Conserving geographic numbers : FAQ's

1. What is Ofcom doing?

Ofcom is consulting on changes to the way that telephone numbers are allocated to Communications Providers in some areas of the UK. The consultation raises technical questions for the telecoms industry, but Ofcom's proposals will not affect consumers.
The way that consumers get new telephone numbers from Communications Providers will not change and no existing telephone numbers need to change as a result of this consultation.
Ofcom allocates geographic telephone numbers to UK Communications Providers in blocks of 10 thousand. Communications Providers in turn allocate telephone numbers to their customers.
Ofcom has decided to reduce the size of number blocks (from 10 thousand to 1 thousand) allocated in some areas. This change will increase Ofcom’s ability to manage the demand for new numbers effectively.
This does not mean that Communications Providers are short of numbers to give to customers. Many Communications Providers will still have numbers available from within the blocks of 10 thousand previously allocated to them.

Ofcom has not proposed Geographic Area Code changes. No existing telephone numbers need to change as a result of this consultation.
Telephone numbers are a finite resource. Ofcom’s responsibility is to manage this resource as efficiently as possible in the UK. The conservation measures proposed are designed to support this work.
The availability of number blocks for allocation to Communications Providers in some Geographic Area Codes is very limited. Ofcom is forward planning to reduce the chances of number changes in the future.
This more flexible approach will prolong the supply of new geographic numbers, which means changes to existing telephone numbers will be delayed or prevented.
Ensuring the ongoing supply of geographic numbers in all areas of the UK through conservation of existing numbers was the key proposal for geographic numbers in Ofcom’s recent consultation on numbering policy. The consultation document Telephone Numbering: Safeguarding the future of numbers is available at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/numberingreview/

The Communications Act 2003 requires Ofcom to ensure that the best use is made of the UK’s numbering resource and to encourage efficiency and innovation for that purpose. This means ensuring sufficient and appropriate telephone numbers are available to provide communications services to consumers.
Ofcom is responsible for the publication of the UK’s National Telephone Numbering Plan and the administration of the UK’s National Numbering Scheme.
The National Telephone Numbering Plan sets out numbers available for allocation and any restrictions in their adoption or use. The National Numbering Scheme provides the day-to-day record of the status of telephone numbers in the UK.
Further information on this area of Ofcom's work is available at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/telecoms/ioi/numbers/