Clearer Calling Rates

From 1 July 2015, the industry regulator Ofcom is changing the way these numbers are charged. These changes are designed to make the cost of calls clearer, and are being communicated through a campaign called UK Calling.

Telephone numbers starting 08, 09 and 118 are called ‘service numbers’. These numbers are typically used to call banks, travel services, Government departments, or even to vote on TV shows.

Numbers beginning 084 and 087 are general service numbers for contacting organisations.

Those beginning 09 are ‘premium rate’ service numbers; while those beginning 118 are directory enquiry numbers.

From 1 July 2015, the cost of calling these numbers will be split into two parts:

This is the cost of connecting your call to our network, charged in pence per minute. We’ll be highlighting these new charges nearer to the changeover in July 2015.

This is the remainder of the cost of the call. The service charge is decided by the organisation you call, who must communicate it clearly. For example, if the service charge was 20p a minute, the organisation you are calling might say: “Calls cost 20p a minute, plus your phone company’s access charge”.

By adding together our standard access charge and the service charge, consumers know exactly how much the call will cost.

Freephone numbers starting 0800 or 0808, which are generally already free from landlines, will be free to call from mobile phones from 1 July 2015. After that date, it’ll be free to call any number starting 0800 or 0808 from your mobile phone.

Each of our customers will be affected in different ways depending on which services we provide to you, the new charges will be detailed on your phone bill from July 2015

Find out more:

These changes apply to every UK landline and mobile. Visit the UK Calling website to find out more.