On 5 February 2009, Ofcom announced that PhonepayPlus (PPP) will take over day-to-day regulation of numbers beginning with 0871 on 1 August 2009.

As such, these numbers will formally be recognised as Premium Rate Services (PRS), putting them under the remit of the PPP Code of Practice. Click here to download the latest 0871 Regulations Brochure produced by PPP.

Businesses operating and providing 0871 services are therefore required to enforce a number of changes to their operations. To help you make the right decision on your future Inbound Strategy, Redstone has produced a simple Fact Sheet outlining these regulations and what actions are required by you before and after the 1st August 2009. Click here to download the Redstone 0871 Fact Sheet.

Urgent Actions Required by 0871 Service Operators

In summary, in order to maintain your current 0871 services you are now required to complete the following actions by no later than 31st July 2009:

1. Register your company with the PPP at: www.phonepayplus.org.uk/business/0871.asp.  Applications to PPP should be submitted no later than 1st July 2009.
2. Some specific live “entertainment” and international dial-through services provided on 0871 numbers will also require you acquire a Prior Permission License from PPP. Applications to PPP for Prior Permissions should be submitted no later than 14th June 2009.
3. Forward your PPP registration and Prior Permission License confirmation emails to us by no later than 1st July 2009 at  InboundServices@redstone.co.uk
4. Action changes to pre-recorded messages or printed materials promoting each of your 087x services – we can provide advice and assistance on creating pre-recorded messages.
5. Review your Customer Complaints Procedures as the PPP Code of Practice requires you to provide callers with access to a Customer Support Helpline.

Note for existing Restone customers

As a result of these changes all 0871 numbers are now covered by the Supplemental Provisions for Non-Geographic Numbers and Premium Rate Services attached to our standard Terms and Conditions, a copy of which can be found on our website at www.redstonetelecom.co.uk/custinfo. Please note that continued use of 0871 services after the 31st July 2009 will be deemed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

Please also note that failure to comply with the PPP Code of Practice may result in disconnection of service. However, we want to ensure that this doesn’t happen.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information within this letter please do not hesitate to contact Redstone Telecom on 0845 200 0870.