Numbering Plan for Voice Over Broadband (VoB) proposed by Ofcom UK

Ofcom,the regulator for the UK communications industries (television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services) has issued a Statement on numbering arrangements for new voice services (PDF). Internet Telephony Service Providers Association (ITSPA) has welcomed Ofcom’s measures to encourage Internet Telephony. Here is an excerpt from Independant.co.uk

Ofcom also outlined plans for a new numbering system for VoB users. Providers will be able to offer customers who are switching from traditional services geographic numbers beginning with 01 or 02 that will allow them to keep their existing home telephone numbers. There will also be a new code, 056, not linked to any location which can be used anywhere in the country.

BT said it was planning a major marketing push to highlight its own VoB service, called BT Communicator. The Internet Telephony Service Providers Association (ITSPA), an industry trade body, welcomed Ofcom's statement. Eli Katz, a founder member, said: "ITSPA welcomes the new stance, and all the key issues we called for have been delivered. We hope to continue to be actively involved in the shaping of policy and other industry-led activities, including a code of practice, which will be crucial for the successful growth of this area."

* Voice Over Broadband | Ofcom
* VoIP - Voice over IP | Wikipedia
* The 2nd Annual Voice over IP (VoIP) India 2004 | IBC-Asia