Changes to 0870 calls & What it could mean to your business

Many companies have been using 0870 numbers for incoming calls as an additional way to generate revenue. A proportion of the higher charges imposed on the caller is paid back to the company by the provider.

However, Ofcom have confirmed measures to improve price transparency and strengthen consumer protection for calls to these numbers. Ofcom will require mobile and fixed-line providers (including payphones) to charge the same or less for 0870 calls as they do for national-rate calls to geographic numbers (starting 01 or 02). If providers wish to charge more for 0870 calls they will have to make a free-to-caller price pre-announcement at the start of the call. This change is likely to significantly reduce the price of many calls to 0870 numbers.
For more info and to see the Ofcom press releases on this matter use this link: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2006/04/nr_20060419

However, whilst great for the public, it also means that those businesses that currently generate income through 0870 numbers will not only lose it but will be charged for calls received.

So, What are the options?
a) Keep their existing 0870 numbers and pay a charge for incoming calls
b) Introducing new contact numbers

Option a) is simple, lets look at option b).

You could of course revert back to your regular landline 01 or 02 number. However, Non-Geographical numbers (starting 08) are extremely useful to small businesses as they do provide the persona of a larger company and are also very flexible providing call routing and diverts to mobiles. not to mention their significant help in continuity if the business moves premises.

Swapping to an 0800 or freephone number may be an option for you as people generally call these before other numbers when leafing through directories. But this won’t solve the loss of revenue for the business as you will end up paying for the call.

0844 numbers are a great alternative as they provide a revenue on calls received but are charged at a far lower rate to the caller.

Does this apply to you, or any one in business that you know?

If you wish to look at obtaining any Non geographic number, do get in touch as we are able to provide low cost, no set-up, no contract numbers of all types. Call us at the office 0800 781 3569 or email Helen@titaniumdesign.co.uk
Or take a look at this link for more information:
http://www.utilitywarehouse.co.uk/business/ngn.taf?exref=069947