How we can help

If your organisation receives free calls or revenue from 0870 calls then consideration needs to be given now as to whether you are prepared to pay for these calls when the 0870 pricing changes come into effect.

If your organisation does not wish to incur a call cost or wishes to derive revenue from inbound call traffic you need to decide on the course of action most appropriate to your business.

We have outlined some options below.

• 0844 – our recommended replacement for 0870. 0844 numbers present a national image with a local rate feel and the cost to the caller is no more than 5 pence per minute. A revenue share is still available.
• 0845 – the most widely known and used non-geographic numbers (NGN). 0845 numbers are generally trusted by consumers and offer lower call charges compared to 0870 numbers. Do not provide a revenue stream.
• 0871 – for those businesses looking to maintain a revenue stream, 0871 numbers provide a good alternative to 0870 particularly for business providing event tickets, support or technical advice lines. Callers are charged 10 pence per minute. 0871 numbers do come with some restrictions and will be monitored by the premium rate regulator PhonePayPlus.
• 0800 – free to call 0800 numbers are a powerful marketing tool and demonstrate a business' commitment to customer care. 0800 numbers are ideal for businesses that advertise and want to encourage customers to call. The recipient incurs the full cost of the call.
• 03xx – Ofcom, the UK Telecommunications regulator introduced new UK-wide 03 numbers in Autumn 2007. Calls to 03 numbers cost the same as calls to geographic numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of any inclusive call minutes or discount schemes for geographic calls. This applies to calls from any UK operator (Fixed line or Mobile). No revenue sharing is permitted on calls to 03 numbers.
• Do nothing – it is possible for businesses to retain their 0870 number after the changes come into affect. At that stage charges (pence per minute and/or service charges) will be introduced. Commercial discussions between network operators are continuing at this time that will define the exact level of charge.
  

What we recommend

We anticipate these pricing changes will lead to an eventual increase in the use of 0870 numbers and that companies should continue to use 0870 numbers after the changes come into effect.

However for those companies that do not wish to pay to receive calls we recommend that you implement a new number solution as early as possible - maximising the transition time.

We also recommend that you continue to route your 0870 number as normal for an agreed period after your new number solution is implemented. This will provide continuity to customers and suppliers that may not yet know the number.

For more information on 0870 pricing and the options available to you please click here (pdf).

We’re here to help

Our customer service and account management teams will be on hand to provide you with the best possible advice, allowing you to make the best decision for your organisation.

We can help smooth the transition by providing helpful services like recorded announcements** on existing numbers.

If your organisation currently uses 0870 numbers and you’re unsure what to do, call us for a Free no-obligation chat on 0800 056 0856*.

*Lines are open 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri. Calls may be recorded for training and monitoring purposes.

Or visit our main group website at:

www.4telgroup.com