October 31, 2016

To help address the increasing scarcity of geographic numbers (those beginning “01” or “02”), Ofcom introduced a pilot scheme in 2013 to charge communications providers for numbers in the 30 geographic area codes with the fewest number blocks remaining available for allocation.

Ofcom has reviewed the pilot scheme and this consultation proposes to continue charging for geographic numbers in those area codes where scarcity is likely to be a concern in the near to medium-term future.

Ofcom’s proposals do not affect consumers’ use of numbers.

The closing date for responses is 9 December 2016.  For further information, click here.