Ofcom reform of non-geographic numbers
Ofcom’s consultation on Simplifying Non-geographic Numbers - Detailed proposals on the unbundled tariff and Freephone closed in June 2012. It published a statement and further consultation on the finer detail in April 2013 which closes on 28th May.
In our response we gave our support to the Unbundled Tariff solution as we see it as being the way to reform Non-Geographic Call Service (NGCS) numbers.
Download our response here: Simplifying Non-geographic Numbers response (PDF)
In our response we gave our support to the Unbundled Tariff solution as we see it as being the way to reform Non-Geographic Call Service (NGCS) numbers.
Download our response here: Simplifying Non-geographic Numbers response (PDF)
Summary of our response
We believe that Freephone numbers should be free to callers from all telephones.
The Unbundled Tariff
The Unbundled Tariff will ensure that there is maximum clarity for those cases where a Service Charge is to remain in effect. It should apply to all 084, 087 and 09 numbers.
It will also remove potential confusion where a Service Charge cannot be justified by a Service Provider. Many current users of 084 and 087 numbers will wish, or need, to migrate to other ranges, notably 03, when faced with the prospect of declaring a Service Charge.
Ofcom should engage with consumer representative bodies, and other interested parties, to ensure that understanding of the new charging structure is propagated as widely as possible.
Service Providers
We believe that many Service Providers lack awareness about their current Service Charges and consequently are ignorant of the amount that their callers are likely to pay.
Access Charges
Access Charges should be regarded as “key charges” and shown by providers alongside rates to landlines and mobiles, as well as being presented clearly on customers’ bills.
There should be no upper limit on Access Charges in the first instance. They should be allowed to vary between tariff packages as well as being permitted to form part of inclusive packages and bundles.
Call providers should be allowed to have minimum charge of one minute if they wish.
Service Charges
Service Charges should be allowed to be composed of a “pence per minute” component and/or “pence per call” component.
Declaration of Service Charges should be enforced by PhonepayPlus for users of Premium Rate Service numbers, which are those beginning with 087 (except 0870) and 09.
We do not believe that 084 numbers should be regulated by PhonepayPlus.
There should be a central database of numbers and their respective Service Charges. Telephone companies should provide this information for customers who do not have ready internet access. This should form part of their customer services offering, in the same way that they advise other charges.
The Unbundled Tariff
The Unbundled Tariff will ensure that there is maximum clarity for those cases where a Service Charge is to remain in effect. It should apply to all 084, 087 and 09 numbers.
It will also remove potential confusion where a Service Charge cannot be justified by a Service Provider. Many current users of 084 and 087 numbers will wish, or need, to migrate to other ranges, notably 03, when faced with the prospect of declaring a Service Charge.
Ofcom should engage with consumer representative bodies, and other interested parties, to ensure that understanding of the new charging structure is propagated as widely as possible.
Service Providers
We believe that many Service Providers lack awareness about their current Service Charges and consequently are ignorant of the amount that their callers are likely to pay.
Access Charges
Access Charges should be regarded as “key charges” and shown by providers alongside rates to landlines and mobiles, as well as being presented clearly on customers’ bills.
There should be no upper limit on Access Charges in the first instance. They should be allowed to vary between tariff packages as well as being permitted to form part of inclusive packages and bundles.
Call providers should be allowed to have minimum charge of one minute if they wish.
Service Charges
Service Charges should be allowed to be composed of a “pence per minute” component and/or “pence per call” component.
Declaration of Service Charges should be enforced by PhonepayPlus for users of Premium Rate Service numbers, which are those beginning with 087 (except 0870) and 09.
We do not believe that 084 numbers should be regulated by PhonepayPlus.
There should be a central database of numbers and their respective Service Charges. Telephone companies should provide this information for customers who do not have ready internet access. This should form part of their customer services offering, in the same way that they advise other charges.
