The new charging structure for 0870 numbers from 1st August 2009 has now been confirmed by OFCOM.  The changes will mean companies using an 0870 national rate number will move from receiving a rebate to paying around 1.95 pence per minute to receive calls.

Any business that does not review their use of 0870 non-geographic numbers may find a substantial increase in their telecoms costs on their August billing.

0870 numbers are used by many businesses and organisations to provide a single non geographic number.  However, consumers are charged more for calling these numbers than they would if they called a 'geographic rate' (01, 02 or 03) number. And because they cost more, businesses and organisations are able to take a cut of the call charges - a practice known as revenue sharing.

However, the new rules mean that callers to 0870 numbers will now pay only about 1.95 pence per minute (down from around 7 pence), while companies will pay around 1.95 pence per minute to receive the calls*. If you currently have 0870 numbers with revenue sharing this is the perfect time to review them, as from the 1st of August you will start to pay for every call you receive, rather than making a small income.

The alternative non-geographic numbers available will allow you to either offer free calls to your customers, or avoid paying a fee for receiving the calls. The new 03 range of numbers allows callers to make calls using their bundled 'national rate' minutes - even from a mobile - while not costing anything to receive.

If you would like us to review your non-geographic numbers, mobile contracts, land lines or call charges, please contact us today for a free review.

*This is our revised standard charge rate. Your current provider may have a different charging scheme.