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How much will 0870 calls cost when the changes have been implemented?

As proposed in September 2005, Ofcom will require mobile and fixed-line providers (including payphones) to charge the same or less for 0870 calls as they do for national-rate calls to geographic numbers (starting 01 or 02). If providers wish to charge more for 0870 calls they will have to make a free-to-caller price pre-announcement at the start of the call.

This change is likely to significantly reduce the price of many calls to 0870 numbers. It will also mean that 0870 calls will generally be included in call packages. Currently daytime 0870 calls usually cost around 8 pence per minute from fixed-lines. Typical fixed-line call packages offer calls to geographic numbers at 3 pence per minute or less.

The requirement to charge no more than the rate for geographic calls will also extend to all-calls packages and bundled-minutes. So for example, if you have subscribed to a package that allows you to make national calls to geographic numbers at no charge then 0870 calls must also be free of charge. Similarly if your subscription has a call allowance that includes national calls to geographic numbers then you will also be able to use the allowance to make 0870 calls.