UK - Call charges and phone numbers explained by Contact Them

0800, 0843, 0870, 090, 020… there are so many different phone numbers that keeping tabs on how much they cost to call can be confusing. So what do they all mean?

You can find out the minimum and maximum charges below.

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 dial.

The cost of calling a phone number depends on the digits it starts with, your phone provider and whether you use a landline or mobile.

You may get free calls to some numbers as part of your call package. Check with your phone provider.

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Get advice from Ofcom if you have problems with call charges or phone bills.

Deals with inclusive calls

Inclusive allowances usually include UK landline numbers starting 01 and 02, non-geographic numbers starting 03 and, in most cases, UK mobile numbers starting 071 to 075 and 077 to 079. Call charges at “per-minute” rates will apply only if the caller exceeds their inclusive allowance or chooses a call plan without an inclusive allowance.

Inclusive allowances often exclude calls to landline and mobile numbers in Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man.

Charges from landlines

On non-inclusive chargeable calls to 01, 02, 03, 05 and 07 numbers, most landline providers also set a Connection Fee.

Chargeable calls from a landline usually also attract a ‘connection’ or ‘set-up’ fee of 19p to 22p per call.

No connection fee is charged on calls to 084, 087 and 09 numbers, but there is usually a minimum charge duration of one minute.

03 numbers

Calls to 03 numbers cost the same as calling 01 and 02 numbers and count towards inclusive allowances on landlines and on mobiles. This applies on every network.

Numbers starting 030 are used by public services and ‘not for profit’ organisations.

Numbers starting 034 and 037 are reserved for migration from the matching 084 or 087 number.

Numbers starting 033 can be used by anyone.

080 numbers

0800 and 0808 numbers are free-to-caller from landlines and from mobile phones.

084, 087, 09 and 118 numbers

Calls to 084, 087, 09 and 118 numbers incur both an Access Charge and a Service Charge.

The Access Charge is set by the caller’s landline or mobile provider and is usually charged per second after the first minute.

The Service Charge is set by the organisation being called and they must show it in close proximity to the number wherever it is advertised or promoted.

Service numbers with a Service Charge that is more than 7p per minute or per call are defined as Controlled Premium Rate Services (CPRS) and subject to additional regulation by the Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA).

0845 and 0870 numbers

Some landline providers currently include 0845 and/or 0870 numbers within inclusive call allowances. In these cases, the Service Charge paid to the benefit of the called party and their telecoms provider is funded from all call plan subscribers rather than by the person who made the call.

Find out everything you need to know here: contactthem.co.uk/call-charges-and-phone-numbers/