The FCS Numbering Group was set up in April 2006 to represent companies that deliver numbers and number related services to businesses and consumers in the UK. The industry is changing fast; industry regulator, Ofcom, completed major reviews of telephone numbering generally and Number Translation Services (services based on “business rate” numbers in the 0844, 0845, 0870 and 0871 ranges). These have set in train major changes which directly affect numbering providers and resellers.
The FCS Numbering Group offers an avenue for these numbering providers, including NTS and PRS providers, to co-operate and work with regulators and customers to deal with the impending changes
The Numbering group is chaired by Will Goodall of FleXtel Ltd and Kieron James of Zimo Communications Ltd.
Membership is open to companies that are, or are seeking to become, Numbering service providers or resellers or their suppliers. The Numbering Group is a membership group within FCS. Members of FCS may join the Numbering Group as well as other Groups relevant to their companies such as the Fixed Service Provider Association, the Association of Communication Service Providers and the VoIP Group
If you are interested in joining the FCS Numbering Group or would like further information about the group’s activities or any of the issues above click here
Number Portability
FCS set up a working group in December 2007 to provide input into the work of UK Porting -UKP-which was set up by Ofcom to facilitate the Mobile and Fixed telecommunications industry in implementing the changes to General Condition 18 set out in Ofcom's Concluding Statement on Telephone Number Portability published on Novembers 29th 2007. Following a challenge to the competition Appeal Tribunal Ofcom subsequently set aside its November 2007 policy and UK Porting ceased activity.
Information on Number Portability processes are found on the Ofcom website
FCS has, in October 2009, issued a summary report on Fixed-Line Number Portability. Click here to view the report.
FCS comments on Ofcom proposals for a compensation scheme for number portability- April 2011
Non Geographic Calls Services Review
Ofcom issued a consultation document on non geographic call services in 2010 setting out proposals to streamline the sector with the aim of making telephone numbers more transparent for consumers and building confidence in the market. Ofcom’s preferred solution is to separate the charges for access and service. FCS in its March 2011 response supported Ofcom’s proposals but as an interim step suggested that price capping be implemented as an interim step.
Enter members' area
Companies delivering numbering services- click here