EU businesses to get one phone number?

The European Commission (EC) has launched a consultation into whether businesses across the continent would be interested in having just one contact telephone number.

Currently, companies need to have a different numbers for each country they are based in. The EC claimed the creation of one European-wide number for businesses would aid the move towards a single market and help with cross-border sales and customer support.

Neelie Kroes, EC commissioner for the Digital Agenda, said: "Today, businesses need to have a separate telephone number in every member state where their customers need to contact them. This makes it difficult to develop EU-wide services for their customers."

"I urge all interested parties to help us formulate a policy that addresses the needs of businesses and provides more convenient access for consumers."

Two possible solutions have been tabled to help bring together lines into one easier to access number.

One would be to bring in a short code reserved for business that could be used across the EU. The other would be to introduce a European dialling code, similar to ones countries currently have such as +44 in the UK.

Businesses, consumers, telecoms operators and public authorities will be able to submit their thoughts to the EC up until 28 February 2011. The EC will then analyse the results and come back with proposals later in the year.