** MJ Ray mjr@phonecoop.coop [2007-09-17 12:14]:
Chris G cl@isbd.net wrote:
On Mon, Sep 17, 2007 at 09:33:48AM +0100, Mark Rogers wrote:
MJ Ray wrote:
I have incoming faxes to an 08 number service which emails me a PDF.
[...] Isn't the scope for revenue generation being stopped on 0870 numbers shortly? I seem to remember that they will start being charged at the real national rate (ie what the provider charges for calls to 01/02 numbers) thereby removing the margin that allows them to provide revenue). [...]
I *think* it's February 2008.
I think it's February 2008. Revenue-share will continue on some other 08 prefixes, but I wouldn't sign up for any free (= really funded-by-revenue-share) 0870 service now.
** end quote [MJ Ray]
Yes it is February 2008. This means that revenue share on teh 0870 numbers will cease, but the 0871 numbers will no longer be regulated by Ofcom. These will be regulated by ICSTIS, who regulate the premium rate numbers. It isn't clear yet whether ICSTIS will be using their existing code of practice for the 09 numbers or whether they will be producing a new one specifically for the 0871 numbers.
I'd agree that it is worth watching the free services to see how they will respond to this because if they are relying on the revenue from the 0870 number they will be finding themselves providing a free service with no revenue generation. As I see it they can either require a number change onto the 0871 range, or bring in a charging system.
Brilliant timing though, I was just thinking of sorting out a virutal fax setup!