New Ofcom regulations for 07, 09, 0871/2/3 numbers

From 1st August 2009, the premium-rate regulator PhonepayPlus is regulating 0871 and 0872 numbers that are charged above 5p a minute and up to 10p a minute (for BT customers).

At the same time, OFCOM brought 09 numbers charged at these rates (above 5p and up to 10p a minute for BT customers) within the remit of PhonepayPlus. You can view the statement on the Ofcom website.
 
The new 'Under Assessment List' by OFCOM
OFCOM also introduced restrictions on the way these telephone numbers are issued to communication providers.

OFCOM has published a list that identifies individuals or companies who are possibly misusing these telephone numbers to cause serious or repeated harm to consumers. OFCOM have published the first ‘Under Assessment List’ on the OFCOM website.

How will this effect customers?
Customers wishing to hold 0871, 0872 and any 09 ranges must register with PhonepayPlus and comply with the 11th Code of Practice and the Statement of Application.

The key areas that the PhonepayPlus regulation covers are:

  • Customers must be clearly informed of the price of a call before incurring a charge
  • Consumers need to be advised of their expected wait time on the phone
  • Promotions must not mislead or take unfair advantage of consumers
  • Consumers will be able to complain to PhonepayPlus.
More information
You can find out more about the Statement of Application and the 11th Code of Practice on the PhonepayPlus website.

Customers should seek their own legal advice regarding compliance and PhonepayPlus has a dedicated team to help with this.