Industry Forum

Telephone Numbering Changes

Background

In April 2006 OFCOM published its conclusions on the consultation entitled “Number Translation Services - A Way Forward”. Its statement sets out a number of changes to the regulation of non-geographic number services in the UK, to improve price transparency and strengthen consumer protection.
 
Underpinning this is the wider strategic review of the UK Telephone Numbering Plan, published July 2006 and entitled “Telephone Numbering - Safeguarding the future of numbers”. Whilst this review considers the issues of both geographic and non-geographic numbering, OFCOM concluded that a major shake-up of non-geographic numbering is required to give these numbers clear and enduring meaning for consumers and to provide viable alternatives for businesses currently using these services.