OFCOM changes to 0870 options
After 1st August 2009 a basic 0870 number will have to be used as part of a pre-pay package, consisting of a number of minutes. The packages can be monthly (including rollover of minutes) or annual (excluding rollover of minutes). For example, the smallest monthly 0870 package is £10 per month and provides 500 minutes of calls.
For more information on the available packages please see Package Billing Options, for details on the
What are your options
The changes imposed by Ofcom mean you may need to take action regarding any affected numbers. In effect you have 3 choices:
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Continue with your number. This means you must provide Callagenix with ID and a relevant payment mechanism to be able to collect the new charges against 0870 numbers. If you are using Advanced services then this is already in place and you need do nothing.
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Cease the affected numbers – the number would provide an unobtainable tone or message.
- Change your number to a different number type. This choice will depend in large part on what you want to achieve with your new number. A description of the choices of number types can be found at Number Type Comparison.
Pros and Cons of retaining your existing 0870 number |
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|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Number already advertised and known. | 1. Will now cost to receive calls, rather than generating revenue. |
| 2. No changes to stationery or marketing collateral required. | 2. No longer suitable for operating services dependent upon call revenue, e.g. Call Conferencing. |
| 3. Unlike other 08x codes, 0870 can be dialled reliably from outside the UK e.g. +448706260626. | 3. May be worth switching to freephone number as they have a much higher caller satisfaction and the cost difference is now only 2ppm. |
| 4. From August 2009 should cost the caller the same as a UK regional number | |
| 5. Improving public perception of 0870 call charges, should result in higher call volumes. | |
How much?
For a Overview of the new packages click here.
Full description of how packages work see, Number Billing Packages.
New 0870 rates are detailed here 0870 Package pricing.
Thinking of changing 0870 number?
Find out more...
0870 Overview
Changing 0870 number
0870 Pricing
Payment Options
Details of OFCOM ruling and explanation.
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