What are free-to-call numbers?

0800 numbers are part of a group of “freephone” numbers that are non-geographic numbers, toll-free, and used mainly by businesses and charities. The most common freephone prefixes in the UK are 0800 and 0808 and they were first used back in November 1985.

Are 0800 numbers free?

Are 0800 numbers free you ask, yes, these are now totally free to dial from a landline or mobile, however, mobile operators did issue a service charge to mobile users who call 0800 and 0808 numbers right up until July 2015. Thankfully, these are now free to call from almost any device.

How do freephone numbers work?

As always, someone invariably has to pay for the call and in this instance, the owner of the free phone number picks up the service charge when someone dials the number.

Before toll-free numbers existed, and if you had no means to pay for the call or you just didn’t want to pay for the call, you would contact the operator and request a “collect call” or ask to reverse the call charges.

Why do companies cover the cost of calling?

A Collect call would transfer the cost of calling to the many organisations providing said service. This used to be quite common especially in the US and call operators would be inundated with these types of calls especially for larger businesses and government offices.

That’s why toll-free numbers were introduced, to ease the workload of the poor phone operator and automatically assigned the cost to call to these companies.

Who typically uses 0800 or 0808 numbers?

Your standard 0800 number user is a business, government organisation, or charity that wants to proactively encourage inbound calls. These companies use 0800 numbers to remove any barrier to a potential customer calling in, and as such 0800 numbers are used for sales lines, advertising, and anywhere there is a potential trade-off or financial incentive for a company to cover the cost of calls.

Mobile phones shift the goalposts again!

Well, this was true about 10 years ago, but with the proliferation of mobile phones, unlimited mobile call packages, calls to geographic, landlines and mobiles are now by and large “free” to call anyway. So why do 0800 or 0808 numbers still exist?

Vanity and memorable numbers

0800 numbers are still widely used even though the “free” nature is partially irrelevant. The 0800 number still provides a certain amount of gravitas and it has a recognisable national presence, what’s more, for an additional cost, you can upgrade to a vanity, memorable or golden number.

These memorable numbers are distinct and easy to remember and the toll-free prefix is part of that “We value our customers” perception. So, although the mechanics of 0800 numbers have changed, the expectation remains.

Numbers, Numbers, Numbers

Let’s talk about the other number alternatives you could have instead of an 0800 number or even an 0808 number.

Harmonised service numbers

Harmonised service lines or 116 numbers are free to dial but these serve as numbers for social value and therefore not in the public domain, 116 numbers are mainly used for child helplines, non-emergency, medical, or emotional support lines. The service charge or access charge for these calls is absorbed by the company.

Geographic numbers

Geographic numbers are the standard numbers associated with any major town or city. These are charged at a standard call rate and as such most mobile phone packages can call these as part of their bundled call minutes. Outside of this, they succumb to your normal per-minute cost, but the service charge or access charge is essentially born by the caller.

03 numbers

03 numbers aren’t free but they may be a viable alternative. They are national lines (non-geographic) and they are mobile-friendly, meaning that they’re billed the same as a standard geographic number so mobiles can call these utilising their in-bundle minutes.

If you have an unlimited call bundle with your mobile, which most people do these days, then 03 numbers are just as good as freephone numbers, depending on how many calls you take.

Premium rate numbers

Premium rate numbers are typically identified by numbers starting 084, 087, 09, and 118 numbers. The numbers cost for these are set out below:

084 – Service charge or access charge of up to 7p per call and/or up to 65p per minute

087 – Service charge or access charge of up to 13p per call and/or up to 65p per minute

09 – Service charge or access charge of up to 65p per call and/or up to £3.60p per minute

118 – Service charge or access charge of up to £2.43p per minute for a minimum of 1 minute.

As you can see, calls to 084, 087, 09, and 118 numbers can get pretty expensive, and the access charge is actually set by the organisation and can often vary considerably

Can I call 0800 numbers from my pay-as-you-go mobile for free?

Yes, even if you have a pay-as-you-go mobile, your calls to an 0800 number are completely free. Calling 0800 numbers or landlines regardless of the services package you’re on including pay as you go on your mobile should be free from inside the UK, if you’re dialling from outside the UK, it’s always best to check the individual rates for calls to 0800 numbers and how much they cost.

What other services can I get with an 0800 number?

This ultimately depends on your provider. The majority of 0800 numbers are virtual numbers and are hosted in the cloud. This gives your number some big advantages over a standard landline. A phone number is just the identifier, the services that sit behind that number can vary greatly and this comes down to your provider.

What is a Virtual landline then?

A virtual landline number is simply a phone number that isn’t connected or associated with a fixed landline or telephone line.

These numbers live in the cloud and exist on a virtual landline provider’s system or platform. They work in the same way a regular landline phone number but the service provider forwards or “diverts” any incoming calls directly to your landline or mobile phone.

Are 0800 numbers free of call charges if the 0800 number is virtual?

Virtual landlines have the same cost of calling or “cost to call” as standard landlines and calls to 0800 numbers even though they’re virtual are still free from landlines and mobile phones as well.

If you’re looking to purchase an 0800 virtual number then there are many options to consider. The numbers cost may change and service providers tend to charge based on the cost of calls, per minute charge or this may be subject to monthly service charges.

What is a VoIP phone system?

VoIP is a technology that delivers cost-effective voice communications using an internet connection instead of a traditional phone line. VoIP allows you to receive and make customers calls using a VoIP enabled desk phone, PC-based softphone, or mobile App and the benefits of choosing VoIP go far beyond just the cost savings.  There’s no hardware to install, no long term contracts and service numbers can be set up in minutes.

How do I get a free phone number?

Pick up a free phone number from SwitchboardFREE today. We have virtual phone numbers starting from only 99p per month, including 08 numbers with no access charges, no set up charges, or activation fees.

About SwitchboardFREE

We have unlimited and per minute VoIP plans, virtual numbers designed for business and we offer over 20 free services and features with every virtual number.

The SwitchboardFREE company has looked after over 86,000 customers in the UK. See what some of our customers have to say about our service here.

Contact Us

Contact our friendly, welcome team, today on 0203 189 1213

Call costs and per-minute costs are correct at June 2021, premium calls to 084, 087, and premium calls to 09, and 118 per-minute costs and a service charge set at current rates as of June 2021. Calling costs for business services rates to call 0800 numbers, as well as landlines, are set by the organisation.

Please check with your provider when calling 0800 or 08 numbers from a mobile phone, standard phone numbers, or service numbers as calling costs may vary.

Calling numbers starting 08 and 09 come with access charges and service charge set by your provider. calls to mobile numbers starting 07 (customers mobiles)

The SwitchboardFREE phone company reserves the right to block certain numbers calls or calling patterns where usage indicates inappropriate use such as short duration or rapid calling patterns.

The SwitchboardFREE phone company is a phone company based in the UK, Company number: 04404380.

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