Here is a reminder that some telephone numbers are changing over Easter. With just less than a week to go to the Big Number change – many British firms are still in the dark.
In the latest round of The Big Number research, of 400 companies interviewed,
just 15 per cent correctly cited 22 April as the date when the new codes
and numbers come into effect. Only 46 per cent knew it was "sometime
in April". And 66 per cent said they knew their new number - but
when tested, only 16 per cent could actually state it.
This lack of specific knowledge could have serious repercussions as inaction
from business may cause communication breakdowns after the changeover.
Howard Sandom, campaign manager for The Big Number, said: "The code
and number change is no April Fool's joke - it's real. All businesses,
whether in the six change areas or not, must ensure their systems, signage
and publicity material are Big Number friendly - or they run the risk
of losing business after the local number changeover on 22 April."
Six areas of the UK will switch over to the new three digit 02 codes and
eight digit local numbers. But all businesses - even those not located
in these areas - will need to contact their telecoms maintainers to check
their equipment is 'Big Number friendly'.
How the numbers will change:
| THE 02 FAMILY | NOW | 22 APRIL 2000 |
| London (020) | (0171)
xxx xxxx (0181) xxx xxxx |
(020)
7xxx xxxx (020) 8xxx xxxx |
| Portsmouth (023) | (01705) xxxxxx | (023) 92xx xxxx |
| Southampton (023) | (01703) xxxxxx | (023) 80xx xxxx |
| Coventry (024) | (01203) xxxxxx | (024) 76xx xxxx |
| Cardiff (029) | (01222) xxxxxx | (029) 20xx xxxx |
|
Northern Ireland (028) e.g. Belfast |
(01232) xxxxxx | (028) 90xx xxxx |
| (028) will be the code for the whole of Northern Ireland | (Five and six digit numbers will become eight digit numbers) |
For full details of the changes, visit The Big Number website www.numberchange.org
Anna Lagerkvist
