Switch Call Limited
Telephone Numbering Plan
Switch Call Ltd, Switch House
3 Berkeley Crescent
Bristol
BS8 1HA
(Company No. 426812)
T: 0845 652 22 22
F: 0845 652 22 33
Switch Call Limited (“Switch”) is regulated by Ofcom and adheres to the General Authorisation Regime contained in the Telecommunications Act 2003 and in particular General Condition 17 (“Allocation, Adoption and Use of Telephone Numbers”).
Under General Condition 17 Switch have been authorised to adopt certain telephone numbers and are responsible for securing these numbers are used effectively and efficiently. Switch are required to take all reasonably practicable steps to secure that our Customers/Subscribers comply with the provisions of General Condition 17 and the National Telephone Numbering Plan which was published in October 2004.
In order to meet its obligations, Switch has produced the Switch Call Limited Telephone Numbering Plan which provides information and guidance as to the services for which individual Switch telephone number ranges can be used. Please note that Switch Customers/ Subscribers are responsible for ensuring they use Switch numbers in accordance with all applicable laws, orders, regulations, by-laws and codes of practice, including but not limited to the DMA Code, the ICSTIS code of practice, Ofcom regulations.
Switch Call requires all of its Customers to adhere to the Switch Call Limited Telephone Numbering Plan and it is important to note failure to comply with it can result in termination of service without notice. Please see Switch Call Limited Terms and Conditions for full details of Subscriber’s obligations and the implications of non-compliance.
For the purpose of interpreting Switch Call Limited Telephone Numbering Plan, the following definitions shall apply:
‘End User’ |
means the person being contacted by means of a call. |
‘Caller’ |
means the person making the call |
‘Customer’ |
means Subscriber (see below). |
‘Freephone Number’ |
means a number that is reached free of charge to the Caller except where a charge is notified at the start of the call. |
‘Geographic Number’ |
means a Telephone Number, from a range of numbers where part of its digit structure contains a Geographic Area Code that is used for routing calls to the physical location of the Network Termination Point of the Subscriber to whom the Telephone Number has been assigned, or where the Network Termination Point does not relate to the Geographic Area Code but where the tariffing remains consistent with that Geographic Area Code; |
| ‘Geographic Number Portability Code’ | means a number portability code used in conjunction with Geographic Numbers. |
| ‘ICSTIS’ | means the Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services ("ICSTIS"). |
| ‘Local Call’ | means a call made from one Geographic Number to another Geographic Number within a limited geographic area. |
| ‘National Call’ | means a call made from one Geographic Number to another Geographic Number that is not a Local Call. |
| ‘Network Termination Point’ | Means the physical locality to which the call is routed |
| ‘National Telephone Numbering Plan’ | means the National Telephone Numbering Plan published by Ofcom on 28 October 2004 |
| ‘Number Portability Code’ | means a Telephone Number that is Adopted or otherwise used for routing ported calls in accordance with the Functional Specification. There are six types of Number Portability Code, which facilitate Number Portability for: (i) Non-Geographic Numbers; (ii) Personal Numbers; (iii) Geographic Numbers; (iv) Mobile Numbers; (v) Non-Geographic Number transit; and (vi) Personal Number transit |
| ‘Ofcom’ | means Office of Communications, Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HA |
| ‘Personal Number’ | means a Telephone Number which allows a Subscriber to receive calls or other communications at almost any Telephone Number, including a Mobile Number |
| ‘Personal Number Portability Code’ | means a Telephone Number that is Adopted or otherwise used for routing Personal Number ported calls in accordance with the Functional Specification |
| ‘Special Service Numbers’ | means non-geographic numbers, eg. Freephone and local rate numbers beginning with the digits ‘O8’ |
| ‘Subscriber’ | means any person who is party to a contract with a provider of Public Electronic Communications Services, eg. Switch for the supply of such services |
| ‘Switch’ | means Switch Call Limited |
| ‘Switch Numbers’ | means any telephone, fax or other public electronic communications service number from the Switch Number Range. |
Switch Call Limited Telephone Numbering Plan |
|
| Numbers beginning |
Service for which numbers can be used |
01 and 02 |
Geographic Numbers |
070 |
Personal Numbering Service |
080 |
Special Services - No charge to Customer (except |
0844 and 0845 |
Special Services basic rate: |
0870 and 0871 |
Special Services higher rate |
090 and 091 |
Special Services at a Premium Rate |
Outline of Services Offered on each number range
This information is provided for information and guidance only. Subscribers are reminded of their obligation to ensure their use of Switch Numbers complies with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and codes of practice and for the Subscriber to obtain and keep in force all applicable licenses and permits required for the proper use of Switch Numbers. Subscribers are referred to Switch Call Limited’s Terms and Conditions for full details of the implications of non-compliance with Switch Call Limited Telephone Numbering Plan.
Geographic Numbers
Geographic Numbers are numbers which include what is commonly known as the STD code (which stands for standard telephone dialling code) eg. 0117 for Bristol, 02920 for Cardiff
Personal Numbers
Personal Numbers begin with the digits ‘070' followed by a further 8 digits and enables Subscribers to be called using a single telephone number (their ‘070' Personal Number) and to receive those calls at virtually any mobile or landline telephone number.
The cost of calling Personal Numbers varies and is dependent on the type and complexity of the service chosen - calls routed to a mobile number, for example, are likely higher than calls routed to a landline number.
Premium Rate Service ("PRS") Numbers
Premium Rate numbers begin with the digits ‘090' or ‘091' followed by a further 8 digits. When dialling a ‘090' Premium Rate number, Callers receive some form of content, product or service from the call; for example, entry to competitions, voting, horoscopes, chatlines, etc. Services can be accessed in many ways - by phone fax, PC and interactive TV.
The next digit after the ‘090' indicates the type of service and/or potential cost of the call.
The Regulation of Premium Rate Service
The organisation in the UK that regulates the content and promotion of premium rate services (typically numbers beginning ‘090' or ‘091') is the Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services ("ICSTIS").
ICSTIS regulates premium rate services through its Code of Practice, which sets out the rules with which all premium rate service providers must comply. ICSTIS aims to prevent consumer harm by requiring clear and accurate pricing information, honest advertising, and appropriate and targeted promotions.
Where problems occur, ICSTIS investigates complaints and has the power to fine companies and bar access to services. ICSTIS can also formally name the individual behind a company and bar that person for a defined period from running any other premium rate services under any company name on any telephone network.
Special Service numbers (Non-Geographic Numbers)
Special Service numbers begin with the digits ‘08'. Special Service numbers, along with Premium Rate Service numbers (numbers beginning with the digits ‘09' - discussed below) are known as Non-Geographic numbers ie the cost of the call is not related to the Geographic location, and the Caller is charged at the same rate whatever their location within the UK.
Special Service numbers are typically used by businesses and organisations as contact numbers or for advertising, but are also used for other services.
i) Freephone Numbers
Freephone numbers begin with the digits ‘080'. Calls to Freephone numbers are usually free to the Caller. However, mobile companies may charge Subscribers for calling Freephone numbers
mobile providers should provide an announcement stating that the Caller will be charged for the call before the call is connected.
ii) Local Rate, Up to 5p, National Rate and Up to 10p Numbers
Local Rate numbers begin with the digits ‘0845' followed by a further 7 digits. National Rate numbers begin with the digits ‘0870' followed by a further 7 digits. Local and National Rate numbers are charged at ‘Up to 5p' and ‘Up to 10p' per minute depending on number selected.
Other Information
Malicious Calls
Switch take this issue very seriously and will work closely with the police to address any allegations of malicious calls. Customers receiving what they suspect to be malicious calls should contact our Customer Service Department who will investigate and deal with allegations as a matter of priority.
Malicious calls can be offensive, threatening, or simply very annoying. They may also be a criminal offence under Section 127 of the Telecommunications Act 2003.
127 Improper use of public electronic communications network
(1) A person is guilty of an offence if he-
(a) sends by means of a public electronic communications network a message or other matter that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character; or
(b) causes any such message or matter to be so sent.
(2) A person is guilty of an offence if, for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another, he-
(a) sends by means of a public electronic communications network, a message that he knows to be false,
(b) causes such a message to be sent; or
(c) persistently makes use of a public electronic communications network.
(3) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable, on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or to both.
(4) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to anything done in the course of providing a programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42).
Fraudulent Traffic/Calls
Fraudulent Traffic/Calls means any use of a Switch service where there is a reasonable expectation that the End User is not likely to pay their telephone bill or traffic which may be suspected as fraudulent. Examples are given below but this should not be considered an exhaustive list. Switch will investigate each case individually:
Switch reserve the right to retain any monies due until investigations are complete as well as the right to pass any and all relevant details to the police, regulatory bodies or legal professionals where this is required in order to undertake further action against an individual or body who in Switch’s opinion are guilty of fraudulently inflating traffic.
Useful Links
ICSTIS
If you have any concerns about the promotion or content of any premium rate service, you should contact ICSTIS on its free helpline at 0800 500212 or use the online complaints form at www.icstis.org.uk. Alternatively, you can write to ICSTIS at FREEPOST WC5468, London SE1 2BR.
Ofcom
If you have any concerns about numbers other than premium rate service numbers, you should contact Ofcom on 020 7981 3000 or visit their website on www.ofcom.org.uk. Alternatively, you can write to Ofcom at Riverside House, 21 Southwark Bridge House, London SE1 9HA.
Switch Call Limited Terms and Conditions
Full details of Switch Call Limited Terms and Conditions are contained in included with Contracts for the supply of services. Terms and Conditions can also be accessed by visiting www.switch-tele.com or by contacting Switch Call limited on:
Tel: 0845 652 22 22
Fax: 0845 652 22 33
E-mail: enquiries@switch-tele.com or via the on-line enquiry form
Should Subscribers have any queries or require further assistance or information regarding this Switch Call Limited Telephone Numbering Plan, please contact enquiries@switch-tele.com
As part of Switch Call Limited’s dedication towards improving customer service, Switch would welcome comments and/or suggestions from Subscribers for improving this document from Subscribers. Should you wish to make a comment and/or suggestion, please contact Switch Call Limited’s Customer Services Department.