Migration of 0870 to 0844 access numbers FAQs
BT Conference services can be accessed in several ways. The reservationless MeetMe service and Booked (Event) services use both 0800 and 0870 numbers for dial in access. BT Conferencing also support dial in from PSTN and Global Access.
Most UK conference participants dial in on 0800 and 0870 for MeetMe services and use a mix of access methods for Booked services including dial out.
0870 services are unique to the UK services offered by BT Conferencing. US and Asia Pac do not offer 0870 equivalent services due to availability of these revenue share, business use access numbers.
As a result of Ofcom (BT's regulator) requirements to end revenue share on 0870 services, BT Conferencing is replacing 0870 services with 0844 which will offer a different pricing structure.
Below are Frequently Asked Questions that have been prepared to help you understand this change.
Q1. Why is 0870 changing to 0844?
We are altering the numbers used to access our conference services to 0800 and 0844 as an alternative to 0870. This will offer a more competitive pricing structure to the way in which you access your BT Conferencing services and moves away from the 0870 numbers which sometimes have a stigma surrounding them from their use in association with premium rate access to TV shows for example.
Q2. What is the difference between the two numbers?
The only difference between the 2 numbers is that 0844 has a more competitive pricing structure associated with it.
Q3. What am I paying for 0844 as opposed to 0870?
If you dial from a BT landline you will get charged 5ppm. If you dial via other access methods then please check with your operator.
Q4. Can I retain my 0870 number?
No. We are replacing all our 0870 numbers used in BT Conferencing with 0844 numbers.
Q5. Why are 0870 numbers still in use?
0870 numbers are still in use in other areas of the Telecommunications industry in applications such as connections for alarm systems and access numbers for call centres.
Q6. Can 0844 be accessed from outside the UK?
Yes it can, just change the prefix to +44 844 ... ... (drop the leading zero and replace with +44)
Q7. Can the second part of the 0870 number be retained?
The entire number (both the dial code and second part of the number) are being changed due to the way in which numbers are issued.
Q8. Will all Telecommunication providers have to change to 0844?
Not all Telco providers are changing to 0844, we are doing so to provide our customers the more competitive pricing structure.
Q9. What is the cut-off date for using 0870 numbers?
You will not be able to use your 0870 number after the 1st August 2009. After this point you will hear a recorded message redirecting you to the new access number for your BT Conferencing services. Between the 26th June and the 31st July 09, you will hear a recorded message advising you of the impending change but you will still be able to access your BT Conferencing services with your 0870 number.
Q10. I don’t want to dial 0844... what other numbers can I use?
You can use the freephone number also allocated to your account, please refer to the welcome e-mails you will have received when you opened your account or please contact our BT Conferencing help desk on 0800 085 0679 who will be able to help with your query.
Q11. Can I use a national rate number to access the service?
Yes a national rate can be used, please contact our BT Conferencing help desk on 0800 085 0679 who will be able to help with your query.