We are allocating new 03 numbers to increase certainty, trust and confidence in the numbers that consumers use to call public services, voluntary organisations and companies who want a national presence
1.9 The original purpose of those non-geographic numbers starting with 08 (and '09') was as a single point of contact for those businesses and public services which have a national presence and identity. These numbers also allow businesses and public sector bodies that make services available to the public to make charges using a micro-payment mechanism known as 'revenue-share', whereby they take a share of the charges paid by the caller; this capability is widely used.
1.10 However, consumers have a poor level of confidence in many 08 numbers. Many people significantly over-estimate charges for these numbers, so are deterred from calling them. Many are not aware of the nature of revenue-share, and a number of 'scams' have emerged which exploit that system. Negative views on 08 numbers are exacerbated by their use for some services (both public and private) that customers view as essential. Many calls to chargeable 08 numbers also relate to services to which they are 'locked in'.
1.11 As a result of these factors there has been a substantial erosion of consumer trust in 08 numbers. Ofcom has already taken some steps to restore this trust in its Number Translation Services Review ('the NTS Review')
1.12 As well as consumer confidence issues, most of the 08 ranges that are currently in use are projected to run out in the next few years, due to strong growth in underlying demand. There are enough spare 08 numbers for these services, but we want to take this opportunity to make more numbers available in a way that benefits consumers.
1.13 We therefore are creating a new type of number - starting with 03 - for those organisations who require a national presence, but who do not wish to make an additional charge to consumers for contacting them. We expect the new range to become trusted by consumers as covering clearly-understood services and price ranges. The new range will meet the need for consumer certainty and confidence in making calls, mainly due to the charging features of 03 numbers:
1.14 Ofcom intends that these requirements will apply to calls from all CPs on all lines - whether a BT line, any other fixed line, a mobile or a payphone. We are conducting a short further consultation (see paragraph 1.30 to 1.31) with a view to implementing this requirement. Subject to the outcome of this consultation, we expect the requirement to be in place before customers are able to call 03 numbers.
1.15 The 03 range will thereby address the key customer concerns about many 08 numbers, will align with consumer expectations, and so should increase their willingness to make calls.
1.16 In addition, 03 numbers will retain service provider ('SP') benefits that are available on 08 numbers, such as managing call volumes in a flexible way and collecting useful call data. We expect 03 numbers to be attractive to a variety of SPs, including public services. The Varney Review on the delivery of public services, published as part of the Chancellor's pre-budget report in December 2006, indicated the likely widespread adoption of 03 numbers by public bodies.
1.17 To promote early adoption of 03 numbers, we are making 03 numbers available so that all SPs will have a good choice of different 03 numbers:
If you would like one of our telecommunications consultants to contact you for further advice, please email contact@it-cts.com with your details.
We have a fantastic selection of memorable gold numbers including 03, 0345, 0370, 0800, 0844 and more.
Please Note - To ensure ITC provide our valued customers with the highest levels of service our minimum call threshold per client is 5,000 call minutes per month.