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The 03 alternative

The issue of revenue-sharing numbers is back in the spotlight after it emerged that NHS in England could be stopped from using 084 numbers.

Ministers say that some people have to pay more than the equivalent cost of a local rate call if their GP or other NHS services are using these numbers.

That’s because an 084 number is a non-geographical number which allows the service provider to generate revenue from those making the calls to offset the cost of equipment to the organisation.

The government has now launched an England-wide consultation to ask people whether the NHS should be able to continue using these numbers.

National rate

Organisations already have an alternative to using 08 numbers after Ofcom introduced UK-wide 03 numbers last year.

These new numbers allow organisations to have a single national point of contact without consumers having to pay extra to call them.

Calls to 03 numbers cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and must count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls.

These rules apply to calls from any type of line including mobile, BT, other fixed line or payphone.

Revenue sharing

Revenue sharing – where the dialled party can receive a share of what the consumer pays to make a call – is also not allowed on calls to 03 numbers.

At Ofcom we have a range of 03 numbers which you can call if you need to get in touch with us.

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Ofcom 03 numbers

Ofcom licensing centre	0300 123 1000
Ofcom switchboard	0300 123 3000
Ofcom media office	0300 123 4000
Ofcom advisory team	0300 123 3333
Ofcom Welsh language line	0300 123 2023
Ofcom text phone	0300 123 2024

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