Ofcom unbundled tariff number condition

Why have you written to me?

We’ve written to you because your organisation uses Non-Geographic Service Numbers to enable your customers to contact you directly. As we provide you with these Service Numbers, we have a duty of care to ensure that you’re fully aware of the Ofcom Regulations in place regarding the clear advertising of the charges associated with making a call to these numbers.

 

What does the Ofcom Unbundled Tariff Number condition mean?

Ofcom’s condition requires you to include the applicable Service Charge in any advertising of an Unbundled Tariff Service Number. The Service Charge must be displayed prominently and in close proximity to the advertised number.

For example, if a particular number has a Service Charge of 7 pence per minute you should see information like this alongside the advertised number: “Calls cost 7 pence per minute plus your phone company's access charge.”

 

Where can I find the Ofcom call costs guide for Non-Geographic Numbers?

The Ofcom call costs guide can be found on the Ofcom website at www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/how-much-does-a-phone-call-really-cost.

 

How do I find out what Service Charge band my Unbundled Tariff Service Number is in, so that I know what Service Charge price to advertise?

You can view the Ofcom Service Charge bands at www.virginmediabusiness.co.uk/NGNServiceChargeBands.

 

When you ordered your Unbundled Tariff Service Number you would have selected your Non-Geographic Service Number/s from these Service Charge bands.  Check the Ofcom Service Charge bands list for the relevant service charges for your applicable Non-Geographic Numbers.

 

Do I need to advertise the Access Charge?
There is no requirement for you to advertise the Access Charge for Unbundled Tariff Numbers because the Access charge is the responsibility of each landline and mobile service provider providing the telephony service, to enable the calls to be made and their Access Charges differ per provider.

 

What is the difference between the Access Charge and the Service Charge?
The Access Charge is a flat pence per minute rate and it is applied by the calling customer’s own telephone service supplier to all calls to these ranges.

The Service Charge is charged at either a pence per minute or pence per call rate and the rate is dependent on the service charge band the Unbundled Tariff Number is allocated within.

 

Who can I contact with any questions?
Please contact our Customer Contact Solutions Helpdesk by email on CCSHelpdesk@virginmedia.co.uk.