(Telecompaper) UK communications regulator Ofcom has announced changes that will make it easier for consumers to understand the cost of entering phone-ins, competitions and votes on TV and radio programmes. The new rules come into effect on 1 July. The move is part of UK Calling, affecting 175 million phone numbers. Broadcasters often invite people to interact with shows in this way using phone numbers starting 084, 087 and 09. From 1 July, the cost of calling those numbers will be made up of two parts: an 'access charge' going to the caller's phone company, and a 'service charge' set by the broadcaster. All TV and radio programmes using the numbers will include the service charge for calling. Clear prices are important because the cost of interacting with programmes varies considerably. Some calls may cost a few pence, but others may cost more than GBP 2 per minute.