Ofcom issues new rules to slash calls cost to 0870 numbers (UK)

www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Ofcom has executed new rules to clarify the price of calls to 0870 numbers (These numbers are used by many businesses and organisations to provide a wide range of information and advice including many customer service lines.) The regulator is hoping that communication providers will slash high prices for 0870 numbers from fixed lines and mobiles than calls to “geographic rate” numbers (01, 02 or 03 numbers). Ofcom also wants 0870 numbers in call packages on the same basis as geographic calls.

“These measures may significantly reduce the cost of calling 0870 numbers whilst increasing consumers’ awareness about the costs of calling them,” Ofcom said.

Communications providers will also be responsible to make sure that their subscribers know how much they will be charged for calling an 0870 number. The providers are not permitted to advertise 0870 numbers as “national rate” unless they are charging at geographic rates. If they do not abide by the rules, they could be subject to enforcement action including possible fines. The new regulations will be implemented from 1st August.