0370 numbers are a new number range being launched by OFCOM in January 2008. They are aimed as an alternative to 0870 numbers so as to give consumers a clearer indication of the cost of calls to this type of number.
The new 03xx number ranges being introduced means the caller cannot be charged more than the rate for National calls by their Service Provider, and the Service Provider is not allowed to benefit from a share of the revenue. The new 03 number ranges have been established to provide consumers with reassurance about the cost of calls and the fact that businesses are not receiving a share of the revenue from those calls.
The 03xx ranges are as follows:
| 0300 | Public Services and other not-for-profit organisations |
| 0303 | Public Services and other not-for-profit organisations |
| 0306 | Public Services and other not-for-profit organisations |
| 0330 | Any organisataion or end user |
| 0333 | Any organisataion or end user |
| 034x | Specific users currently using the equivalent 084x numbers |
| 037x | Specific users currently using the equivalent 087x numbers |
| 06 | Personal Numbers (previously 070 numbers) |
Availabilityof the new 03 number range in January 2008 will have some effect on those currently holding 0870 and 0871 numbers
- 0870 revenue sharing will cease
- Unless a price pre-announcement is made, calls to 0870 numbers will cost the same as calls to national-rate geographic numbers, whether made from a fixed line, mobile or payphone.
- Businesses that wish to charge higher rates must provide a free-to-caller pre-annouincement informing the caller of the cost of the call.
0871 will be regulated by ICSTIS under a new code of practice. Premium-rate regulation will be extended to 0871 numbers and ICSTIS will be resposible for this number range, the degree of regulationwill not be the same as premium rate 09 numbers. 0871 numbers are available in various price points ranging from 6p - 10p per minute.
