From 1.12.2024, both the billing method and the tariffing will change for 0900 numbers in Germany. Number holders/service providers will generally need to take action as early as 1.3.24. We hereby inform you of the details:
On 1.12.2024, 0900 calls will no longer be billed using the “offline billing procedure”, but using “online billing”. This means that the subscriber network operator is responsible for tariffing and is therefore also the debtor vis-à-vis the caller. The service provider receives the remuneration without the previous cancellation risk. The service provider only incurs losses in the event of legal violations, e.g. fraud or missing price labeling.
Previously, 0900 numbers were divided into information services (0900-1…), entertainment (0900-3…) and other/erotic (0900-5…).
This subdivision based on the first digit of the number will no longer apply on 1.12.2024, and the number range will be structured as follows
0900-0… 0.49 €/min.
0900-1… 0.69 €/min.
0900-2… 0,99 €/min.
0900-3… 1,49 €/min.
0900-4… 1,69 €/min.
0900-5… 1,99 €/min.
0900-6… 2,29 €/min.
0900-7… 2,49 €/min.
0900-8… 2.99 €/min.
The first digit of the number thus clearly indicates the caller price, which applies uniformly from all German fixed and mobile networks (!). Tariffs deviating from this are no longer possible from 1.12.24.
One-off tariffs or block tariffs (price per call) will no longer be available from 1.12.2024.
This means the following for number holders:
You can continue to operate your currently used 0900 number(s) after 1.12.2024. If you do not take action, the caller will be charged the above rate for your telephone numbers from December 1, 2024, depending on the telephone number (the first digit of the telephone number is decisive). If you would like a different tariff, you must apply to the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) for a new telephone number in the desired tariff group.
According to the Bundesnetzagentur, the following schedule is not yet final, but the following is planned:
You can apply to the Bundesnetzagentur for new telephone numbers that you wish to use from 1.12.2024, probably from 1.3.2024. All applications submitted in March will be deemed to have been received at the same time, i.e. if a number is applied for more than once, the decision will be made by lot.
If you currently use a telephone number and would like to apply for a new telephone number with the same name in a different tariff level (e.g. you currently use 0900-3 987 654 and would like to use 0900-5 987 654 from 1st of Dec.), you will be given priority over applicants who do not have this priority right, provided your application is submitted in March). Applications received in April or later will be given lower priority.
In general, the following applies: existing and newly requested telephone numbers with the previously valid starting digits 1… / 3… / 5… can be used before 1.12.24 according to the previously valid rules and tariffs. New telephone numbers with the starting digits 0… / 2… / 4… / 6.. / 7… / 8… can be used from 1.12.2024. The following applies to ALL numbers: from 1.12.2024, the above tariff levels will apply depending on the starting digit.
Further information on the changeover can be found here.
We therefore recommend submitting the application as soon as the Federal Network Agency makes the procedure available. See their website here.
