Phone-in charges for TV and radio shows to be simplified by regulator Ofcom

The cost of calling TV and radio programmes will be simplified from July, according to new rules from UK communications regulator Ofcom.The regulator said on Monday the costs of calling numbers starting 084, 09 and 087 will be made of two different parts: an 'access charge' going to the caller's phone company, and a 'service charge' set by the broadcaster.According to its Broadcasting Code, viewers are typically given information such as: "Calls cost Xp from a BT landline. Other landlines may vary and calls from mobiles may cost considerably more.", which will be replaced by "Calls cost Xp plus your phone company's access charge.".Ofcom said the changes will be implemented from July and will affect 175m telephone numbers. Additionally, calls to freephone 0800 and 0808 numbers will be become free from all consumer phones, including mobiles.Chief executive Sharon White said: ""In July we'll see the biggest changes to phone calls in over a decade, affecting 175m phone numbers."The changes are important for people who enjoy interacting with their favourite shows, but also for everyone calling companies and organisations on 08, 09 and 118 numbers."