What are 03 Numbers?

Have you seen numbers starting with 03 showing up on your screen for an incoming call? 03 numbers were introduced by Ofcom in the UK as an option instead of paid 08 numbers. This way, organizations had a single contact number that won’t need consumers paying extra to contact their customer service.

When calls are done to 03 numbers, it is usually the same rate as 01 or 02 numbers and inclusive minutes are also similar. Any calls including the ones done from fixed line, payphone, mobile or even BT have same rules. Unlike other numbers, 03 numbers don’t entail revenue sharing.

Tariff & Options

Ofcom offers different series of 03 numbers for different purposes.

0333 – This is ideal for companies that are into marketing in UK. Calls to 0333 numbers are charged by the minute and aren’t free. Charges are similar to 01 or 02 numbers. Choosing 0333 numbers can motivate consumers to call a business without having to worry about increased costs.

Many consumers do not know how 08 numbers work and why businesses use them for calling regularly. There was a report stating 08 numbers are premium numbers and attract higher cost, though only 09 numbers are premium numbers. However, calls to 08 numbers are charged at about 35 pence per minute or more, even if they’re free numbers!

Customers pay more to call 08 numbers. Also, calls to 08 numbers aren’t calculated in the free minutes allowed on call plans. This is one reason why mobile charges soar when calling 08 numbers.

Ofcom saw the problem and launched 03 numbers in 2007, and announced the charges to these numbers would be the same as normal mobile or landline costs. As mentioned earlier, no revenue sharing was allowed for this series.

0300 321 and 0330330 series are currently made available, whereas, 0333 is restricted to public sector organizations with .gov.uk or .nhs.uk domains, registered charity and non profit organizations. 0330330 numbers are available for anyone.

0370 is for organizations based in the UK or overseas and is similar to 0870 series. 0344 is for organizations based on the UK or overseas and equivalent to 0844 series. 0371 is for organizations based in the UK or elsewhere and is an alternative for 0871 series, whereas, 0330 is for businesses based on the UK or overseas.

0345 is an alternative for 0845 and can be acquired by those with a 0845 number, and are replaced with the same 0345 number. However, getting 03 numbers would ensure more calls, as compared to 08 numbers that are resented in the UK. It is a good idea to contact customer service for specific details on the rates, suitable series, etc.

Other Resources


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