New rules to combat high call costs and scams

From October 1st 2019, phone users will have protection from high charges for calling ‘070’ numbers. These numbers are often mistaken for mobile numbers, but they cost much more to call.

070 numbers are designed to be used as a ‘follow me’ service, where calls are diverted from one number to another, so the person being called can keep their own number private.

Ofcom is concerned that these numbers have sometimes been used to defraud people. So they are introducing new rules to cap the wholesale cost of calling 070 numbers, which will be aligned with the existing cap set by Ofcom for calls to mobile numbers.

Before the new price cap is introduced, communications providers such as TTNC who offer 070 number services need to make some changes, to comply with the new rules. These changes may include changes to billing systems and contacting customers, or even moving customers to a different number range, so there will be a 12-month implementation period to make these changes before the new price cap comes into effect.

Thoughts From TTNC

We welcome Ofcom’s new rules and think they will be useful in restoring confidence and eliminating ‘bill shock’. Over the last 13 years, we have seen a steady decline in usage of 070 numbers and decided to stop offering them on our website because of the confusion with call charges and how they were used.

If you are an existing TTNC customer, we will be sending you updates about 070 numbers over the next few months to let you know what we are doing and what your options are if you are using any of our 070 numbers.

Meanwhile, if you have any questions, please get in touch with us.

www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/latest/media/media-releases/2018/070-rules-combat-call-scams