What’s Changed?


NGN Consolidation

There are now only two Non-Geographic Number (NGN) ranges, 1800 Freephone and 0818 Standard Rate.

The 1850, 1890, and 076 NGN ranges are no longer in service.

1800 Freephone and 0818 Standard Rate NGNs remain in operation.

 

New Phone Numbers

Many organisations have switched to new 1800 Freephone or 0818 Standard Rate phone numbers.

If your organisation has new contact numbers, you should let your callers and clients know immediately.

 

Wholesale Decision

Changes to wholesale (operator-to-operator) charges for 1800 NGNs came into effect on 1 May 2020.

These changes resulted in a significant reduction in the costs of receiving 1800 calls for organisations.

This reduces the uncertainty on the cost of maintaining 1800 numbers.

 

Standardised Retail Tariffs

Calls to 1800 Freephone numbers remain free.

Calls to 0818 Standard Rate numbers are included in call bundles that include calls to landlines. Out of bundle, 0818 calls are charged at the “Standard Rate” which is no more than calling a landline.

 

Animation (June 2021)

In the animated video below ComReg outlined how organisations using 1850, 1890, and 076 numbers could switch to new 1800 Freephone or 0818 Standard Rate numbers.

This video ran as part of ComReg’s 2021 digital communications campaign. The campaign focused on helping organisations switch to new phone numbers as soon as possible to avoid disruption to service.

 

INFOGRAPHIC

The infographic linked here in both the English and Irish languages outlined how organisations using 1850, 1890, and 076 numbers could switch to new 1800 Freephone or 0818 Standard Rate numbers.

What Does My Organisation Have to Do?

Let Your Callers Know About Your New Number

The 1850, 1890 and 076 NGN ranges are no longer in service.

If you have switched to 1800 Freephone or 0818 Standard Rate numbers let your callers and clients know straight away.

If you have not yet done so, contact your callers and clients directly AND update all of your marketing materials including your website, social media channels, signage, and packaging etc.

For more details on updating your organisation’s communications materials click here.

 

Continue with Business as Usual

If your organisation uses an NGN starting with 1800 or 0818, continue to use your number as usual.

 

For further information, contact your operator.

To find your operator’s contact details please click the link here.

If your operator’s contact details are not listed, please contact your operator directly.

Why the Changes?


Reduced Costs: The changes to NGNs mean that calls to 0818 NGNs are either included in the consumer’s call bundle or cost no more than
calling a landline.

Calls to 1800 remain free regardless of the consumer’s call package.

Consumer Satisfaction: With just two NGN ranges, consumers will know how much it costs to contact important services, without the risk of unexpected charges.

Better Consumer Communication: These changes allow your callers to have a clear understanding of what NGNs are and how to use them, helping to strengthen consumer communications.

Transparency for Service Providers: On 1 May 2020 new wholesale (operator-to-operator) charges for 1800 NGNs came into effect. These changes mean lower costs for organisations using 1800 NGNs as contact numbers.  This eliminates uncertainty and improves transparency on the cost of maintaining 1800 Freephone numbers.

Who should I Contact If I Have Questions?

For all queries regarding your NGN, contact your operator today.

ComReg’s NGN documents are here

Back to NGN homepage here