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 changes come into effect in early 2008.

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 ICSTIS.
• 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.
• Do nothing – it is possible for businesses to retain their 0870 number after February 2008. There will, in all likelihood, be a charge of up to 2 pence per minute to receive calls to 0870 numbers after February 2008. 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 505 3210*.

*Lines are open 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri.

Or visit our main group website at:

www.4telgroup.com