service-provider-check-list

If your organisation uses an 084, 087, 09 or 118 number to be contacted, you need to make sure you comply with the UK Calling changes. Although the changes come in during summer 2015, you should prepare now.

Things to do

Speak to your terminating call provider (TCP). This is the company that provides your number to you. You should contact your TCP as soon as possible, if you haven’t done so already. You may wish to discuss how the changes will affect your organisation and the way you use service numbers.

• Speak to your terminating call provider (TCP). This is the company that provides your number to you. You should contact your TCP as soon as possible, if you haven’t done so already. You may wish to discuss how the changes will affect your organisation and the way you use service numbers
• Find out your service charge Your TCP will tell you the service charge linked to the number(s) you use. For 084 and 087 numbers, TCPs should be able to provide this information from late summer 2014. For 09 and 118 numbers, it is likely to be later; but speak to your TCP now to find out..
• Decide if you will keep your number Once you know what the service charge will be, you need to decide if you are happy to keep your existing number at the service charge proposed for it. If you decide you require a lower or higher service charge, you may have to change to a different number.
• Review all your materials and advertising When the new system comes into effect in summer 2015, companies and organisations that provide services using 084, 087, 09 or 118 numbers will be required to communicate the charges clearly. Wherever you advertise or promote one of these services, you must ensure that your service charge is displayed in a prominent position, and in close proximity to the telephone number.
• Check the wording.The recommended way to describe your service charge succinctly is: “Calls will cost xp [or per-minute description], plus your phone company’s access charge.” Your new pricing information must be ready to go in your advertising, promotional material and communications from the point of the changes

And if you use Freephone...

If you use a Freephone number, you may wish to discuss with your TCP the fact that calls to your organisation will become free from mobile phones, and chargeable to you.