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What is Ofcom's view on the use of NTS numbers by public and essential services?

Ofcom believes that public bodies should consider very carefully whether it is appropriate to use 08 numbers in place of Freephone or ordinary geographic numbers.

Ofcom does not consider that it has sufficient legal grounds to prevent public bodies from using NTS numbers. However, Ofcom recommends that public bodies should avoid using 0870 numbers for contact with members of the public.

Ofcom also believes it is inappropriate for public bodies to use any 08 number exclusively (i.e. without also providing a geographic alternative number) when dealing with people on low incomes or vulnerable groups.

Ofcom has provided advice to the Central Office of Information (which advises Government Departments on how to publicise their services) and will continue to provide this support. COI guidance now advises that 0870 numbers should not be used for consumer contact centres.

Ofcom would like to see a greater level of compliance with the COI's published guidelines on the use of NTS numbers, given the level of public disquiet over this issue, and will support the Government in achieving this objective.

Ofcom is also consulting separately (in the Numbering Review) on a proposal to introduce a new number range (the 03 range) for service providers who would like to use a non-geographic number but which do not require a revenue share. Ofcom believes this new range on which revenue sharing would be banned, would if introduced be well suited to meeting the requirements of public bodies currently using 084 and 087 numbers.