Here’s How These Telephone Numbers Work

UK telephone numbers starting with 08 are known as non-geographic phone numbers as they’re not tied to a specific location. These numbers work in different ways – here’s how…

Please note that there are differences between providers so this is an explanation of how non-geographic numbers (0845 0844 0870 0871, etc)  typically work.

Freephone Freefone 0800 and 0808

All these are known as free phone numbers as the caller pays no charge when calling from a landline. Some mobile providers do charge when making a call to 0800 and 0808 numbers.

The person receiving the call pays for the call. So if you’re in business, then you pay for your customers to phone you.

0845 and 0844 local rate numbers

These used to be known as local rate numbers. Callers pay for the call at the usual local rate (or a lower rate than the national call charge rate).

If you’re in business then your customers can phone you and pay a low rate for the call – it doesn’t matter how far away your business is based.

In addition, some providers of 0844 numbers share the revenue earned – so businesses can make a small amount of money whenever anyone calls them.

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0870 and 0871 numbers

These used to be known as national rate numbers. Callers pay for the call at the usual national (outside local call area) rate. In addition, some providers of 0870 and 0871 numbers share the revenue earned – so businesses can make a small amount of money whenever anyone calls them.

An advantage of a non-geographic number to both a business and callers is that if the business moves premises and telephone numbers, then the non-geographic number does not need to change. It stays the same and is terminated at the new location. No losing customers because they don’t know the new number.

For business non-geographic numbers can be used in a number of ways:

• To track the success of an advertising campaign – all calls coming in on that number must have been generated by that ad campaign.
• To manage calls. Using a number which can be switched to different call centres or a different telephone at different times.
• To increase response rates to an advert – freephone (0800 and 0808) can generate more response.

It’s worth the effort to shop around for the best deal. Watch out for minimum contracts and hefty set-up fees or monthly charges as there are many providers of non-geographic numbers. Personally, I’ve used both UK2Numbers for my 0845 number and Utility Warehouse for my 0800 number. I recommend both.