0800, 0870, 030, 020…. With so many different telephone numbers used today that keeping tabs on how much they cost to call can be quite confusing. To help, we have put together a simple guide to explain what the commonly used numbers all mean and how much they cost.
01 and 02 numbers: geographic numbers
These numbers relate to specific locations in the UK and are used for homes and businesses. For example, Huddersfield is 01484, Bath is 01225, Edinburgh is 0131 and London is 020.
Calls from landlines are typically charged up to 13p per minute; calls from mobiles between 3p and 55p per minute depending on your call package. For landlines, there is normally also a call set-up fee, and call charges are dependent on the time of day. Most providers offer call packages that allow calls free of charge at certain times of the day.
03 numbers: UK-wide geographic numbers
Many organisations use 03 numbers as an alternative to more expensive 08 numbers. Calls cost no more than calls to geographic numbers (01 or 02) and must be included in inclusive minutes and discount schemes in the same way. Calls from landlines are typically charged up to 9p per minute; calls from mobiles typically cost between 3p and 55p per minute. Calls from landlines and mobiles are included in free call packages.
030 numbers: not-for-profit organisations
030 numbers were specially designed for not-for-profit organisations, charities and public bodies to offer consumers a single point of contact nationally. The BBC, the Met Police, the RSPCA, Oxfam, Relate, some local councils, Ofcom and a number of government departments use 030 numbers.
Calls cost no more than calls to geographic (01 and 02) numbers and must be included in inclusive minutes and discount schemes in the same way. Calls from landlines are typically charged up to 10p per minute; calls from mobiles typically cost between 3p and 40p per minute. Calls from landlines and mobiles are included in free call packages.
0500: Freephone
0500 numbers are generally free to call from landlines. Charges may apply from mobiles, in which case the provider must make an announcement before the call is connected to advise that a charge will be made. Calls from mobiles typically cost between 7p and 40p. Ofcom has decided that the 0500 number range will be withdrawn from use in 2017.
07: mobile numbers
Calls to mobiles are charged between 10p and 20p per minute from landlines and are typically not included in free call packages. Call costs from mobiles vary according to the calling plan chosen. Typically, they cost between 3p and 55p per minute. Calls between mobile phones are normally included in free call packages.
070: personal numbers
These are different from mobile numbers, and calls to them are more expensive. They can be used as a “follow me” service, where calls are diverted from another number. Small businesses and sole traders use 070 numbers to make it easy to manage calls. Personal numbers are also sold on a one-off basis, for example when someone is buying or selling a used car and doesn’t want to advertise their private mobile or fixed line number on a website or magazine.
070 numbers can cost between 4p and £3.40 per minute if calling from a landline (and often include a call set-up fee, sometimes of up to 51p). From a mobile phone these numbers can cost between 30p and £2.50 per minute.
0800 and 0808: Freephone
A number of businesses and organisations use Freephone numbers, including some helplines and charities such as Action on Hearing Loss or Age UK, as well as Government services such as Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Calls are free of charge from all consumer landlines and mobile phones. If you are calling from a business phone, you should check with your provider whether there will be a charge for calling 0800 or 0808.
084 numbers
The cost of calling 0843, 0844 and 0845 numbers is made up of two parts: an access charge going to your phone company, and a service charge set by the organisation you are calling. The service charge for calls to 084 numbers is between 0p and 7p per minute.You can find out the access charge for this number – which is the rest of the call cost – from your phone company.
087 numbers
The cost of calling 087 numbers is made up of two parts: an access charge going to your phone company, and a service charge set by the organisation you are calling. The service charge for calls to 087 numbers is between 0p and 13p per minute. You can find out the access charge for this number – which is the rest of the call cost – from your phone company.
09 numbers
09 numbers are mainly used for competitions, TV voting, horoscopes, chat lines, adult lines, recorded information and professional advice services. You can bar these premium rate numbers from being dialled from your phone, as you can with other numbers. These numbers are also regulated by Phone-paid Services Authority*
The cost of calling 09 numbers is made up of two parts: an access charge going to your phone company, and a service charge set by the organisation you are calling. The service charge for calls to 09 numbers can range from 1p to £3.60 per minute. You may be charged a one-off call cost ranging from 5p to £6. You can find out the access charge for this number – which is the rest of the call cost – from your phone company.
118 directory enquiry numbers
Calls to directory enquiry numbers (starting 118) can vary significantly in price depending on the directory enquiry service and the phone company you call from. Typically, most calls include a one-off connection charge and then a separate per minute rate, although this also varies depending on the service. The one-off charge is typically up to £7 and the additional per minute charge is typically up to £3.50. However, some providers may charge significantly more. These numbers are also regulated by Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA)* and providers are required to state the cost of the call in their advertising.
*Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) (previously known as PhonePayPlus and ICSTIS) regulates phone-paid services in the UK. These are the premium rate goods and services that you can buy by charging the cost to your phone bill and prepay account. You can find out more information at www.psauthority.org.uk
All information in this article has been taken from Ofcom’s official website www.ofcom.org.uk The prices are indicative only and should not be used as a definitive list of call charges. Actual costs depend on your communication provider and a number of factors such as individual calling plans, time of day and the exact number called. You should check with your provider before you call.
