The aim of Ofcom’s changes is to improve public perception of Non-Geographic Numbers and address consumer concerns regarding price transparency, call centre waiting times and misleading marketing. Detailed below are all of the communicatons and documentations released by Ofcom and Phonepay Plus, and a breakdown of the timescales involved moving forward.
The process so far
When making such high impact changes, Ofcom is always in close consultation and communication with all affected parties, including service providers, businesses and end users. This ensures they can answer questions about the motivation behind the decisions, clarifying their intentions and setting out the timescales for the key milestones.
This consultation process has lead to a range of documents (proposed changes for discussion) from both Ofcom and PhonePay Plus (formerly ICSTIS) and final proposals (as a result of the initial consultation).
Links to all Ofcom and PhonePay Plus communications:
In addition to the Ofcom and Phonepay Plus announcements above there are two other publications that are referred to in the documentation:
Advertising Standards Agency guidelines
These provide guidance on how call pricing information should be displayed on advertising and collateral
COI Call Centre Guidelines
Specific guidelines have been issued by the Central Office of Information, for Government departments and agencies regarding call centres. Page 32, section 3.50 onwards is most applicable to the 08xx changes. A further COI Call Centre Guidelines Update was released on the 21st August 2006.
Phonepay Plus Code of Practice
Detailing the full remit and powers of Phonepay Plus
Future timescales (Updated 7 May 2008)
There is still some way to go before the changes come into effect. We are expecting to see the following activities:
Now |
Let us know your plans, so we can advise you on ordering and timeframes |
Nov 2007 |
The new 03xx number ranges start to become available |
Oct 2007 |
ICSTIS re-brand to Phonepay Plus
Helping define the new remit and extended regulation, in order to distance the new brand from the premium rate mantle, and limit its impact on the 0871 range. |
Jan 2008 |
Confirmed pricing for 03 and 0870 (after the regulation takes effect) |
31 Jan 2008 |
0870 revenue share ends.
Now expected to come into effect in Autumn 2008 |
01 Feb 2008 |
Pence per minute charging for 0870 starts.
Now expected to come into effect in Autumn 2008 |
| May 2008 |
Ofcom expected to release the final consulation on Phonepay Plus's 0871 remit |
| June 2008 |
Ofcom to confirm the date for Phonepay Plus to take over the 0871 range |
| End of 2008 |
Phonepay Plus expecting to begin regulation of the 0871 number range |
Some timescales published in these documents have changed as the consultation period has continued. These are the current expected timescales as advised to us by Ofcom and Phonepay Plus.