T: 0844 844 0 123        F: 0844 844 0 124        E:sales@coachhousecommunications.co.uk

NEWS

Posted 08/01/2008:

Ofcom have announced that there will be a delay in the implementation of changes to the regulation of calls to 0870 numbers. This was originally planned for 1st February 2008. This is due to the identification of a number of services run over 0870 numbers which protect human life and property. The introduction of pre-call announcements on these numbers can cause calls to fail, thus potentially endangering life and security. Ofcom are identifying potential solutions but until this can be resolved the status quo will be preserved as regards 0870 numbers. A further statement from Ofcom is planned for spring 2008.

We are continuing to recommend that our customers move away from these numbers to the 0844 prefix, considering the uncertainty of the situation at present. Coach House Communications are able to supply new numbers free of charge and connected within the hour, and a message on your existing 0870 number to advise callers of the change, ensuring that the transfer is as quick and easy as possible. For more information, please call our sales team on 0844 844 0121, or e-mail sales@coachhousecommunications.co.uk

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Posted 13/09/2007:

Ofcom have indicated that a review of 0845 numbers, similar to that carried out for 0870s, is likely to begin once the 0870 reforms have taken effect. This should be February 2008. We are currently not recommending new 0845 numbers to our customers, recommending 0844 as a viable alternative in most cases. We will update this page when more information becomes available.

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Posted 16/11/2006:

Coach House Communications are now able to offer supply and installation of telecommunications systems and related hardware.

We will be adding a page to this site giving full details, however in the meantime please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

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Posted 18/05/2006:

Following their consultation on a new approach to 0870/1 and 0844/5, Ofcom have published a statement of their conclusions. The major changes impacting on our business - and potentially that of our customers - are:

  1. 0870: Restoring the link between geographical numbers and 0870s - i.e. calls to 0870s will be priced the same as those to a geographical number at national rate, unless a free announcement is provided at the beginning of the call with full details of costs. This will not come into effect until 18 months after the publication of the forthcoming Ofcom statement on numbering policy. This is anticipated in July, so would mean these changes would be effective from January 2008.
  2. 0871: To preserve rebates, these numbers are being reclassified as Premium Rate Services (PRS) and so further regulated by ICTIS.
  3. 0845/0844: No changes are proposed yet, but a full review of 0845 is planned in the next two years.

The main milestones involved in implementing these proposals are as follows:

  • July 2006 – scheduled date for publication of Numbering Review Statement. The 18-month interim period for 0870 will then start. Ofcom’s Numbering Unit will begin handling applications for number blocks on the new ranges.
  • 2006 – Ofcom will consult later this year on the changes to the Plan and the PRS Condition, which are required to extend PRS regulation to cover adult services currently provided on 08 numbers.
  • 2006/7 - ICSTIS prepares for extension of its remit to 0871.This will include consultation with stakeholders on the arrangements for regulating 0871 numbers, including the new Code of Practice for the 0871 range. Ofcom will also consult on whether to approve the new Code.
  • 2007 - Ofcom consults on changes to: the Plan and General Condition 17 – to implement the changes proposed for 0870; and the NTS Condition, so that it no longer applies to 0870 calls.
  • September 2007 – March 2008 - Ofcom prepares further Consultation Document on arrangements for 0845.
  • January 2008 - implementation of changes for 0870 and 0871.

For full details, visit http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/nts_forward/statement/#2, or contact us for more information.

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Posted 28/10/2005:

On 28th September 2005, Ofcom published their consultation documents on a new approach to 0870/1 and 0844/5 numbers. It is important to stress that these developments are still at the consultation stage, and even if adopted they will not take effect until 2007. There are a number of elements to the consultation:

  1. 0870: End to revenue-sharing.
  2. 0871: Re-classified as premium rate.
  3. 0845: No changes for the next two years.
  4. 0844: Increased price transparency.
  5. Improved Customer Information.
  6. Advertising and Marketing.
  7. Adult services confined to 09 numbers.
  8. Use of NTS numbers by public bodies.

Full details can be found at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2005/09/nr_20050928

The text of the consultation documents can also be found at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/nts_forward/

If you require any further information about any of the proposed changes, please do not hesitate to call us, and existing customers please be reassured that we will contact you directly as soon as the situation has been finalised, to let you know what this will mean for your business.