Ofcom has launched investigations into two telecoms providers over concerns that telephone numbers held by the companies are being used to carry out scams.
The watchdog allocates telephone numbers to telecoms firms, which they can then transfer to individuals or other businesses. But phone companies must take appropriate steps to ensure the numbers are not being misused by the people they have transferred them to.
Investigations into Vonage and Voxbone
Ofcom said the misuse of numbers could include using them to facilitate scam calls and texts. The watchdog has launched two separate probes into Vonage Business Limited and Voxbone SA.
Both companies provide call, text messaging and video services through digital set-ups, as opposed to old-fashioned phone lines. Vonage Business Limited is a subsidiary of Vonage, which is owned by Ericsson, while Voxbone SA is owned by Bandwidth.
Ofcom statement
Ofcom said: "We have gathered information which has raised concerns about the use of numbers allocated to Vonage Business Limited and Voxbone SA."
"Specifically, our investigations will seek to establish whether both companies have complied with the relevant requirements... including obligations relating to the effective and efficient use of numbers, and the steps taken to oversee their use."
It continued: "We will gather further information and provide an update on these two investigations in due course. Should we have reasonable grounds to suspect that any other companies have broken our rules we may launch further investigations."
Vonage response and industry context
A spokesperson from Vonage said: "Vonage is a strong proponent of efforts to combat unwanted and fraudulent call use, and we take this matter very seriously."
"We are committed to working with Ofcom throughout this process to address any concerns raised and to continue to provide our customers with the trusted services they expect."
The Mirror has contacted the owner of Voxbone for comment.
It comes after Ofcom research revealed around 3.5 million people have switched their phone or broadband provider over the last two years as household bills continue to soar.
Ofcom also revealed that 4% of telecoms customers missed a payment last quarter – as many struggle with the rising cost of living. Additionally, 12% said they made changes to a service while 10% reduced their spend elsewhere and some 7% cancelled a service.
Ofcom research suggests that many out-of-contract customers who have broadband, landline and pay TV from the same provider could save over £100 a year by switching. One in three of these customers were out of contract last year.
