Introduction
A short overview of the different types of numbers available from UK telephone providers, with associated costs and related information.
Prerequisites
None.
Information
| Number Type | Typical Cost to Caller1 | Notes |
|---|
| 020 3 (London) | 3p - 8p per min | Call charges shown to these numbers (normal geographic land lines) are typical, but other rates may apply depending on the caller’s telecom operator. Most operators now offer inclusive call packages, which will include calls made to these numbers; therefore these numbers are usually the cheapest option for callers. They are also the most reliable type of number when dialled from abroad. |
| 0121 (Birmingham) | 3p - 8p per min |
| 0161 (Manchester) | 3p - 8p per min |
| 0151 (Liverpool) | 3p - 8p per min |
| 0114 (Sheffield) | 3p - 8p per min |
| 0115 (Nottingham) | 3p - 8p per min |
| 0117 (Bristol) | 3p - 8p per min |
| 0131 (Edingburgh) | 3p - 8p per min |
| 0113 (Leeds) | 3p - 8p per min |
| 029 (Cardiff) | 3p - 8p per min |
| 0207 (Central London) | 3p - 8p per min | These numbers are no longer available from Ofcom2 due to short supply - the new London wide 020 3 code is being phased in to replace 020 7 and 020 8 for all new number requests. |
| 033 (UK non geographic) | 3p - 8p per min | New national non-geographic code for business use; similar to 0870 except that Ofcom2 requires operators to charge the caller no more than the charge to call a national land line number from the same phone – therefore calls to 033 numbers are often included in inclusive call packages, and offer the best value to the caller where the recipient wishes to avoid being tied to a geographical location. Not recommended for dialling from abroad |
| Other UK Regional | | 3p - 8p per min |
| 0845 (UK non geographic) | usually 3.4p per min or more; as much as 20p per min | Called “local rate” for historical reasons; other than that they’re similar to 0870 numbers but with lower call charges, and Ofcom1 hasn’t announced any forthcoming changes yet, although they will review this in around 2009. 0845 numbers often don’t work when dialled from abroad. |
| 0800 (UK non geographic) | Free from most landlines; as much as 20p per min from mobiles | Some operators (including BT) make no charge to the caller for 0800 numbers, although they are not obligated to do this; most mobile operators make a charge, and calls to 0800 numbers sometimes aren’t included in mobile operator inclusive minute packages – O2 charge 20p per minute for example. 0800 numbers seldom work when dialled from abroad. |
| 0844, 0871, 09x | These numbers charge the caller relatively high amounts, and pay some of this out to the recipient of the call on a per minute basis. |
Further Information
For further information please visit the
Ofcom website.
References
1 Please note the typical cost to the caller values can fluctuate between different telecoms providers, for example the cost between BT versus Virgin versus a mobile phone operator. There are also a wide range of tariffs and service plans available within individual providers that can adjust the cost of calls. It is highly recommended that you check your own provider’s information on call costs.
Under this paragraph are links to some of the more popular UK telecoms and mobile providers website that should contain more accurate price information.
BT Call Tariffs
Virgin Call Tariffs
Talk Talk Call Tariffs
Orange Call Tariffs
O2 Call Tariffs
Vodafone Call Tariffs
T-Mobile Call Tariffs 2 Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries.