Telecoms Solutions offers OFCOM’s full range of UK numbering geo graphic to non-geo graphic numbers (NGN), please see the number descriptions below. We also, offer numbers from out side the UK, we can provide US toll free numbers to the non-geo graphic equivalents in every major European country, please contact us for more information on 0330 880 4444 or info@telecomssolutions.com
OFCOM definitions;
What are 01 & 02 numbers?
01 and 02 numbers – geographic numbers
These numbers relate to specific locations in the UK and are used for homes and businesses. For example, Huddersfield is 01484, Bath is 01225, Edinburgh is 0131 and London is 020.
Calls from landlines are typically charged up to 9p per minute; calls from mobiles between 3p and 40p per minute depending on your call package. For landlines there is normally also a call set-up fee, and call charges are dependent on the time of day. Most providers offer call packages that allow calls free of charge at certain times of the day.
What are 0330 numbers?
03 numbers – UK-wide geographic numbers
Many organisations use 03 numbers as an alternative to more expensive/traditional 08 numbers.
Calls cost no more than calls to geographic numbers (01 or 02) and must be included in inclusive minutes and discount schemes in the same way. Calls from landlines are typically charged up to 9p per minute; calls from mobiles typically cost between 3p and 40p per minute. Calls from landlines and mobiles are included in free call packages.
These type of numbers are now being used for inbound customer services enquiries
What are 0800 & 0808 numbers?
0800 and 0808 Freephone
A number of businesses and organisations use Freephone numbers,
including some helplines and charities such as Action on Hearing Loss or Age UK, as well as Government services such as Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Calls are free of charge from all consumer landlines and mobile phones.
What are 084 numbers?
The cost of calling 0843, 0844 and 0845 numbers is made up of two parts: an access charge going to your phone company, and a service charge set by the organisation you are calling.
The service charge for calls to 084 numbers is between 0p and 7p per minute.
You can find out the access charge for this number – by going to the OFCOM page and choosing the relevant service provider;
http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/phone/how-much-does-a-phone-call-really-cost/
What are 087 numbers?
The cost of calling 087 numbers is made up of two parts: an access charge going to your phone company, and a service charge set by the organisation you are calling.
The service charge for calls to 087 numbers is between 0p and 13p per minute.
You can find out the access charge for this number – by going to the OFCOM page and choosing the relevant service provider;
http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/phone/how-much-does-a-phone-call-really-cost/
For premium rated service 09 numbers please contact info@telecomssolutions.com for more information or visit http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk the UK governing body set up by OFCOM to handle all premium rated telephone numbering.
Please find below information on the changes made by the government Business, Innovation & Skills department and OFCOM with regard to Customer Services telephony numbers, these new directives were implemented in July 2014 & July 2015.
Customer Services telephone numbers
Prohibition on customer helplines charging more than basic rate – Implemented summer 2015
As of July 2015 consumers should not be charged anymore than a standard rate call to contact a company they have bought goods or have contracted services from. 01,02,03 & 08 numbers enable this directive.
FAQ’s – Source Department for Business, Innovation & Skills Dec 2013
How can I comply with the basic rate requirement?
1. Where a telephone helpline is provided, the basic rate requirement means not charging more to phone a trader about something you have bought than to call a friend or relative, that is to say the simple cost of connection. This telephone number provided should not provide the trader with a contribution to their costs
2. The following numbers, if used by traders, would comply with the regulations:
• Geographic numbers or numbers which are always set at the same rate, which usually begin with the prefix 01, 02, or 03;
• Calls which can be free of charge to call, for example, 0800 and 0808 numbers. In certain circumstances charges to these numbers can be applied, for example, for those ringing from a mobile. However, OFCOM’s proposed reforms will mean these numbers will soon become free in all circumstances;
• Mobile numbers, which usually begin with the prefix 07.
3. Premium rate numbers would not comply. They begin with the prefix 09.
4. Other revenue sharing numbers would not comply. These are numbers in which a portion of the call charge can be used to either provide a service or make a small payment to the trader. These usually have the prefix 084 or 0871, 0872 or 0873.
5. Numbers with the prefix 0870 are not revenue sharing numbers. However, they can be higher than a geographic cost, and will vary depending on the tariff of the consumer’s telecom company. They would therefore not comply.
Following OFCOM reforms in 2015 these numbers will permit revenue sharing and in any case would no longer comply with the basic rate requirements.
6. OFCOM has ensured those wishing to change from a 0845 number have access to 03 numbers where the only change will be the substitution of the digit ‘3’ instead of the ‘8’ in the prefix.
Do the regulations say that I have to provide a telephone helpline?
7. No. Regulation 41 on charges for customer helplines only applies if you offer a telephone line on which consumers can contact you about something they have bought.
8. Nor does the Regulation require that all numbers operated by a business are at a basic rate. Only that where the trader provides a telephone line so that the consumer can contact them about a contract concluded, there should be a number available on which the consumer can call for this purpose at no more than the basic rate. For example, as there are times when consumers may prefer 0845 numbers to geographic numbers it may be desirable in some circumstances to maintain both access numbers. If traders take this approach the ‘basic rate’ compliant telephone number should be communicated as prominently as one that is not.
9. Sales lines, and those offering services paid for through a phone bill (e.g. a weatherline) are unaffected.
Do I have to subsidise the phonecall?
10. No. There is no requirement to subsidise the phone call.
I am a sole trader using a mobile number. Is this permitted?
11. Yes, standard mobile numbers are permitted.
I sell computers and offer technical phone support. I use a revenue sharing arrangement with my telephone provider to fund this service. Does the number have to comply with regulation 41?
12. Where a trader offers a technical support line, this need not come under regulation 41, provided it is a discrete service, and not one on which the caller is also expected to call to discuss problems with a purchase already made. Provided the trader makes it clear that it is a separate service for which a separate fee (paid for through the enhanced cost of the call) is payable and not one for post purchase problems, regulation 41 will not apply. Horoscope and weather lines are similarly excluded. Regulation 41 applies where a phone line is offered which allows a customer to contact the trader about a problem which may have arisen with a product already purchased or to exercise cancellation rights.
13. If, however, a consumer having contacted a ‘paid through a telephone bill’ service, is unhappy and wishes to raise an issue (for instance the recording was muffled and they could not hear it properly) then, if the provider offers a phone line for such complaints, that phone line should comply with regulation 41.
14. The Government will review implementation of the provision on basic rate, after OFCOM’s reforms are also implemented in 2015.
To comply with the government directive for customer services numbers a few types of numbers can be used geo graphic numbers (01 & 02), UK-wide geo graphic numbers and 0800 free phone numbers. Definitions below;
Telecoms Solutions additional services available with all ‘Numbering’
Telecoms Solutions Limited provides business telephone numbers and cloud based telephony applications. This enables our customers to have access to the latest telephony services available so they can handle all of their in and out bound call requirements. All of services run on either BT’s or Vodafone’s national networks giving our clients peace of mind knowing that their important services are operating on a high availability network that is professional supported at all times.
Telecoms Solutions unique market position is based upon the following credentials;
1.Feature rich applications available on tier 1 networks
2.Agility near real time service changes
3.Pay as you go competitive pricing – no set up fees on standard services
4.Industry knowledge to deliver the right solution – 1st time
5.Proven delivery record
6.Ability to link the web and telephony
Capabilities
•Marketing numbers 01,02, 030, 0330, 0800, 0844, 0870, 0871 and 09 with enhance statistical tracking
•Voice enabled short codes for tracking response from mobile callers
•Tier 1 network choice BT & Vodafone
•Dynamic Call Routing and Call Filtering and Optimisation
•Network based call queuing
•Networked based business continuity services
•Intelligent Network cloud based services – Advanced call centre
•Call Recording – PCI compliant
•SMS broadcasts
•Management information portal detailing all in network call activity.
•Secure service portal
In-Network Applications
•Skill based routing of calls to individual preferences and locations
•Skills based hunt groups
•SMS Self-service/automated
•Customer quick surveys
•Recorded announcements
•Call back requests – phone/web/SMS
•CLI and database integration
•ID Validation
Our clients;
Barratt Homes, Gocompare, Telefonica, The Mobility Furniture Company, Bullhorn, Ladbrokes and William Hill. Please see link below for details.
Click Here for further details of our case studies