EU-wide phone numbers for companies proposed

BUSINESSES with branches in different EU member states could have the same telephone number for customer support under a suggestion floated by the European Commission.

They argue that having an EU-wide phone number could help European businesses to offer cross-border sales more easily and facilitate access to after-sales and customer enquiry services irrespective of the member state where the customer is living.

Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes has launched a consultation on the issue that will be open for submissions and comments until the end of February.