53. We are satisfied with neither the content of the National Numbering Scheme, nor the process by which it was derived, nor the way in which customers have been consulted about its implementation. We believe that the Scheme has been too prescriptive and that Oftel has failed to appreciate the importance of telephone numbers to customers, especially businesses, and the costs incurred by them when numbers are changed. Plans to generate public funds from the allocation of telephone numbers, particularly freephone numbers, are over-due but should not be implemented at the expense of existing customers. The inefficient use of the nation's numbering resource cannot be allowed to continue. We recommend that, in the light of the conclusions and recommendations of this Committee, Oftel undertake a thorough and far-reaching review of the National Numbering Scheme and the way in which it is administered, so that, in future, the Scheme puts customers' interests first.