In wishing to correct the high cost of calling 0870 numbers, OFCOM, the telecoms regulatory body has created the 03 range of numbers. The idea is for an 03 number to offer all the functionality and benefits of an 08 number but at a cost to the caller comparable to that of calling an 01 or 02 number.
OFCOM have now confirmed that a landline call to an 03 Numbers will cost the same as calls made to geographic 01 and 02 Numbers. It is hoped that the cost to a mobile caller will be effectively free, within any their bundled minute allowance, or, if the allowance is used up, at the prevailing per minute cost for mobiles calling 01 and 02 numbers. OFCOM is in negotiation with the mobile networks and this has yet to be confirmed.
03 numbers will provide you with access to non geographic number benefits, including detailed statistics, routing and any special services such as virtual call centres, call recording etc., Unfortunately calls to 03 numbers do not provide any income for the network so they raise a per minute charge which may be passed on to the client.
The 03 number range is divided as follows: -
030 Numbers Only for Public Sector, Not-for-Profit Bodies and Registered Charities*
033 Numbers Can be used by any Organisation or End User
034 Numbers for users with the equivalent 084 Numbers i.e. you have 0845 123 4567 so you can have 0345 123 4567
037 Numbers for users with the equivalent 087 Numbers i.e. you have 0870 123 4567 so you can have 0370 123 4567
If the mobile caller's costs are of major importance, you may be best to wait, before committing to an 03 number, as there is now an alternative. Local presence numbers i.e. 020 7723 XXXX. These numbers can now be set up with all the functions of 03 numbers. They may also incur costs, as 03s do, and will not have a national presence but mobile caller's costs will definitely be at the lowest rate.
Do not forget the use of 08088, the THA's SFT freecall number, which has 03 benefits but also confidentiality (the call does not appear in the caller's billing), and free for the mobile caller. 08088 number rates are now highly competitive, and may present a better alternative at not much more cost.
Whilst the OFCOM action was somewhat knee jerk, the 03 number is a good concept and we expect a substantial take up from the charity and public sector, if the mobile call cost is agreed positively.
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