The problem with this, and other similar terms, derives from history - essentially the position with BT that existed before 2004, when the distinction between local and national charge rates was abolished and all residential customers were moved onto Call Plans.

The regulation of BT charges, through the "NTS origination condition", has long outlived its usefulness and effectiveness. It has been twisted and adapted to reflect the changing market situation, but will be removed altogether when the new regulations, through the "unbundled tariff", come into effect.

This wider point is relevant to the way in which BT originated 0845 calls are described.


The National Numbering Plan STILL defines 0845 as follows:

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This statement is not only totally meaningless, it is also dangerous. It applies only to the "BT Standard" tariff, which no longer exists. All BT residential customers now have a call package of some sort, which sets distinct rates for calls to 0845 numbers (when not included free of call charge).

As with other similar statements, the material points are qualified so that they never actually apply. (e.g. "you can use a 084 number so long as it is not more expensive to call than a geographic number having regard to the arrangement as a whole".) A statement that refers to a situation that does not exist cannot be said to be false. It can however only be misleading, if it is published so as to be referred to as a source of guidance.


The danger is found in the phrase "basic rate", which also applies to the 0843 and 0844 ranges. The BIS Department will shortly be consulting on plans to implement the provisions of the Consumer Rights Directive, which includes at Article 21:

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As calls to 084 numbers are not charged at a rate that could fairly be described as "basic" it is highly dangerous for the phrase "basic rate" to be found in an official definition of the 084 ranges.


In preparation for the major changes that are to come, Ofcom is planning to clean up the National Numbering Plan. It has launched a consultation covering a number of changes preliminary to the major revisions which will accompany introduction of the "unbundled tariff" - Telephone numbering - Proposed modifications to the National Telephone Numbering Plan, General Condition 17 and telephone number applications forms within existing numbering policy. (Despite the length of the title, the consultation document only runs to 94 pages and features 14 questions.)

The Fair Telecoms Campaign will be urging Ofcom to take this opportunity to clean up the 084 definitions. The wording to be used to describe the 084, 087 and 09 ranges under the "unbundled tariff" is yet to be determined. The simplest thing to do for now would be to remove the "basic", "higher" and "premium" designations from the general description "Special Services". The key point is that the words "basic" and "local" must be removed.

There is no guarantee that descriptions will be changed ahead of the firmer regulations to come, but it is unacceptable for those who use words such as "basic" and "local" to find some support (albeit unintended) for this misrepresentation from Ofcom.