OFCOM proposes UK telephone number prefix re - org (TheRegister.co.uk)

OFCOM has proposed simplifying non-geographic codes, calls to 0800 free mobile numbers and to finally end the folly of using digital 0845.

The proposals are complicated and present several options on their 482 pages, but the idea is to have all numbers starting with 01, 02 or 03 to be defined by geographic, having put aside 07 mobile, do 0800 free for everyone, while putting aside the prefixes 0843/4/5 and 0871/2/3 business rate numbers and keeping 09 prefix designated for the call rate of the premium. OFCOM has even provided some sample graphics to show simple things could be.

We're also provided with an example of how these icons may be used:

Putting aside the fact that the person will develop three books signs next to an invitation to call, it should be noted that the text of the example presents an other options suggested by OFCOM to make it easier to understand - charging tell the customer exactly how revenues are divided, to help them understand how much is happening at a cost.

But it is free calls from mobile that has attracted most attention. A call to any number starting with 0800 is currently free for a fixed line, but costs up to 40 pence a minute a mobile, apparently confuses many people. OFCOM makes much play that lower income groups are often those in relying on a mobile and therefore then took that call companies or departments to 0800 numbers.

But it is good to recall that nothing comes for free - calls to 0800 numbers are free of charge for the caller only because they are paid by the company receives the call, which will have to pay more to receive the call on a mobile network.

More important is the possibility that this review will conclude the ineptitude of the non-regional 0845 numbers which have been designed to allow all the world make a local call and then excluded bundles of operator and therefore eventually cost much more. Web sites such as SayNoTo0870 provided since long time appropriate for those who know enough companies telephone numbers to their, but OFCOM report is intended to deal with that by allowing companies to replace these figures with 03 equivalents.

But not fast. Even if the proposals are accepted and passed without incident, OFCOM expects that implementation to take a few years, so we are going to pay for our mobile 0800 calls and be seen overcharging collective equipment for 0845 and 0870 calls for some time, even if the end is in sight. ®