A single Europe-wide phone number for doing business in 27 countries could help companies cut costs and boost efficiency, the European Commission has said.

A single number code - 3883 - was assigned to 24 countries a decade ago to help pan-European countries connect more easily, but the arrangement is little-used and lapses at the end of this year.

Now the Commission is launching a new consultation giving firms, consumers, telecoms operators and public authorities until the end of February to submit views about the potential benefits of a system that would allow businesses to have the same telephone number in all EU countries.

I certainly like the idea. What do you think?