OFCOM ANNOUNCES NEW NUMBER RANGE PROPOSALS - Ofcom 0870 proposals Ofcom has laid down its proposals for the 0870 number range and other numbering schemes, following completion of its consultation last year with the Communications Industry.

The 08 numbering range for chargeable services will be restructured, Ofcom says. New numbers will be banded by price and the type of service they provide, to allow an association to be built in the consumers mind. This is based on the idea that the lower the number following the 08, such as 082, the lower the charge, versus for instance 089.

This proposal compliments work already underway to change the current 084 and 087 numbering ranges. An 06 number range will be introduced for personalised numbers, Ofcom proposes, which will eventually replace today’s 070 personal numbers, both of which will have a price ceiling introduced. Ofcom says 070 numbers are often confused with mobile numbers by consumers.

This move will prevent scams as 06 will be easily identifiable, and will allow 07 numbers to be clearly associated with mobile phones. The regulator proposes that it will create a new, country-wide number range on 03. This will be charged at the same rate as geographic numbers, which will enable businesses requiring a national presence to use this range without charging a premium.

This range could also be offered in low-cost call packages by fixed or mobile operators. These proposals are again being consulted upon and we bring you news of any changes as soon as they are published by Ofcom.