Silent Calls

Ofcom has fined Barclaycard £50,000 (the maximum possible) for breaching its rules on silent and abandoned calls, which are caused by the automated calling systems used by call centres.

Silent calls are the subject of more complaints to Ofcom than any other issue, despite rules introduced in 2006 requiring them to include a short recorded information message identifying the source and have calling line identification so that the recipient can identify the caller by dialling 1471.

Ofcom reminds consumers who do not want to receive any calls from sales and marketing firms that they can register with the Telephone Preference Service by calling 0845 0700 707.

Review of 070 Personal Numbering Regime

Since 2006 when Ofcom announced in its review of telephone numbering that it intended to close the 070 range and migrate users to the 06 range, the number of complaints about scams and the high prices of calls to the 070 range has dropped significantly. Ofcom now considers that closing the range would be disproportionate to the current detriment and subsequently proposes a number of alternative meaures, inluding:

1. Supporting and monitoring current enforcement action being carried out by the phone-paid services regulator PhonepayPlus in relation to 070 scams
2. Requiring originating communications providers to publish their tariffs for calls to 070 numbers more prominently and make them easier for consumers to understand
3. Amending guidance on the acceptable use of numbers in relation to compliance with General Condition 17 by ensuring Personal Number Service providers who provide 070 numbers to end users carry out due diligence of sub-allocatees of personal numbers

Because of the impact on alarm systems and associated risks to life and property, Ofcom is additionally consulting on the removal of the requirement introduced in December 2007 for operators to run pre-call announcements on the 070 range.

'Source: Stafforshire and West Midlands Voice, March/April 2009 issue'