On 1st July 2015 Ofcom is introducing changes to the way service numbers (also known as Non Geographic numbers) are charged.
Service numbers are used by millions of people every day to contact organisations from banks and insurance companies to government departments – and even to vote on TV shows. The cost of calling these numbers – which typically start with the numbers 09, 08 or 118 is often unclear, especially when calling from a mobile. This is why Ofcom is introducing new regulations with a view to making it clearer for both customers and organisations that use these numbers.
Service Numbers Starting 0800 & 0808 (Freephone)
Freephone numbers are already free from landlines. From 1 July they will also be free from mobiles.
Service Numbers Starting 084, 087, 09 & 118
- 084 & 087 numbers are general service numbers for contacting organisations
- 09 numbers are for premium rate services
- 118 numbers are for Directory Enquiries services
From 1 July 2015 call charges for these numbers will be made up of two parts:
Access Charge / Carriage Charge
This is the cost of connecting your call to our network.
Service Charge
This is decided by, and must be clearly communicated to you by, the organisation you are calling.
Finding out more
You’ll find more information about the changes, plus advice for businesses, on Ofcom’s website at www.ukcalling.info.
