OFCOM will introduce new UK-wide 03 numbers from early next year. Calls to 03 numbers will cost the same as calls to geographic numbers, and be included as part of any inclusive call minutes or discount schemes for geographic calls. This will apply to calls from any line. No revenue sharing will be permitted on calls to 03 numbers.

The introduction of 03 numbers will enable organisations to offer consumers a single national point of contact without making additional charges for the service. This should give consumers confidence about calling 03 and OFCOM expects public services and many others to view 03 numbers as more appropriate than chargeable 08 numbers.

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2006/07/nr_20060727

That's going to upset DVLA (which made £1.3m last year on the scam).

I see from that link that the 070 scam numbers are going as well. And about time too.

Yaay Ofcom.

So $ky, DV£A, etc are all going to go over to the new 03 numbers and lose all the revenue they make? Yeah, and British Railways are going to re-introduce steam trains thru the channel tunnel next week.

None of these companies will change to 03 numbers unless it is made compulsory. Time will tell!
Last edited by poppasmurf : 29-07-2006 at 13:46

Ironically, Ofcom are to allow companies which own 0845 and 0870 numbers to have the same ranges in the 03 space for their customers to migrate easliy if they wish, eg 0345 and 0370 and calls will be charged at Geogrpahic rates. This means that companies who had 0345 numbers which then changed to 08457 can now change back to 0345 (all be it with the addition of a 7 eg 0345 7) hmm... any one have any comments?

I can see some companies using it as a USP against rivals...

"We don't charge you 8p per per minute for Customer Services"
Last edited by Mr Cable : 31-07-2006 at 21:53