dmClub 070 number calls may stop working after 1st December 2019
The regulation of 070 numbers has changed - see https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/review-070-number-range.
Although there were some people using 070 numbers as a means to profit from fraud, the vast majority of numbers were being used by small businesses and individuals in a perfectly legal and honest manner. Using 070 numbers for business critical applications is not a good idea.
When calls come into our equipment, we will get a notional revenue of 0.0489p/min (which is swallowed up by our network transit costs).
The upshot of this is that we can no longer forward these numbers without incurring a loss, and so we've taken the decision to cease supporting them as they are.
We are disappointed that Ofcom has allowed this to happen to such an extent that some of our original suppliers feel that they have to cancel their entire ranges. If a whole range is decommissioned, then even porting is not possible.
What will happen on 1st October?
For 07039, 07040 and 07077 (NOG=DM3) and 07005 (NOG=TC1)
These numbers are in the ranges allocated to Digital Mail Limited, who are continuing to allow us (Tangerine Telecom/dmClub) to use them
Those who don't regard their numbers as toxic will be able to opt to go for a paid dmVoice or dmFax account - £5 per month with call-forwarding fees, or just have a message played on your number. To set the message, login to your clubhouse, click on the number to ge the "Service Control" and then, under the "General" tab, you can set a message (eg. "Sorry, this number is no longer active, you can call me on 0 2 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8" or suchlike).
If you do nothing, callers to these numbers will hear a default message something like "Sorry, this number is no longer
in operation. Please contact the other party by other means"
For 07020 and 07050 numbers (NOG=RED) - TERMINATION 31st March 2021
The future status of these numbers, originally part of Redstone Telecoms, now Daisy, were due to be terminated on 1st December 2019. This didn't happen, but it did eventually on 31st March 2021 - see https://daisycomms.co.uk/service-deactivation/#
Sadly this means an end to your numbers - we would recommend transitioning to another range. Perhaps 0871 (see below).
Unfortunately 070 numbers can't be ported (thanks, Ofcom!) so there seems to be no avoiding it.
Did you get a text message - If you have a really old number - and received a text message telling you that your number is to be ceased, then you won't have a dmClub account. However, you can set up one up and have your number linked to it. See instructions below.
Can't I just port these numbers to another operator?
No - Unfortunately 070 numbers can't be ported (thanks, Ofcom!) so there seems to be no avoiding it.
What are the alternatives?
The most obvious replacements used to be 0871 numbers. These cost callers 10p/minute + their network's access fee. However, Ofcom and the Premium Rate Services regulator are cracking down on these, too. In fact anything other than Geographic, 03 numbers and 0800 are pretty much end of life now.
The options:
- Geographic numbers (eg. 020 or 01xx) which will cost £3/month on dmConnect12 + forwarding charges
- Low cost Non-geographic numbers (eg. 03xx) which will cost £3/month on dmConnect12 + forwarding charges
If you decide to go for another number with dmClub, we are prepared to offer a 50% discount on any gold fee - just send an email to support@dmclub with the order reference and we will put the discount in..
Other FAQs
Let us know of any other questions, and we'll add them to this page (with answers!).
To get a dmClub account - for those with first generation 07020/07050 numbers
- Visit http://www.dmclub.net/checkout
- Click on the login link
- Enter your email address and select new customer
- Click continue
- Fill out the form with your details and Register.
This will create a dmClub account for you.
You will then be invited to Review your order (which is for nothing). At this point, email support@dmclub.net and let us know your 070 number(s) that need to be linked.
Why can't we just keep it for voicemail?
That's a fair question, and we will look into this possibility. One of the factors affecting this is that all 070 personal numbers are on our legacy "GenX" platform which itself is being retired. That the new Ofcom regulations come into force at around the same time is a coincidence here.
What are the costs to change to dmVoiceXU?
Rental of £5/month (payable in 6 month chunks in advance)
Forwarding to UK landline 3p/min
Forwarding to most UK Mobile: 8p/min
Why can't you just offer forwarding to VOIP?
An interesting question. At the moment the 070 numbers are hosted on our legacy platform that can't do this. If there was sufficient interest, it could probably be done, but development time is pretty constrained right now.
However, another option - of allowing forwarding, but only to UK landlines, is being more actively investigated*. Obviously, this means that one could get a dmConnect12 UK geo number and use that to do the VOIP bit, and there would be no fees other than the £3/month.
*investigations have sadly shown that we can't do this without charge.
Who can I complain to?
One option would be Ofcom. It's really a problem of their making (under pressure from big telcos). While reform of 070 was overdue, the way in which it has been done has been clumsy. They could have limited call charges to a more modest level (eg. 5p/minute) which would have left enough margin for small players such as us to continue offering the service for free, while making it far less attractive for fraudsters.
The lack of portability of these numbers just makes the problem worse.
If you hear anything back from Ofcom, please let us know what they say!
Can I talk to you about it?
We no longer have the resources to offer phone support on free products, but are trying to offer good advice to polite emails to support@dmclub.net