UK comms regulator Ofcom are reviewing (full document) the rules on non-geographic calls services delivered to consumers using telephone numbers beginning with 03, 070, 08, 09 and 118 "to consider whether and if so how regulation might need to be adapted or reduced, in the interests of consumers. We want any reform to enhance (or at least preserve) the features consumers value, and encourage new services for the benefit of consumers."
As UK readers will know, if a UK user calls a non-geographic number from their mobile phone, e.g. 0845 or even supposedly freefone 0800 phone numbers, they'll get charged for it - and it doesn't come out of your free monthly call time allowance either. This consumer rip-off bugs me so much it was on my Christmas 2008 wishlist, and I've also blogged about an iPhone / Android app that helps you find non-geographical alternative numbers using the brilliant SayNoTo0870 site.
Ofcom now seek views from all interested parties, including consumers, about the main issues relating to non-geographic numbers, before developing detailed options and proposals. The responses will help them identify the issues and frame their thinking and approach to addressing so they "urge all respondents to be as full and frank as possible in responding to this call for inputs."
They've given a surprisingly short time-scale - people only have less than a month to get their views in to Ofcom. There's a contradiction in their webpage says the deadline for when the consultation closes is 30 May 2010, but the full paper says it's 28 May - so I'd get your views in by 28 May for luck.
So do get your blow in to Ofcom to influence their review - and tell Ofcom what you think, fully and frankly!
2 comments:
0800 number is the best alternative for 0845 number since it can be dialed for free using land line.
After almost four years of consultations, Ofcom published their solution to the problem in December 2013. The call price for 084, 087 and 09 calls is to be split into two components each separately declared. The new system comes into force on 1 July 2015. Organisations have only a few months left to justify their Service charge and amend all of their marketing materials to declare this charge, otherwise change their number to stop imposing it. Ofcom made matching replacement 03 numbers available for this purpose in 2007.
In the meantime, BIS published the Consumer Contract Regulations 2013 in December 2013 and they came into force on 13 June 2014. Regulation 41 requires that retailers, traders and passenger transport companies must use 01, 02, 03 or 080 numbers for post sales helplines, not numbers starting 084, 087 or 09.
The FCA will produce similar regulation for the financial sector during 2015. Most banks have already swapped their 0845 lines over to new 0345 numbers.
The Cabinet Office published guidance in December 2013 that recommends public services use 03 numbers in place of 084 and 087 numbers. Most have now complied.
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