Ofcom has recently announced clear rules for telecoms companies on charges for calls to 0870 numbers which are often used by businesses for customer service and advice lines. The new rules come into effect on the 1st August 2009.

The new rules encourage companie to:

• stop charging higher prices for 0870 calls than standard 'geographic numbers' like 01, 02, 03
• include calls to 0870 numbers in their call packages

These measures could significantly reduce the cost of calling 0870 numbers and increase public awareness about the cost of calling them. Under the new rules, companies who want to keep charging 0870 calls at rates above those for standard geographic calls will now face strict rules about clearly publicising call charges, and companies who don't comply with the rules could face fines.