2011-03-10

OFCOM outlaw mobile call diverts?

OFCOM have made it very clear to us that because a call to a mobile number could be picked up on a fixed SIP handset, we cannot have a block of 07 numbers.

They have pointed out that the 07 mobile numbers have to be used for a mobile service which is defined as :-

‘Mobile Service’ means a service consisting in the conveyance of Signals, by
means of an Electronic Communications Network, where every Signal that is
conveyed thereby has been, or is to be, conveyed through the agency of Wireless
Telegraphy to or from Apparatus designed or adapted to be capable of being used
while in motion;

The fact that a call can be answered on a non mobile device is enough to block our application.

But this definition effectively blocks all use of any sort of divert on mobiles to a non mobile handset. It means that the calls to your 07 mobile number might not use wireless telegraphy to/from a mobile device, and the rules are clear that every signal that is conveyed has to.

I can only assume we'll get the announcement from OFCOM soon that they are banning the use of call diversion services on all UK mobiles (other than diverting to another mobile) so as to ensure they treat all operators equally. Anything less would be unfairly treating one operator differently to another, which I am sure OFCOM would not wish to do.

5 comments:

  1. This is very interesting. I note that Gradwell (www.gradwell.net) offers a Business Mobile service.

    In the 'Why do I need it' section it states:
    "Gradwell Mobile provides you with one number and one phone system, whether your using a desk phone, computer softphone or a mobile device."

    In the 'How much does it cost' section it states:
    "Each SIM includes one geographic (01, 02, 03 or 0870) or mobile (07) phone number."

    So it seems like Gradwell are allowed to do this, but A&A are not; that seems even less fair!

    ReplyDelete
  2. As recently as December 2010 they allocated a block to a company that to my knowledge (and I've done some cursory digging) doesn't have any mobile network.... and I see two more allocations in February 2011 to companies similarly devoid of mobile network...

    Interesting reading in http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/numbering/s7.xls :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've had an 070 personal number from FleXtel for... (just checks...) over 11 years now and this has spent much time NEVER hitting wireless equipment as I route it to a landline. Indeed that was the point of this range of numbers IIRC.
    The MD of FleXtel, Will Goodall (in human resource terms, I believe it's a pretty tiny operation) has been very active in regulatory campaigning over number use ranges in the past. 070 in particular. Might be worth a chat.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is specifically 07 mobile numbers (i.e. 075-079) not 070.

    ReplyDelete

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