There are many alternatives and opportunities for a new non-geographic number strategy. We’ve highlighted some of the options below, or you can download an NGN summary here, but it’s important to select the right option, or combination of options, for your business.
Keep your current 0870 numbers
It is likely that revenue share payments will be removed from 0870 and you will start receiving a pence per minute charge for your incoming calls. Your numbers, however, will be unaffected, with no costs for re-branding. They may even benefit from improved perception if the pricing changes are well communicated to the public. All other decisions carry with them the costs of re-branding.
Maintain a revenue share payment
By moving to an 0844, 0845 or 0871 number range a revenue share payment can be maintained. However, there are key considerations for each:
Benefits of moving to a 0844 number
Having a lower cost to call (up to 5ppm), these will fare better in the public perception. With reduced costs to call comes reduced revenue share.
Benefits of moving to a 0845 number
Similar to the 0844 range, however a key consideration is that this range is up for review after the changes to 0870 numbers are implemented. It is likely to change in the same way as 0870, with the removal of revenue share and the introduction of a per minute cost to receive a call.
Benefits of moving to a 0871 number
An increased call cost (up to 10ppm) allows for a larger ongoing revenue share than 0870, which is assured moving forward. The key consideration here is how the number will be regulated by Phonepay Plus. Likely to be part of this will be a much tighter regulation around how the number is advertised.
Moving away from a revenue share payment
Benefits of moving to a freephone number
If you are happy to pay to receive calls, or want to distance your company from the revenue share numbers, freephone represents an excellent choice, having an already-established public perception and brand.
Benefits of moving to the New 03 range
Ofcom is making a new range of numbers available especially for those businesses looking to distance themselves from the 08xx market. These are likely to be the same commercial model as 0870 (a national rate to call, with a pence per minute rate to receive calls), so only differ from your existing 0870 numbers through the addition of a re-branding cost.
