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Home > Telecoms > Information for Telecoms Industry > Numbering Policy
Numbering Policy
Looking for a UK Telephone Code Locator?
Ofcom publishes a list of UK area codes in the National Telephone Numbering Plan (PDF, 138Kb). This is a PDF document - to search using Adobe Reader press Ctrl + F and type in the number to look for matching locations.
This section provides information about UK Telephone Numbers, and allows Communications Providers to apply for Telephone Numbers from the National Numbering Scheme. It also provides information on Numbering policy such as Number Portability, and use of 070 Telephone Numbers. There is also a free e-mail subscription list for people interested in receiving notification of updates and to the Numbering web pages and documents.
Update on certain application forms
Numbering Application Forms S8 Section 5 ii) and S9 Section 5 iii) request applicants to select numbers from within a pre-set tariff range. This was because Ofcom historically pre-set tariffs at the 100K (number block) level.
All registered numbering contacts have been advised in a letter from Ofcom that Ofcom no longer sets tariffs at the 100K (number block) level for 09, 0871 or 0844 (excluding 08 Internet only ranges) numbers. Therefore it is no longer a requirement to select from a specific tariff range.
With effect from 30 April 2007, applicants should select a block that is free and Ofcom will set the required tariff to this 10K block. For further information on this change please email: numbering.information@ofcom.org.uk
Listed below are links to various Numbering documents and Number related sites.
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The National Numbering Scheme - Telephone Numbers administered by Ofcom
Details of Allocations, and availability of UK Telephone Numbers. Information available to view as Excel 97 files (to select Telephone Numbers to apply for), or in csv format (for downloading). This information is updated weekly where possible. -
Applying for telephone numbers
Numbering Application Forms and details on how to apply for UK Telephone Numbers. NB. The Application Forms are only accessible via password access by the 'Application Contacts' currently registered with Ofcom's Numbering Unit. -
National Telephone Numbering Plan
[pdf]
Published 29 April 2008 - details of all Telephone Numbers administered by Ofcom. -
Number Block Transactions
Allocations, Protections, etc (including any withdrawals), over rolling 12 months, for Telephone Numbers beginning 01-09, and Access Codes (DQ codes and Indirect Access codes). This information is updated weekly where possible. -
Number Activation Contact details
Detailed list of Communications Providers' contact details, for number activation purposes (only accessible via password access by the 'Activation Contacts' registered with Ofcom's Numbering Unit). -
Code of Practice for numbers in 'closed' ranges
For example 0800 Freephone range. - 030 Number Elegibility Guidance
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Personal Numbering - Guidance on the acceptable use of 070 numbers
Guidance on acceptable use of 070 Telephone Numbers. Revised 24 January 2004 -
Number Portability information and useful links
Number portability is a facility which enables customers to change their service provider whilst retaining their existing telephone number. -
Telephone Numbers for drama purposes (TV, Radio etc)
Ofcom recommended Telephone Numbers for drama use.
Users Guide to Numbering is currently being updated and will be available shortly.
- Numbering Forum, Working Groups and Workshops
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Numbering Bulletins
No longer published. Link to old Oftel Bulletins. -
ITU-T list of Country Codes
ITU-T webpage showing list of Country Codes. - The London Area Code
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