Service Charges ‐ 084, 087 and 09 Numbers

Important Information Service Providers Need To Understand

As of 1st July 2015, organisations that use 084, 087 or 09 numbers have an obligation to display the cost to call these numbers.

Why?

Ofcom introduced new measures to simplify call charges for 084, 087 and 09 numbers. These came into force on 1st July 2015 and are intended to promote price transparency for consumers.

The cost of calling any of these numbers will be split into two parts:

• An access charge: This is what the caller will be charged by their phone company, charged as pence per minute. They will tell consumers how much the access charge will be for calls to service numbers. It will be made clear on bills and when they take out a contract. This is in addition to the below service charge.
• A service charge: This is the rest of the call charge and Service Providers are obliged to communicate this cost to customers.

The service charge is the part that Service Providers need to communicate to callers and can be found in the tables below.

Further information on these service charges can be found by visiting asa.org.uk

What Service Providers Need To Do

Wherever you advertise or promote a 084, 087 or 09 number, your organisation must ensure that the service charge is displayed in a prominent position, and in close proximity to the telephone number. Visit asa.org.uk website for information about the types of marketing materials you will need to update.

The recommended form of wording is:

"Calls cost xp [or xp per minute] plus your phone company's access charge."

Use the number checker below to see costs

Examples

1. Pence Per Call (PPC) is the connection charge. Once connected this charge is applied immediately.
2. Pence Per Minute (PPM) is the cost you are charged per minute, whilst the call is connected.
3. Pence Per Minute Delay (PPM Delay), is the time it takes before the PPM billing starts, after you are connected.