Ofcom launches consultation on Numbering Plan revenue sharing rules

Article summary

Ofcom has launched a consultation on the current revenue sharing rules in the National Telephone Numbering Plan. This consultation is taking place in the context of Ofcom’s ongoing Future of Numbering Review. Revenue sharing occurs when a communications provider shares part of the revenue it receives for terminating phone calls with the person receiving the call, or with the person making the call. In Ofcom’s view, the rules have developed in an ad hoc fashion which has led to some inconsistencies, namely the Numbering Plan making specific provision for revenue sharing on certain ranges (for example 084 and 087), but in other cases is silent as to whether revenue sharing is permitted. This may appear to allow revenue sharing to take place in ways which could give rise to consumer harm. Considering its duties, and the aims of its Future of Numbering Review, Ofcom is proposing to clarify these rules to make clear...