Ofcom are running two consultations, the 'other one' being Providing citizens and consumers with improved information about Number Translation Services and Premium Rate Services. What all this is talking about is pricing information and how to improve it.

I quite agree with the sentiments of Dr RD Feltham on the fact that the issues of 084/087 pricing is muddled in with that of [true] premium rate services (those being prefixed 09).

I feel that the term 'premium rate' is somewhat misleading and doesn't hit home to consumers what the numbers are. Premium rate is not a rate as such, but a type of number where the called party benefits. A premium rate number is not simply a number charged at above 10 p/min (or whatever).

I cannot find the response, but there is one which points out that the cost of telephone call is just that. Bearing this in mind, I do think that the term 'premium rate' should be changed to something more meaningful, which could cover 0844 aswell. It is so confusing for the consumer if a 1p (or even 5p) per min 0844 number were charged at 'premium rate', yet a mobile (or any other non-RS number for that matter) costs more.

Any ideas for a clear name that would describe any PRN from 1p to £1.50/min?