14 February 2007
Home phone users are to be introduced to a new telephone code for chargeable phone numbers this week in an effort to make it easier for consumers to know which phone numbers will cost them money.
A new plan from Ofcom was published yesterday, detailing how it will implement the changes that will see 08 numbers which cost callers money, such as 0870 numbers, being converted to 03 numbers. They will only apply to public bodies and will not be allocated to profit-making services.
The 03 numbers will cost consumers the same amount as other UK landline numbers beginning with 01 and 02. In addition they will be included as part of any inclusive call minutes or discount schemes from customers' landline providers in the same way as geographic calls.
Ofcom Chief Executive, Ed Richards, said: "Consumers will be able to dial 03 numbers with confidence about the cost of their call. We expect public services and many others to view 03 numbers as a real alternative to higher cost 08 numbers."
The telecommunications regulator announced further good news for consumers, saying that it would be taking specific action to prevent scams on 070 'personal numbers' which are often confused with mobile numbers. Ofcom will scrap 070 personal numbering allocations from the end of 2007.
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