Non-geographic (0845/087x) numbers rip-off

[DaveL]

These days NGNs (non-geographic numbers) are everywhere. The numbers themselves just translate into a normal geographic number (beginning 01 or 02). They are, however, charged at different rates to geographic numbers, often higher.

A few years ago when numbers were changed, it was decided that 08 was to be used for 'special services'. The plan was to have numbers starting with 084 as local and 087 as national rate. However, whilst a company may often describe them using these terms, the reality seems somewhat different.

The original purpose of a local rate number was so that you could be charged as if it was a local call (ie within your local call area). Many telcos don't include these NGNs in their 'unlimited' or 'discount' packages (more on this on <thread>:the truth about unlimited call packages). BT Together is one of these such packages, and with the removal of BT Standard, nine million of us will pay extra line rental which will not make a scrap of difference when calling companies on these numbers.

To describe an 0870 number as being charged at 'national rate' is surely misleading, as this (whilst on BT) is at the national rate that is charged on BT Standard, even for those on all the BT Together options. Even after the removal of BT Standard, BT will continue to charge the 'standard' national rate to 0870 numbers!

These numbers generate revenue for the called party, making them equivalent to a low premium rate number. Although the rake-off they get is small, it's still there, and to the consumer it can increase their phone bill quite considerably when compared to calling the equivalent geographical number. In addition to 0870, we now have 0871 which seem to be charged at upto 10p/min at all times.

It would be fair to keep these number ranges providing that they are charged at the same rate as calling geographic numbers. It seems that Oftel/Ofcom has let these numbers become a haven for generating extra revenue at consumers' expense. They should stay as local and national rate, and any higher rates than that should operate using a different prefix. An example of this is 0871 which, at a glance is very similar to 0870.

A useful site is SAYNOTO0870.COM, which contains companies' geographic numbers.