Written question asked by Greg Knight (Conservative) on Tuesday, 30 June 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 July 2015 (named day). It was answered by Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Conservative) on Wednesday, 8 July 2015 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Telephone Services: Fees and Charges

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what guidelines his Department has issued on charging for entry into television and radio competitions by use of premium text, phone line or other means to ensure that such competitions are fair and honest; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: On 1 July Ofcom introduced a new system affecting telephone charging for service numbers commencing -084, -087, -09 and -118. The changes are intended to make the cost of using these services clearer and companies running competitions using such numbers will need to comply. In addition, freephone numbers commencing -0800 or -0808 will be made free for consumers to call from mobiles. Ofcom’s new system is called ‘UK Calling’ and guidance for consumers and businesses can be accessed via the website:http://www.ukcalling.info/

Secondary information