SAYNOTO0870.COM campaign group response:
Campaigners de-cry Ofcom 0870 proposals as “too little too late”Ofcom originally announced that the rip-of of 0870 telephone numbers would end on 1 February 2008. This was “delayed” and only now has a new announcement been made -
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2009/04/nr_20090423. The new inadequate regulations will come into effect on 1 August 2009 – 18 months late.
This is not adequate:
· Ofcom is doing nothing whatsoever about the continuing rip-off on 0845 and 0844 numbers.
· There is nothing being done about the misleading way in which call charges are advertised by those who use these numbers.
· There is no guarantee that telephone companies will actually reduce their rates at all.
ENDS
For further comment and information, please contact - dave {at} saynoto0870 {dot} com
Ofcom news release:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2009/04/nr_20090423<<
Reducing the cost of calls to 0870 numbersOfcom today set out new rules to provide clarity about the price of calls to 0870 numbers.
These new rules will encourage communications providers:
To stop charging higher prices for calls to 0870 numbers from fixed lines and mobiles than calls to “geographic rate” numbers (01, 02 or 03 numbers); and
To include 0870 calls in call packages on the same basis as geographic calls.
These measures may significantly reduce the cost of calling 0870 numbers whilst increasing consumers’ awareness about the costs of calling them.
Clear advice on call costs Under these new rules, communications providers that want to continue charging for 0870 calls at rates above those for geographic numbers will now be bound by strict rules about how prices are publicised on websites and in promotional material at point of sale.
Communications providers will be responsible for making sure their customers know how much they will be charged for calling an 0870 number and they will not be allowed to advertise 0870 numbers as “national rate” unless they are charging at geographic rates. If they do not comply with these rules, they could be subject to enforcement action including possible fines.
0870 numbers are used by many businesses and organisations to provide a wide range of information and advice including many customer service lines. Currently 0870 calls are priced at levels that enable businesses and organisations to share the revenue generated by per-minute call charges. Ofcom’s new rules should effectively end revenue sharing on 0870 numbers.
Ofcom welcomes steps that some fixed line companies have already taken to include calls to 0870 numbers in call packages and reduce their prices.
The new regulations will come into effect on 1 August 2009.
The statement on 0870 numbers can be found at:
www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/0870calls/0870statement/ Ends.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. Advice for consumers on 08 numbers can be found at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consumeradvice/landline/costofcalls/08faq/>>