in the absence of agreed termination rates.

Nancy Saunders asked if there had been any announcements from the CAT. At the time of the meeting there had not. Justin asked what the procedure was for such an announcement. The view was that a decision would be published on the CAT’s website.

Geoff indicated that Ofcom aimed to publish the consultation approving the PhonepayPlus oversight of 0871 at the same time as the 0870 consultation.

Agenda Item (4): International Access to 0844/0871

Justin Hornby reminded all operators that there was an outstanding action relating to the provision of information for providing international access to 0844 / 0871. To date only Cable&Wireless and BT of those operators with international gateways had made their position clear to the Focus Group.

Agenda Item (5): Ofcom consultation on Telephone Directory Information obligations and regulations – inclusion of NTS numbers in directories

Andrew Monk queried whether the intention was to make the inclusion of NTS numbers in directories an opt-in or opt-out measure. There were concerns that it was not overly clear from the consultation as to what the proposals were for NTS.

Clive took an action to find out and report back at the next Focus Group. Clive did clarify that for mobile numbers the approach would be on an ‘opt-in’ basis. There was general concern that this would not address the issue. The group expressed concern that in the worst case scenario every NTS number would need to be retrospectively included.

AP: Clive to clarify intended approach with regards to NTS inclusion in directories.

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