0870 could cost small businesses dearly

0870 legislation could cost small businesses in recession

It has recently been estimated that small businesses could see price hikes of up to 200% on their 0870 as Ofcom’s legislation came into force on August 1st, 2009 and some have not managed to change towards 0844 / 03 numbers. Furthermore, it is estimated that it could affect up to a third of UK businesses.

Businesses have now been automatically changed over to the new telecoms tariff with effect from August 1st where they will be charged for all calls to their 0870 Numbers for the very first time. Some companies have moved back to their old 01/02 number and will not suffer the consequences of telephone bills, but for some this may not be the case.
The costs of changing various advertising medias and letterheads, etc. will naturally be prohibitive for some businesses and it could cost some as much as £5,000.00

Through no particularly faul of their own businesses could be faced with significantly rising costs if they have a lot of inbound call traffic on 0870. Clearly, this is going to have a big impact on companies in the current recession.

Despite telecoms companies investing heavily in letting companies know about the changes, most have either ignored this or have not seen the impact that this change is likely to have on its business in cost terms.

The change is incredible easy to make and many telecoms companies have drawn up options that allow companies to understand their options such as moving to an 0844 Numberor an 0845 Numberwhich are cost neutral.

Of course there is often a lot of goodwill wrapped up in existing 0870 Numbersand therefore customers may feel that to change would equally cost their businesses dearly.

A change to a memorable 0844 Number would obviously allow a company to continue with its revenue share if it was receiving one before the cut over date of August 1st, 2009. If volumes permit the 0845 Numberrange would also allow companies to receive a small rebate on their 0845 Numbers.

A couple of other options are Virtual Geographic numbers that can be used in yellow pages for driving additional business in out of area geographic regions or 03 Numberswhich are free to dial from inclusive land line minutes mobile packages.

All of the abovementioned number ranges come with intelligent network features such as free call recording/ free call whisper , and other great features such as Virtual Receptionist, virtual Home worker and mid call transfer, an option for clients who may wish to transfer the call on engaged tone from one agent to another.

Clearly, if no changes are effected this could have a knock on effect to the already tight liquidity problems facing UK businesses and small businesses in particular are urged to move their numbering ranges to the revenue bearing 0844 and 0845 options as soon as possible.
It is now possible to move your existing geographic based telephone numbers so that they become out-of-area using broadband and IP technology, but this has implications for other areas of technology and so it would be wise to speak to a specialist in this area.