Chapter 5 Migration Timescales
Chapter 6 Preliminary Conclusions
Annex A Option 2 - Detail of the Migration Stages
Annex C Comparison of Options against Objectives
The consultation period will run until 16 October 1998, followed by a further period up to 30 October 1998 during which comments are invited on any submissions made to Oftel during the initial period.
Written comments should be submitted to:
Ray Thornton,
Numbering Scheme Manager,
Oftel,
50 Ludgate Hill,
London EC4M 7JJ
e-mail: numbers.oftel@gtnet.gov.uk
Written comments will be made publicly available in Oftel's Research and Intelligence Unit unless confidential. Respondents are therefore asked to separate out any confidential material into a clearly marked annex which is clearly marked as such. In the interests of transparency, respondents are requested to avoid confidentiality markings wherever possible. Appointments to view written comments in the Research and Intelligence Unit must be made in advance (tel: 0171 634 8761, fax: 0171 634 8946).
Oftel would like to set up a link between this document on Oftel's pages and any responses placed on respondents own Internet pages. Please contact Cate McLaurin at Oftel on 0171 634 8752 or by e-mail. Confidential responses should not be sent via the Internet.
Respondents are asked to give their views on which of the identified options they would prefer to see adopted.
If respondents wish to propose options for the future of freephone numbers other than those identified they should verify that any such alternative options are technically feasible and give the relevant rationale. They should also identify how they meet the objectives set out in Chapter 3 of this document.
Oftel has a free e-mail based mailing list to help people stay informed
about the work that Oftel is doing. If you would like to join then
please click
here.
2 This arrangement is not competitively neutral to all network operators nor does it provide availability of freephone numbers to customers on an equitable basis. In addition, having different codes and varying number lengths for freephone numbers does not assist easy recognition and use of these numbers by callers.
3 In its Statement of January 1997 The National Numbering Scheme, following its August 1996 Consultative Document Numbering: Options for the Future .2 (please note this document is a PDF file), Oftel set out its future policy with regard to numbers for specially-tariffed services (which include freephone services).
4 For freephone, the policy identified the code 080, with numbers fitting within the overall 10-digit scheme, as the appropriate numbering structure for all freephone services and indicated that there would be consultation on the means of achieving it.
5 For all freephone numbers to conform to this scheme there needs to
be a migration of
a) freephone numbers currently in non-specified ranges (such as 0500)
and
b) other numbers which are in the 080 code, but which do not
conform to the 10-digit scheme (ie 9-digit 0800 numbers). The migration
should be carried out as far as possible on a competitively neutral, fair
and equitable basis.
6 In addition, future arrangements for freephone numbers should be compatible with direct allocation of such numbers to end users and allow existing 9-digit numbers to form part of the new numbers in the 10-digit scheme.
7 It is the purpose of this Consultative Document to seek views on the way of implementing the policy and how existing numbers should be migrated to the 080 code.
8 A number of options are identified and some preliminary conclusions
drawn on the way forward.
Introduction
1.1 Before the introduction of competition in the UK telecommunications market, BT were the sole providers of freephone services and also administered the UK Numbering Scheme. At that time non-geographic numbers (such a freephone and mobile) were in the 9-digit scheme (ie 10 dialled digits including the initial '0') and BT allocated itself the code 0800 for its freephone service; calls to these numbers were therefore of the form 0800 xxx xxx.
1.2 Following the ending of the BT monopoly in 1982 with the granting to Mercury Communications (now Cable & Wireless) a licence as the second UK telecommunications operator, Mercury were allocated the code 0500 (by BT) in the 9-digit scheme for their freephone service; calls to these numbers were therefore of the form 0500 xxx xxx.
1.3 When other network operators were granted licences to operate telecommunications services after the duopoly review in 1991, a further demand for freephone numbers arose - specifically in the 0800 code. At this time the UK Numbering Scheme was already running very short of new codes and to address this the PhONEday changes had been announced. These changes would greatly increase the number of codes available and, at the same time, introduce the 10-digit scheme (ie 11 dialled digits).
1.4 In October 1994 the Specified Numbering Scheme (the 'Scheme') was determined by the Director General and Oftel took over the administration of the Scheme from BT. Oftel administer the Scheme in accordance with the Numbering Conventions. The Scheme defines the structure of the UK Numbering Plan and the Numbering Conventions describe how numbers are allocated by Oftel.
1.5 In order to make freephone numbering capacity available in the 0800 code to the newly licensed network operators, blocks of 1,000 unused 0800 9-digit numbers were returned to Oftel by BT. These were then made available to all network operators as blocks of 10,000 numbers in the 10-digit scheme; such numbers were thus of the form 0800 xxx xxxx. Additionally, to give parity across all network operators for new freephone service and to comply with the Scheme, BT and C&W ceased to offer 0800 and 0500 9-digit numbers for new service in the latter part of 1997 and now offer 10-digit freephone numbers in the 080 range (ie 080X xxx xxxx); the 'old' 0800 and 0500 9-digit ranges were closed for new service.
1.6 In summary, the current position on freephone numbers is as follows:
0800 xxx xxx numbers - BT 'old' numbers
0500 xxx xxx numbers - C&W 'old' numbers
0800 xxx xxxx numbers - All network operators new numbers
1.7 The bulk of existing freephone customers (approx. 75%) have 9-digit numbers in the 0500 and 0800 ranges, but these numbers do not conform to the Scheme as the 05 range has not been designated for freephone and they are not in the standard 10-digit format set out in the Numbering Conventions. It is recognised that the Scheme could be amended to permit the ongoing use of 9-digit 080 freephone numbers and therefore certain Options with this arrangement have been included for consideration as part of the consultation. However, continuing use of the 9-digit format would hamper the expansion of freephone capacity (one of the purposes of the Scheme) which could be achieved were all freephone numbers converted to the 10-digit format and may not be viewed as equitable for all parties.
1.8 It is now necessary to consider what steps should be taken to ensure that all freephone numbers conform to the Scheme whilst making 080 capacity available on a competitively neutral basis to those entitled to allocations from the Scheme. This needs to be done taking due account of Oftel's plans for development of number portability and allocation of such numbers directly to end users.
1.9 In addition, any new freephone arrangements in the 080 range must ensure that all customers of freephone services (both those currently in the 0500/ 0800 9-digit ranges as well as those in the newer 080 10-digit range) will have 080 numbers available to them on an equal basis. The 800 code has become recognised internationally as the code for freephone and it is important that in migrating existing 0500 and 0800 9-digit numbers to a new format in 080 it is achieved without preference and, as far as possible, giving customers with those 9-digit numbers some measure of choice of what their new number might be.
1.10 Inevitably the achievement of these aims means that some degree of compromise will be necessary. What individual users may ideally wish to happen will have to be tempered by the need to provide freephone numbers to all on an equitable basis and with what is technically and economically achievable in telecoms networks within reasonable timescales.
1.11 Subsequent Chapters of this Document cover the following:
Background
2.1 Before considering the options available, it is worth noting some salient points about the way freephone services currently work in telecommunications networks.
2.2 Freephone numbers are generally translated to other (eg geographic) numbers by telecommunications networks when they are dialled by the caller. It is quite common for this number translation to be carried out by special purpose switches, rather than those used for most of normal telephone calls. Among other things this enables the provider of the freephone service to offer additional features and facilities such as 'time of day routing' (where the freephone call may be delivered to different destinations at different times) which may not otherwise be available.
2.3 As with other numbering capacity, telecommunications networks work with 'blocks' of freephone numbers. For all new 10-digit freephone allocations, these blocks are of 10,000 numbers, whereas for 0500 and 0800 9-digit numbers the blocks are of 1,000 numbers. It is the block identity (ie the first 7 dialled digits) which telecommunications networks use to determine the network operator to which the call should be routed and the length of the number (how many digits the caller is expected to dial). The receiving network operator then examines the remaining digits and arranges delivery of the call to the correct customer (taking account of any porting of the number to another network operator).
2.4 Although the current method of routing calls based on the block
identity may, subject to the forthcoming Oftel consultation on individual
number allocation by a centralised body, change once numbers are allocated
directly to end users (Oftel Statement The
National Numbering Scheme January 1997), it is probable that networks
will continue to need to identify number length on some form of block basis.
Even when the migration to a 10-digit structure is complete there will
still need to be a few special numbers, like Childline (0800 1111), which
will use a shorter number length. Moreover, it is important that callers
have a clear perception of number length whatever equipment capabilities
may be. It is therefore assumed that number length will continue to be
determined on some form of 'block' basis. This should not prejudice any
separate developments in number portability or direct allocation to end
users.
Objectives
3.1 Taking account of the Background set out in Chapter 2 and the policy in the Oftel Statement The National Numbering Scheme, January 1997, the requirements for the future of freephone numbers may be summarised by the following objectives:
. All freephone numbers should conform to the Scheme.
. All freephone numbers should be organised and managed in a way that allows for good husbandry of the supply of numbers.
. All freephone numbers should be available to all organisations entitled to allocation of numbering capacity on a competitively neutral basis.
. All freephone numbers should be available to customers of freephone services on an equal basis.
. Callers of freephone numbers should have a clear, unambiguous, perception of the number of digits to be dialled.
. Arrangements for freephone numbers should not prejudice number portability or future direct allocation to end users.
. Any migration
of existing 9-digit freephone numbers should be accomplished on a competitively
neutral basis with appropriate parallel running of the old and new numbers
and with adequate
precautions to minimise the possibility of misdialling.
. Where possible, freephone customers should be given some measure of choice for their new number.
3.2 It will be seen from the above that rationalisation of the present
0800 and 0500 9-digit numbers together with the 0800 10-digit numbers on
a fair and equitable basis to all network operators, service providers
and freephone customers, whilst giving clear information to callers of
such numbers, is not a straightforward matter.
Principle options
4.1 From consideration of the objectives and taking account of proposals made to Oftel, several options for rationalising the current freephone position have been identified. The two offering the best potential for meeting the majority of the objectives have been included as the principle options for consultation and are reviewed below; the other options are set out at Annex B. A comparison of all the Options against the Objectives is set out at Annex C.
4.2 It should be noted that in undertaking this review certain commercially sensitive information has been made available to Oftel by individual organisations. As this information must not be revealed to third parties, the full rationale behind certain conclusions may not necessarily be evident. Where this occurs, wording such as 'from information received .........' is used.
4.3 Where a general explanation of an option for migration is set out, reference is not made to specific digits: X, Y etc are used instead. There are, however, occasions where examples are given using specific numbers in order give greater clarity to the explanation of an option. Where this occurs, it should be noted that the specific numbers used are solely for the purposes of illustration and clarification; they should not be taken as relating in any way to any actual numbers.
Option 1 - Migrate 9-digit 0500 and 0800 numbers to a new 080 code as standard 10-digit numbers
4.4 Method
4.4.1 All existing 0800 and 0500 9-digit numbers would migrate to a new 080 code which is not 0800 (eg 0801) and become 10-digit numbers. Existing 0800 10-digit numbers would remain unchanged.
4.4.2 This would be achieved by adding a defined digit immediately after the code and before the 'number' ie.
0800 xxx xxx 080X Axx xxxx and 0500 xxx xxx 080X Bxx xxxx
where X, A and B are defined numbers
eg where X is 1, A is 6 and B is 7:
0800 xxx xxx 0801 6xx xxxx and 0500 xxx xxx 0801 7xx xxxx
4.4.3 Following completion of this migration, the whole of the 0800 code would be converted to 10-digit numbers and made available to all network operators on an equal basis. It is anticipated that this would be possible some 2-3 years after the commencement of the process.
4.5 Pros
4.5.1 This Option meets most of the Objectives in that all freephone numbers would become 10-digit numbers and conform to the Scheme with a consequent clear perception of the number of digits to be dialled. It would facilitate good husbandry of freephone numbers which would be available to customers on an equal basis. Number Portability and direct allocation to end users would not be prejudiced and the changes can be effected with adequate parallel running and guards against possible mis-dialling.
4.5.2 The migration would be technically relatively straightforward to achieve and both BT and C&W would have access to the remainder of the 0800 10-digit capacity for new business on the same basis as any other operator.
4.6 Cons
4.6.1 The migration is not competitively neutral for BT and C&W and their existing 0800 and 0500 9-digit customers (they would not move to 0800 10-digit numbers).
4.6.2 Existing BT and C&W customers would have no flexibility in choosing their new number in the new code (the 'A' and 'B' would be defined for migrating 0800 and 0500 numbers respectively) and would give them no choice on the code itself (the 'X' would be defined for all migrating numbers).
Option 2 - Migrate 9-digit 0500 and 0800 numbers to new number ranges in 0800 as standard 0800 10-digit numbers
4.7 Method
4.7.1 All existing 0500 and 0800 9-digit numbers would become 0800 10-digit numbers. ie
0800 xxx xxx 0800 Xxxx xxx and
0500 xxx xxx 0800 Zxxx xxx
Existing 0800 10-digit numbers would remain unchanged.
4.7.2 However, there are no 0800 Xxx xxx or 0800 Zxx xxx ranges available for conversion to 10-digit numbers which would enable the migration to be achieved in a straightforward manner.
4.7.3 Therefore a staged approach is required to make the necessary capacity available in order to migrate the 0800 and 0500 9-digit numbers whilst minimising the risk of misdialling and avoiding number clashes.
4.7.4 It is first necessary to clear an 0800 X range of any existing 9-digit numbers to allow the remaining 0800 9-digit numbers to migrate to this range as 10-digit numbers. Once completed, this would free the remaining 0800 capacity for conversion to the 10-digit format and the subsequent migration of 0500 numbers to 0800 Z in the 10-digit scheme. Lastly, the remaining newly created 0800 10-digit numbering space can be made available to all network operators.
4.7.5 Despite its apparent complexity, this option still only involves a maximum of one change per freephone number. Further detail on the stages required to achieve this migration are described at Annex A.
4.8 Pros
4.8.1 Although relatively complex, the option is technically feasible and meets all the Objectives except that of customer choice for their new number.
4.8.2 It would provide migration of all 0500 and 0800 9-digit numbers into the 0800 code in the standard 0800 10-digit format. It would also establish 'standard' migration paths for existing 9-digit freephone customers, adequate parallel running of old with new numbers and general availability of all 0800 numbers in the 10-digit format to all network operators.
4.9 Cons
4.9.1 Because 'standard' migration paths are established for existing 9-digit 0800 and 0500 numbers, customer choice of precisely to which number their 'old' 9-digit number migrates would be limited.
The migration is relatively more complex than other options and is likely
to take longer to complete, although the general availability of all 0800
numbers in the 10-digit format would be achieved part way through the migration
process.
Migration Timescales
5.1 It will be appreciated that, given the need to provide adequate parallel running and, for at least Option 2, the number of necessary discrete stages, migration to the new arrangements will take some time to complete.
5.2 The precise timing for the option with which it is decided to proceed
will need to be worked out with the network operators, but some 4 years
from start to finish might be expected for Option 2. However, for this
option, completion of Stage 2 (which releases the majority of 0800 numbers
in the 10-digit format for general use) might be expected about halfway
through this period. Other options might be expected to be completed in
about 2-3 years depending on the precise arrangements adopted. Therefore,
despite the difference in completion dates, the points at which the bulk
of 0800 capacity becomes available are broadly similar.
Preliminary Conclusions
6.1 Although more complex to achieve, Option 2 appears to offer the best potential for meeting most of the Objectives set out in Chapter 3 and thereby has much in its favour as the preferred solution for the longer term. It would mean that at the completion of the migration process all 0800 numbers would fit with the Scheme and be of a consistent length. All 0800 capacity would be available to all network operators, service providers and customers on a fair and equitable basis. Customer choice of migration path, however, would be very limited.
6.2 Option 1 has the advantage that it could be achieved in a relatively short timescale and is straightforward to implement. It suffers, however, from the drawback that all 'old' 9-digit 0500 and 0800 numbers would have to change to a new, non-0800, code like 0801.
6.3 Other Options identified in Annex B suffer from drawbacks including confusion to callers because of continuing mixed number lengths, 0800 numbers not becoming generally available to all network operators, potential technical problems in realisation and likely misdialling during and after the migration. It seems likely that these options would not provide suitable arrangements for the future of freephone numbers within the Scheme.
6.4 These preliminary conclusions do not, however, represent Oftel's
policy. Views are sought from customers, users, network operators, trade
bodies etc on all the Options so that Oftel can form the policy based on
consideration of responses to this Consultative Document.
Option 2 - Detail of the migration stages
A 1 As stated in Chapter 4, the principle of this option is that all existing 0500 and 0800 9-digit numbers would become 0800 10-digit numbers. Existing 0800 10-digit numbers would remain unchanged ie
0800 xxx xxx Þ 0800 Xxxx xxx and
0500 xxx xxx Þ 0800 Zxxx xxx
A 2 However, there are no 0800 Xxx xxx or 0800 Zxx xxx ranges available for conversion to 10-digit numbers which would enable the migration to be achieved in a straightforward manner.
A 3 As it is the intention in this Option to leave existing 0800 10-digit numbers unchanged, it is necessary to ensure that there are no 'clashes' with these numbers, or with other existing 0800 9-digit numbers, during the migration process.
A 4 The Stages required to achieve the necessary migration are described in the following paragraphs. To illustrate the principles of the method, the example of the majority of BT 9-digit freephone numbers migrating to 0800 9xx xxxx (10-digit) and C&W 0500 9-digit freephone numbers migrating to 0800 6xx xxxx (10-digit) is used. It is re-emphasised that these numbers would not be those actually used and are quoted for illustrative purposes only. In addition, it may be possible for parts of later Stages to be carried out at the same time (especially Stages 3 and 4), but the extent to which this is practicable or desirable will need to be ascertained as part of the detailed planning for the migration if it is decided to proceed with this method.
A 5 Stage 1
A 5.1 Assume 0800 9xx xxxx is the intended range for migration of the majority of BT 0800 9-digit numbers. But there are already in existence 0800 9xx xxx (9-digit) numbers which means that, in order to avoid confusion between 0800 9xx xxx and 0800 9xx xxxx numbers, the 0800 9xx xxx (9-digit) numbers must first be moved elsewhere.
A5.2 If, for example, the BT 9-digit range 0800 79x xxx had only very few numbers in use, it would be possible to clear that range (by withdrawal), convert it to the 10-digit format and migrate existing BT 0800 9xx xxx (9-digit) numbers there. After a suitable period of parallel running the 0800 9 range could be converted to the 10-digit format for migration of the remaining BT 0800 9-digit numbers.
So,
A 6.1 Stage 1 made the 0800 9 10-digit range available for migration of the BT 0800 9-digit freephone numbers not already migrated to 0800 79 (10-digit). However, there may already be 0800 9 ranges allocated to other operators in the 10-digit format. For example, 0800 912x xxxx
(10-digit) may already be allocated to another operator. Therefore BT 0800 12x xxx (9-digit) numbers cannot migrate to 0800 912 xxxx. The same principle would apply to any other 0800 9 ranges allocated to other operators in the 10-digit format. These are termed the 'exceptions' and have to be catered for at a later stage.
A6.2 Therefore, the next stage is to migrate the remaining BT 0800 9-digit numbers, minus the exceptions, to 0800 9xx xxxx (10-digit) and convert the rest of the 0800 (9-digit) numbers to the 10-digit format.
So,
. Migrate remaining 0800 xxx xxx numbers (less exceptions) to 0800 9xx xxxx. Parallel run migrated 0800 xxx xxx numbers with 0800 9xx xxxx numbers for a period
. Convert remaining 0800 (9-digit) ranges, less exception ranges, to the 10-digit format
A6.3 At the completion of this stage the position would be as follows:
. C&W 0500 (9-digit) freephone numbers remain, so far, unchanged
. BT 0800 (9-digit) exceptions (like, for the quoted example, 0800 12x xxx) remain, so far unchanged, as 9-digit numbers
. BT 0800 9xx xxx (9-digit) numbers converted to 0800 79x xxxx (10-digit)
. Other BT 0800 (9-digit) numbers converted to 0800 9xx xxxx (10-digit)
. 0800 ranges, apart from the exception ranges (like 0800 12) converted to 10-digitA6.4 There are now, therefore, 0800 10-digit ranges available for conversion of the C&W 0500 9-digit numbers and the exception ranges. In addition, the 0800 10-digit ranges not required for later migration stages can be made generally available for allocation.
A7 Stage 3
A7.1 Assume 0800 6xx xxxx is the intended range for migration of the majority of C&W 0500 9-digit numbers. However, there may already be 0800 6 ranges allocated to other operators in the 10-digit format. For example, 0800 674 xxxx (10-digit) may already be allocated to another operator; therefore C&W 74x xxx (9-digit) numbers cannot migrate to 0800 674 xxxx. Such ranges are exception ranges in the same way that certain 0800 ranges were exceptions as described in paragraph A6.2 above. Again, these exceptions need to be dealt with separately.
A7.2 Therefore this stage is to migrate the 0500 9-digit numbers (less the exceptions like the example given of 0500 74x xxx) to 0800 6xx xxxx (10-digit).
So,
. Migrate 0500 xxx xxx numbers (less exceptions) to 0800 6xx xxxx (10-digit)
. Parallel run migrated 0500 xxx xxx numbers with 0800 6xx xxxx numbers for a periodA8 Stage 4
A8.1 There now remain the 'exception' ranges from 0800 and 0500 9-digit numbers (Stages 1 and 3) to be converted to 0800 10-digit numbers. As noted in paragraph A4, it may be possible to carry out some of these actions concurrently with Stage 3.
A8.2 Other 0800 10-digit ranges created in Stage 2 and not used in earlier Stages for migration to the 0800 10-digit format may be used to accommodate the 0800 (from Stage 2) and 0500 (Stage 3) 9-digit exceptions. For the 0800 12x xxx and 0500 74x xxx ranges these might be chosen to be 0800 5xx xxxx and 0800 3xx xxxx. Parallel running with old 0800 9-digit numbers would continue for a period.
A8.3 The remaining 'exception' 9-digit 0800 ranges may then be converted to 10-digit and made available for general allocation.
So,
. Migrate 0800 and 0500 9-digit exception ranges (like, in the examples given, 0800 12x xxx and 0500 74x xxx ) to available 0800 10-digit rangesA9 Summary of changes to 0800 & 0500 numbers. Parallel run these migrated ranges with their 9-digit counterparts for a period.
. Convert the 0800 9-digit exception ranges (like 0800 12) to 10-digit
A9.1 Using the same examples to illustrate, 0800 & 0500 9-digit numbers would undergo the following changes. It is re-emphasised that these numbers would not be those actually used and are quoted for illustrative purposes only.
There is a maximum of one change per freephone number.
Example 1
0800 xxx xxxx (10-digit) number allocated to a customer by an operator other than BT or C&W.
No change
Example 2
0800 79x xxx BT number.
This would change in Stage 1 to another 0800 number (by agreement) already in the 10-digit scheme. It would then be subject to no further change.
Example 3
0800 9xx xxx BT number.
This would change to 0800 79x xxxx in Stage 1 and be subject to no further change.
Example 4
0800 12x xxx BT number.
This would not change in the early stages, but would be left until Stage 4 when capacity becomes available. It would then change to 0800 512 xxxx and be subject to no further change.
Example 5
Other BT 0800 number, not covered by Examples 2 - 4.
These would change in Stage 2 to become 0800 9xx xxxx and be subject to no further change.
Example 6
0500 74x xxx C&W number.
This would change in Stage 4 to 0800 374 xxxx and be subject to no further change.
Example 7
Other C&W 0500 freephone number.
These would change in Stage 3 to 0800 6xx xxxx and be subject to no further change.
A10 Final position
A10.1 Following the completion of Stage 4 the position for freephone numbers (again using the examples given as illustration) would be as follows:
Other Options
B 1 Option 3 - Leave 0800 numbers and merge 0500 numbers into available 0800 space
B 1.1 Existing 0800 9-digit numbers would be allowed to remain and 0500 9-digit numbers would move into the 0800 numbering space taking corresponding 0800 9-digit numbers where these are available.
B 1.2 Whilst this appears ideal from the point of view of existing 0800 9-digit customers, it would unfairly disadvantage existing 0500 customers (many of whom may be obliged to move to unattractive numbers where no corresponding 0800 numbers are available) and not be competitively neutral for other providers of freephone services (BT would be able to retain its existing 9-digit numbers whilst others would have to provide 10-digit numbers). There would be little customer choice of migration path for current 0500 customers.
B 1.3 The option would not free current unused 0800 9-digit capacity for more general allocation. Because of the 'block' method of working, every 0800 9-digit block in which a number has been allocated would be seen by the networks as 'BT's' and calls to all numbers in the block would be routed as such. All blocks in which BT has no allocations have already been returned to Oftel (and have been re-designated as 10-digit blocks for general allocation).
B 1.4 Again, because of the 'block' method of working, not all seemingly available 0800 numbers would necessarily be available for 0500 number migration. If any number in the 0800 block were allocated to a customer by BT, the block would be identified as BT's and to make unused numbers available for 0500 migration a prior porting of that number to C&W would be required.
B 1.5 There are a large number of 'clashes' between allocated 0800 and 0500 9-digit numbers where the same number is allocated in each range to either the same or a different client. Where the client is different, the 0500 9-digit number(s) could not move directly into the 0800 range and some other (new) 080 number would be needed. From information received from network operators this is likely to affect nearly 90% of clashing 0800/ 0500 9-digit numbers.
B 1.6 There would remain, in the 0800 range, numbers of varying lengths. This may be confusing to callers, especially as there would be no apparent rationale defining which numbers were 9-digits and which 10.
B 1.7 It is considered unlikely that this option would be acceptable either to the network operators or their customers and it does not result in a clear scheme for callers.
B 2 Option 4 - Move 0500 Numbers to a new 080 Code
B 2.1 All existing 0500 numbers would migrate to an 080X code which is not 0800 (eg 0801), leaving all existing 0800 numbers (9- and 10-digit) as they are.
B 2.2 Although migrating 0500 numbers to a new code would be a simple technical option and give existing 0500 customers some flexibility in choosing the 'number' in their migration to the new code, it would give them no choice on the code itself (the "X" in 080X would be the same for all 0500 numbers migrating to 080X). It would not be competitively neutral for the network operators concerned, nor would it make numbers available to freephone customers on an equal basis (existing 0500 numbers would not become 0800 numbers).
B 2.3 There would remain in the 0800 range numbers of varying lengths. As with Option 3, this may be perceived as confusing to callers, especially as there would be no apparent rationale defining which numbers were 9-digits and which 10.
B 2.4 This option cannot be viewed as competitively neutral nor would it make freephone numbers available to customers on an equal basis.
B 3 Option 5 - Migrate all 9-digit 0500 and 0800 numbers to new 080 Codes as 10-digit numbers
B 3.1 All existing 0800 and 0500 9-digit numbers would migrate
to new 080 (not 0800) codes as 10-digit numbers by adding an additional
digit at the end of the complete number viz.
0800 xxx xxx Þ 080Y xxx xxxA and 0500
xxx xxx Þ 080Z xxx xxxB
where Y and Z are defined numbers and A and B are selected by the customer.
eg where Y is 1 and Z is 4:
0800 xxx xxx Þ 0801 xxx xxxA and
0500 xxx xxx Þ 0804 xxx xxxB
B 3.2 Following completion of this migration, the whole of the 0800 code would be converted to 10-digit numbers and made available to all network operators on an equal basis. It is anticipated that this would be possible some 2-3 years after the commencement of the process.
B 3.2 It will be seen, however, that this uses a large proportion of the available freephone 080 capacity (about 20%) and would not be an efficient use of the numbering space at least until arrangements for freephone numbers to be allocated directly to end users is put in place.
B 3.3 Further, although the method is technically relatively straightforward to achieve, it may be viewed as inequitable for BT and C&W as far as their existing customers are concerned (they would not move to 800 10-digit numbers), even though both BT and C&W would have access to the remainder of the 0800 capacity for new business on the same basis as any other operator.
B 4 Option 6 - Merge all freephone numbers into 0800 (mixed 0800 number lengths)
B 4.1 Existing 0800 9-digit numbers would be allowed to continue where no numbers in the block clashed with corresponding 0500 numbers. Where such clashes occurred, those blocks would migrate to 10-digit if the freephone customer was different. Thus non-clashing 0800 9-digit numbers would remain and non-clashing 0500 numbers would merge into 0800 and become the corresponding 0800 9-digit numbers.
B 4.2 Although this would allow a proportion of 0800 and 0500 9-digit numbers to continue as, or migrate to, 0800 9-digit, from information received approximately 90% of existing numbers would have to migrate to the 0800 10-digit format. For these some form of 'clash resolution' rules would have to be formulated in order to establish client precedence for choice of migration number.
B 4.3 The option would leave a few, scattered, blocks as 9-digit, which could be confusing to the calling public; true parallel running for all migrating numbers might not be possible; the arrangement may not be viewed as equitable by all parties; remaining, unused (in the 9-digit format), 0800 capacity would not automatically be made generally available.
B 4.4 Because of these reasons and the general difficulty anticipated in achieving the requisite migration, it is considered that this option may well prove to be untenable.
B 5 Option 7 - Migration within Range (standard 0800 10-digit number length)
B 5.1 This is similar to Option 5 except that all 0800 9-digit
numbers would be migrated to
10-digit within their existing range (by making it 10-digit by the
addition of an additional digit) and 0500 9-digit numbers in corresponding
ranges would migrate into them. Where clashes occur, these would need to
be resolved by an agreed 'clash resolution' process. 0500 9-digit numbers
having no correspondence with 0800 9-digit numbers would be migrated into
a separate 0800
10-digit range. All numbers in the new 0800 10-digit ranges would be
made available on a competitively neutral basis.
B 5.2 The option suffers, in general, from similar drawbacks to Option
5, except that there would be no number length confusion. Because of this
and the general difficulty anticipated in achieving the requisite migration,
it is considered that this option may well prove to be untenable.
Freephone Number Migration - a comparison of the Options against the Objectives
| Objective |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Freephone numbers conform to the Scheme |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Permits good husbandry of freephone numbers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Freephone numbers are available on a competitively neutral basis |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Equal availability of freephone numbers to customers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Clear perception of number length |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Compatible with Number Portability and direct
allocation to end users |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Provides parallel running and minimises misdials |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Customer choice for migration |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No - Does not meet the Objective
Glossary
Allocation to end users - Telephone numbering capacity is currently allocated in blocks (eg of 10,000 numbers) to network operators. For certain types of numbers, including freephone numbers, Oftel intend to move away from this system in due course to one where numbers are allocated directly to the user by a central administration body. This means that, instead of approaching an operator for the number, the customer will obtain it from the central administration body. The customer would then approach the network operator of their choice in order to have service provided on that number.
(Number) block - a means of allocating numbers to network operators who then allocate individual numbers to their customers. The size of blocks for the different parts of the Specified Numbering Scheme are identified in the Numbering Conventions.
(Numbering) Code - The initial dialled digits of a telephone number which identify the service.
Freephone Numbers - Telephone numbers which are used to gain access to Freephone Services
Freephone Services - Telephone Services offered by network operators and service providers for which there is generally no charge to the caller.
Geographic numbers - Telephone numbers which are designated in the Specified Numbering Scheme for use within a specific geographic area.
Migration - the movement of telephone numbers from one range (often a non-specified range) to another (specified) range.
Network Operator - An organisation entitled to obtain allocation of numbering capacity from Oftel. The relevant criteria are identified in the Numbering Conventions.
Non-geographic numbers - Telephone numbers which are designated in the Specified Numbering Scheme to be used for telephone services which are not specific to a particular geographic area. Examples are Freephone, Local Rate and Premium Rate numbers.
Non-specified ranges - ranges of numbers which are used for purposes which do not comply with the use designated in the Specified Numbering Scheme (eg 0500 numbers used for freephone services when 080 is the designated range for freephone).
Numbering Conventions - A set of rules and principles relating to the use and management of numbers from the National Numbering Scheme. The Numbering Conventions are published on Oftel's Internet pages.
Number Portability - The means whereby a customer with a telephone number in a block allocated to one licensed operator may change to another licensed operator without changing their number. Information about number portability is published on Oftel's Internet pages.
Parallel Running - The ability for old and new numbers to co-exist such that calls made to either are delivered to the same destination. In the UK this is normally provided at any number change for a period after which callers to the old number will receive, for a further period, an announcement indicating that they should re-dial using the new number.
PhONEday - 16 April 1995. The date on which all geographic codes were changed by the insertion of a '1' following the initial dialled '0' (ie they became '01......').
Specified Numbering Scheme (also termed The UK Numbering Scheme and The National Numbering Scheme) - A scheme for the allocation and re-allocation of numbers which is specified by the Director General and described in a list made available by him for public inspection. The list is published monthly on Oftel's Internet pages - http://www.oftel.gov.uk
9-digit/ 10-digit scheme - The number of digits in the numbering scheme following the initial '0' (ie the 9-digit scheme has 10 dialled digits and the 10-digit scheme has 11 dialled digits).
