Ofcom Regulatory Changes to Service Numbers

Ofcom, the communications regulator, are changing the way some numbers are advertised and billed. A research commissioned by Ofcom indicates consumers are confused about how much service numbers (08, 09, 118) cost to call, and that consumers are less likely to phone them. This has led Ofcom to introduce several key changes to service numbers in order to simplify pricing and increase consumer confidence.

A summary of the changes are-as follows:

  1. 080 numbers will become free to call from mobile phones, as well as staying free to call from landlines.
  2. 084, 087, 09 and 118 numbers will now be billed in two parts:
       an Access Charge stipulated by the caller’s phone company, and
       a Service Charge levied by the service provider (us).

From 1st July 2015 you will be required to ensure all promotional material advertises service numbers in a new way that’s compliant with the regulatory requirements of Ofcom, PhonepayPlus and the Advertising Standards Agency.

For more information visit UK Calling Info or call us on 01375 424600.