How will this affect me?

The 0870 pricing changes will affect everyone, from consumers who ring 0870 numbers to organisations that use them.

For anyone that calls 0870 numbers the changes are good news as the proposed changes will significantly reduce the price of many calls to 0870 numbers.

For example, a daytime call from a BT line to an 0870 number lasting 10 minutes currently costs in the region of 80 pence.

If the proposed changes go ahead the same call would cost in the region of 20 pence.

Calls to 0870 numbers should also be included as part of any inclusive call minutes or discount schemes for geographic calls.

These changes announced by Ofcom are likely to have an impact on organisations who currently use 0870 numbers.

The effects can be viewed in two ways:

The Negative - the proposed changes would effectively end revenue sharing on 0870 with charges (pence per minute and/or monthly charges) likely to be introduced in early 2008.

So companies that continue to use 0870 numbers will face increased costs.

The Positive - in recent years 0870 numbers have suffered from adverse publicity with many people unhappy at having to pay 8 pence per minute to ring their GP, Council or Utility Company.

The proposed changes will significantly reduce the price of many calls to 0870 numbers enabling your customers to contact you for the price of a standard national call.

This should lead to more potential customers contacting you, generating more sales and giving you happier customers!

Please note the full impact of the proposed pricing changes probably won’t be known until mid to late 2007.

However organisations need to be aware of the changes and how they will impact on their business.

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