From the 1st of July, landline and mobile charges will become clearer for calls to numbers starting 08, 09 and 118.

These service numbers are used every day for finding out information, contacting a business or helpline, or using competition, directory-enquiry, entertainment and voting services.

Until now, people who called these numbers have not usually been told by the service provider how much they will be charged, but this new change will result in prices becoming clearer on telephone bills, in marketing and in advertising, under changes known as UK Calling.

From the 1st of July, charges for service numbers will be made up of an access charge going to the phone company, plus a service charge set by the company or organisation being called.

Phone companies will be responsible for setting their access charge, making it clear to consumers on their bills and informing new customers of the charge when they sign up to a contract.

Separately, the service provider - the party being contacted - will specify its service charge wherever it advertises or communicates the phone number.
Consumers will then be able to understand the exact cost of making the call by adding the access and service charges together. They will also be able to compare the prices of different service providers more easily, and choose a provider with a competitive access charge when signing up to a new landline or mobile deal.

Currently, callers are given information such as:
"Calls cost xp per minute from a BT landline. Calls may vary from other landlines and calls from mobiles may cost considerably more."

Under the new system, the cost of calls will be explained in a simpler format such as:

"Calls cost xp per minute, plus your phone company's access charge."

Stuart Griffiths, CEO of True Telecom, one of the UK’s fastest growing telecoms companies has commented, “True Telecom will make it easier for its customers to understand the service & access charges, with transparent pricing on our access charges, along with first rate customer support available for any customers looking for some advice on the new changes.”

For more information visit the UK Calling website www.ukcalling.info