Changes to 0870 Services

Table of contents

What are the Options Available to You?

The 0845, 0844 and 0871 number ranges continue to make out-payments.
Many organisations are expected to run new 0845/0844/0871 numbers in parallel with their existing 0870 numbers for a period of time. This allows time for the public time to get used to the new telephone number and ensures that no calls are lost.

As a result of Ofcoms proposals organisations using 0870 telephone numbers have five main choices. Please see the table below for a summary of the options:

	0870	0845	0844	0871	01/02
Advantages
Access to Network Level Services	Y	Y	Y	Y	N
Possible Revenue Stream*	N	Y	Y	Y	N
Can be called from outside UK	Y	Y	N	N	Y
Disadvantages
Cost of Promoting New Number	N	Y	Y	Y	Y
Charges for Call Delivery*	Y	N	N	N	N
ICSTIS (Premium Rate) Regulation	N	N	N	Y	N
Cost of Additional Hardware**	N	N	N	N	Y

* Dependent on call volume and chosen retail band
** To replace any current network level services and lines

Number Range	Approximate call charge (PPM)	The Future
0870	8p	Out-payments to stop in January 2008 In 2008 network providers may charge for 0870 services Call charges to drop to 3p per minute in 2008
0845	4p	Out-payments to continue
0871	6-10p	Out-payments to continue In 2008, 0871 numbers will be considered to be premium rate
0844	2-5p	Out-payments to continue

Option 1 – Migrate to 0871

Organisations that wish to increase the out-payments they presently receive may wish to move to the 0871 prefix.
Organisations already using 0871 telephone numbers include:
Virgin Atlantic- 0871 2310231
National Rail Enquiries – Kings Cross 0871 2004959
Boots Flowers – 0871 9899749
East midlands Airport – 0871 9199000
In 2008, the 0871 range will be reclassified by ICSTIS as a premium rate number.
0871 calls cost the caller up to 10p per minute compared to 8p per minute (daytime) presently charged for 0870 calls.

Option 2 – Migrate to 0844

Businesses which are willing to accept a slight reduction in revenue sharing may wish to move to the 0844 prefix.
0844 may be a popular option as daytime call rates are similar to 0845 numbers, yet its out-payments are often double the 0845 out-payments
Organisations already using 0844 numbers include:
Norfolk County Council – 0844 8008020
The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust – 0844 8118110
0844 calls cost the caller up to 5p per minute compared to 8p per minute (daytime) presently charged for 0870 calls.

Option 3 - Migrate to 0845

Businesses which are willing to accept a reduction in out-payments may wish to move to the 0845 prefix.
The 0845 prefix is the most popular of all the “08” prefixes.
0845 calls cost the caller about 4p per minute (daytime) compared to 8p per minute (daytime) presently charged for 0870 calls.

Note - Ofcom have said that they may consider removing outpayments to 0845 at some point in the future.

Option 4 – Retain 0870

Companies who receive low call volumes on their 0870 telephone number (for whom the out-payment is not a significant factor) may decide that the associated costs and disruption of migration to a new number range will be prohibitive, and so will choose to continue with their existing 0870 number.

Option 5 – Advertise a 01/02 number

Companies who receive low call volumes on their 0870 telephone number (for whom the out-payment is not a significant factor) may decide to start advertising their 01/02 telephone number.

Next Steps

All UK businesses using any 0870 services will need to conduct a review of their telecommunications strategy, (carefully considering their future communications needs) taking into account the options available before deciding on the most appropriate numbering strategy for the future.

If you would like further information about the forthcoming changes to 0870 numbers and assistance in assessing the best option for your business, please contact us. We will arrange to provide you with free, no obligation advice tailored to the specific needs of your business.

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