Ofcom delays 0870 changes

0870 numbers are blighted by chaos due to the forthcoming regulatory changes initiated in 2006.

The new regulations were due to take effect 01Feb08 whereby consumers would pay as much as to call an 0870 as they would a UK Geographic number. This has not worked because of "unforseen" issues in the planning and some slightly questionable representation of the economics by certain large telcos. The matter is due to go to arbitration with CAT (Competition Appeals Tribunal) but this is currently log jammed by another dispute. 

As of Jan 2008 Ofcom appears to be saying that the regulations will be implemented "spring or summer" 2008. Given the previous chaos of 070 announcements we think it may take longer and there will be a fairly unpredictable roll out.

We regret that we think that the original intention of this regulation will never be achieved as it was dysfunctional from the outset (the organisations who keep people in long queues and moronic call centres will just change their numbers to the even more expensive 0871 range).

We are appalled by this and think that the calling public will have to change the numbers they call and the number owning public will be forced to change their letterheads, websites etc.

How can we help?

We have a "free number" offer, please visit 0870 Number Solutions: http://notes.dmclub.net/7012