Courtesy of a daily Google email about new 0870 news items I received a link to this report by a telecoms outfit called Direct Response who suggest that those running 0845 and 0870 numbers will lose all their incoming revenue share in October 2008.
This appears to be completely misinformed (especially on 0845 numbers) but I would be grateful if any of the rest of you here could confirm this.
See
www.drltd.com/Ofcom-Non-Geographic-Number-legislation-changes-this-October.-Are-... Quote:Ofcom Non Geographic Number legislation changes this October. Are you ready?
16/09/2008 11:25:00
What impact will changes to 0870, 0845, 0871, 0800, 0844, & 0300 numbers have on you?
Ofcom are making dramatic changes to non geographic numbering services, the earliest of which will take place this October.
The changes advocated by Ofcom will affect you either as an owner of numbers or as some one who dials them.
I am an owner of 0800 / 0870 / 0845 / 0871 / 0844 / 0855 / 03 numbers: what will happen to me? I dial 0800 / 0870 / 0845 / 0871 numbers: what will happen to me? I would like to speak to my account manager so I can be best advised as what to do. I would like to get future news feeds on this topic to keep me in the loop. I am an owner of 0800 / 0870 / 0845 / 0844 / 0871 numbers: what will happen to me?
Ofcom has made its judgement after its initial withdrawal of deadline to make dramatic changes to non geographic numbers. It’s crucial that you have the knowledge to make the right business decisions in accordance with the new rulings just announced.
The main changes you will be faced with are that of 0871 regulation and 0870 revenue share. Both may impinge significantly on your business, yet even if you don’t already use any type of NGN it’s worth ensuring that you’re aware of your options for the future.
Ofcom’s modifications are being made in order to address public concerns of call centre waiting times, deceptive marketing and ambiguous pricing. If you want to see what our opinion of Ofcom’s changes view Direct Response’s report on Ofcom.
The proposed Ofcom changes fundamentally are:
0870 Numbers
• You will lose your revenue share payments if you were getting them before.
• You will start receiving a pence-per-min bill for incoming traffic. This is expected to be anywhere between 1.5 p – 2.5p per minute. For some companies this will mean you will be up to 5p per minute worse off than you are now.
• Your numbers will remain the same
What should I do as a business so that this does not have an adverse impact on me? Please speak to one of our advice specialists - phone 0800 011 4540.
0871 Numbers
• Increased call cost (up to 10ppm). This allows for a larger ongoing revenue share than 0870 numbers.
• 0871’s will be regulated by PhonePay Plus – it is quite possible that advertising rights will be restricted
What should I do as a business so that this does not have an adverse impact on me? Please speak to one of our advice specialists - phone 0800 011 4540.
0845 Numbers
• You will lose your revenue share payments if you were getting them before.
• You will start receiving a pence-per-min bill for incoming traffic. This is expected to be anywhere between 1.5 p – 2.5p per minute.
• Your numbers will remain the same
What should I do as a business so that this does not have an adverse impact on me? Please speak to one of our advice specialists - phone 0800 011 4540.
0800 / 0808 / 0500 Free Phone Numbers
• These are widely known to be free of charge to callers and the recipient pays for the calls. Ofcom are not expected to make any changes to these numbers
0844 / 03 Number Ranges
• Ofcom have introduced new ranges to act as alternatives to national, lo-call and free phone numbering services. Whilst these ranges offer you more choice, each one also has specific strengths and weaknesses.
What should I do as a business so that this does not have an adverse impact on me? Please speak to one of our advice specialists - phone 0800 011 4540.
Impact on your Business
The impact on your business will vary dramatically depending on how many calls you make and receive to NGNs, the reason for owning your non geographic numbers, where they are published, and how exposed your business will be.
Please call one of our specialists who will look at your specific needs at no charge or obligation - phone 0800 011 4540.
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Please see a brief overview of options and their pros and cons.
What will really happen?
In short it is still up in the air. We predict that one of 3 things will happen:
1. Ofcom have created a massive problem both operational and financially for large and small businesses alike, not to mention the Telco industry. It has delayed the change and may back track and bury it in red tape and make no decision
2. Ofcom may take a less harsh view so that 0870s will be cheaper but not cost the telecom or end business anything, but revenues will be lost
3. The changes will go ahead as planned in the same way that Ofcom never followed through the threat to change 6 digit 0800 numbers into 7 digit numbers due to business and consumer outcry.
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