The Ofcom consultation  - Simplifying non-geographic numbers - Policy position on the introduction of the unbundled tariff and changes to 080 and 116 ranges - closed on 28 May 2013.

Comments on the response are invited using this link, or that as below every blog entry.

All non-confidential responses will (in time) be published by Ofcom on this page.

Ofcom will be making its statement on this consultation as it publishes the relevant formal legal instruments, triggering the start of a 18 month implementation period. Depending on issues that may be raised, we expect this to be within the next few months.

Up to the point of implementation there will be much to be done to ensure that only those who can truly justify the imposition of a Service Charge continue to do so. These efforts will be focussed around The Big Question.

Following the Ofcom announcement on Monday, we have launched The Big Question,
which we suggest be posed to all users of 084 numbers.

The following additional comments may be of value:
We understand that telephone companies need Ofcom to keep them honest, but believe that Government Departments, Businesses and Charities should be able to tell the truth for themselves, now that we all know what it is.

Ofcom has decided that the Service Charge component of the cost of calls to all 084 numbers will be retained. This represents between 2p and 7p per minute.

When all of the other issues surrounding the “Unbundled Tariff” have been resolved, a regulatory requirement for users to declare their Service Charge will come into effect. We ask “Why wait?”.

We urge our supporters and all customers, members, owners and shareholders of organisations using 0845, 0844 and numbers to ask them The Big Question now.

We will publish answers that are given. We invite journalists to make their own enquiries and will be pleased to provide information further to that provided in the detailed briefing.

This briefing is issued to MPs and others, to provide an update on the position with public bodies using 084 telephone numbers.