The Localphone Blog

What are we doing?

From 1st June 2017, Localphone will be moving away from TLS version 1.0 and will disable the encryption protocol across all its services. The deprecation will have effects on all Localphone customers currently using TLS v1.0, and it is advised that you check if you’re going to be affected.

Why are we doing this?

This is part of our on-going work to keep our customer data safe.

Will this affect you?

This will mainly affect people using computers or phones with older versions of software.
If you are using an up-to-date system, along with an up-to-date browser, then this change won’t affect you at all, your computer will already be using the more secure TLSv1.1 or TLSv1.2 protocols to connect to our website and systems.

What desktop browsers are compatible?

Internet Explorer

Desktop versions of IE 8, 9 and 10 are TLS compatible if you are running Windows 7 or higher, but not by default. Future versions of Internet Explorer are compatible by default.

Mozilla Firefox

TLS version 1.1 or 1.2 is supported in Mozilla Firefox version 23 onwards, although you may have to change a setting in your browser to enable the support.

Google Chrome

Any versions above 38 are compatible by default

Safari

Safari versions 7 and higher for OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) and higher are compatible with TLS v1.1 and higher.

What mobiles are compatible?

Android

Any Android version above 5.0 (Lollipop) already supports TLS v1.1 and higher.

iOS

iOS 9 and above should be compatible. Older versions may be able to connect depending on your configuration.

What will happen if it’s not compatible?

Your connection will be rejected and you won’t be able to connect to our system until you up-date your computer/phone.

Please Note: The following announcement only applies to customers billed in British Pounds or Euros. Users with USD accounts will be unaffected.

The recent changes in the UK’s VAT rate—from 17.5% to 15%, and back to 17.5% this year—highlighted a number of weaknesses with our current model, where VAT is reflected in our per-minute rates.

In an effort to be more open and flexible with our billing practices from April 1st we will be reducing all of our call, SMS, and Incoming Number rates for new and existing customers by 17.5%, and adding a 17.5% charge at checkout under the heading “taxes, surcharges, and fees”. All prices on the website will be shown inclusive or exclusive of VAT at your preference.

We will also be reducing your current balance to reflect this change, but it is important to stress that no customer will be worse off as a result.

Example

Bob has a balance of £10 and is currently paying 10p per minute for his calls. This means that he has 100 minutes of talk time remaining.

On April 1st we will reduce Bob’s balance by 17.5% to £8.51 (£10 / 1.175), but also our rate per minute will go down to 8.5p per minute. Bob will still have 100 minutes of talk time remaining.

When Bob places a £10 order in the future, VAT will be added and he will pay £11.75. We will, however, give the option of reducing the order to £8.51 of credit for which he will pay £10.

I hope this e-mail provides a full explanation and plenty of notice for the upcoming change. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

As you may be aware, from Friday 1st January 2010 the UK’s VAT rate is going back up from 15% to 17.5%.

Most companies will be increasing their prices to compensate, but to celebrate another successful year at Localphone we’re going to keep our rates as they are, effectively giving a 2.5% discount across all destinations.

Thank you for your support in 2009. We’re looking forward to some exciting new developments over the coming months.

Please note that this notice affects our GBP and EUR customers. Users with USD accounts do not pay VAT.