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Don’t Panic ! But, look to migrate as early as possible...
Ofcom have allowed 18 months for any migration from 0870, which enables you to
maintain the status quo until February 2008. There are a number of viable options
for businesses currently using 0870 numbers from simply continuing to use them
and incurring an estimated 3 pence per minute charge, through to migrating to
a number of other NTS number ranges.
However, it is clear that the earlier you decide on a numbering strategy and
start to introduce new contact numbers, the less impact there will be on your
business and your customers. Our advice is to introduce new contact numbers as
early as possible and ensure you have access to call statistics that should show
a decrease in 0870 calls (over time) and an increase in calls to your new contact
numbers. Then, at an appropriate point (before February 2008), you should look
to play a network level message on your (now redundant) 0870 numbers asking callers
to re-dial using your new contact numbers. This should result in a smooth transition
and ensure that you never have to pay charges for calls received via your old
0870 numbers.
Keep Up-To-Date
The Ofcom NTS consultations and proposals are still subject to change and update.
There are currently legal challenges going on in relation to this proposal which
could effect change or delay. Additionally, there is a current consultation relating
to 0871 which may have major effects on the choice of 0871 as a potential option
to replace your current 0870 numbers.
Make sure you visit this site regularly where we will keep track of Ofcom developments
and interpret their proposals into actual effects on your business and potential
options going forward. Also make sure you sign up to our regular email newsletter
where we will provide updates on any developments effecting businesses that currently
use 0870 numbers.
Choice of Supplier
Make sure you are with a supplier who is pro-active in relation to the 0870 situation.
There are a number of suppliers who are actively working with their clients right
now to ensure that they are informed and best placed to manage any future migration.
There are also suppliers who have essentially ignored the ruling and still not
informed clients of the regulatory changes to 0870. This could leave their clients
very exposed through 2007 and limit their options going forward.
It is also not wise to be with a supplier who simply recommends a migration to
0871 or 0845 without fully understanding your business needs and the advantages
and disadvantages of such a move.
Full Numbering Review
Our advice is to work with your current supplier to carry out a full numbering
review where you should gain a full understanding of the impact of the regulatory
changes to 0870, fully understand the options available going forward and work
together to define the most effective strategy for your business needs.
If your current supplier is not willing or able to carry out this review, our
advice would be to look for independent advice and this is available from 0870Advice.com.
For free, no obligation advice from our team of experts click on the link on the
right of this page.
Porting is an Option
As discussed above it is essential that you are with a supplier who is pro-active
and is able to assess the regulatory changes and help you define the best strategy
going forward. If this is not possible, our advice would be to look at porting
your number to a supplier who can !
Porting has become a common, painless process which enables you to simply ‘port’
your existing numbers from one supplier to another. Ease of porting will depend
on whether a porting agreement exists between your current and future supplier
and also on your contract terms.
But, the opportunity certainly may exist to port your numbers now to a pro-active
supplier who can help you manage any migration more effectively in the future.
By clicking on the link to the right of this page and getting advice from our
experts, we will let you know if you can make use of this option. |
