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Information on 03 UK Wide Numbers
OFCOM, the UK Telecommunications regulator, has created the new
03 number range to improve trust and confidence in UK phone numbers.
03 numbers will be used by public service organisations, charities
and companies that want a national presence, but who do not wish
to make an additional charge to consumers for contacting them.
The 03 phone numbers will formally be known as ’UK-wide’ numbers
and are being introduced as an alternative to chargeable 08 phone
numbers such as 0845, 0870 and 0871 Numbers. Consumers will have
a clear understanding of the price that they are paying for a call
to an 03 number, as the cost of calling will be the same as calls
to geographic numbers (normal landlines starting 01 or 02).
Telecoms operators will be required to offer the same discount schemes
that currently apply to geographic numbers. All Operators have the
flexibility to adjust their bundled and all-inclusive prices for
calls to 01, 02 and 03 numbers in competition with each other. OFCOM
has also requested that calls to 03 numbers from mobiles and payphones
are treated in the same way as calls to normal landline numbers.
A main advantage of 03 numbers over geographic numbers is that enhanced
services can be provided such as call statistics, advanced call
plans and disaster recovery solutions. 03 numbers can also be given
out as the number that identifies your call (CLI) to the number
that you have dialled (this product is called ‘presentation number’
and can be supplied by your outbound call supplier).
No Revenue Sharing on 03 Numbers
Revenue sharing will not be permitted on 03 numbers. Currently many
consumers are unhappy that some organisations who use 0870 and
0871 numbers receive a share of what the consumer pays to make a call.
03 numbers are therefore likely to be perceived as being more ethical
and customer friendly.
The Different 03 Number Ranges
0300 Numbers and 0303 Numbers
The 030 range has been specially designated by Ofcom for use by public bodies and non for profit organisations. The range includes 0300 numbers and 0303 numbers. Ofcom has provided detailed information on who is eligible for 030 numbers and you’re able to visit our 030 Numbers Eligibility page for further information.
0330 Numbers and 0333 Numbers
The 033 range does not carry eligibly criteria and therefore are open to any business or organisation who wishes to use them. The range includes 0330 numbers and 0333 numbers and offers a wide range of unique and exiting benefits to UK business. Windsor Telecom has some of the most memorable 03 numbers available, such as 0330 900 0000 and 0333 666 6000.
03 Migration Numbers
This range is available to any business who already posses 08 non geographic numbers and wish to obtain their equivalent 03 migration number. These may include 0845 numbers, 0844 numbers and 0871 or 0870 numbers. For example, someone with 0845 130 8080 can apply for 0345 130 8080 and so on. Learn more on our 03 migration numbers page.
What Will Happen To Existing 08 Number Ranges?
All of the existing 08 number ranges will remain. However, the cost
of calling certain ranges, such as 0870, is likely to reduce. Companies
and organisations that use 084x and 087x numbers will be given the
opportunity to acquire the equivalent 03 migration number if this is more beneficial
to them. Many services requiring revenue outpayments are likely to
stay on the 08 ranges, with new numbers allocated as required by demand. |
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