Numbering Research

In 2012, Ofcom carried out a strategic review of non-geographic numbers. This omnibus research formed part of the review.

Full report

Non-geographic telephone numbers: Omnibus survey (PDF, 221.5 KB)

‘020’ became the Geographic Area Dialling Code for London in 1998 with the purpose of increasing the numbering capacity to meet demand. However, available numbers beginning with a ‘7’ or an ‘8’ are now nearing exhaustion - and in the summer of 2005 a new sub range, beginning with a ‘3’, will be opened up (i.e. (020) 3XXX XXX). All existing numbers beginning with a ‘7’ or an ’8’ will remain unchanged.

Full report

London telephone numbers (PDF, 76.1 KB)

Significant improvement in general accuracy levels across the DQ market with 95% of calls to 118 services resulting in the exact number or an acceptable alternative being given, and 90% being given the exact number.

Full report

Evaluation of Directory Enquiry Services (PDF, 396.1 KB)

While spontaneous awareness of DQ providers/numbers has fallen overall, it has increased amongst DQ users. Prompted awareness is unchanged.

Full report

Evaluation of Directory Enquiry Services (PDF, 587.2 KB)

Market research to assess the impact of the introduction of (020) 3 numbers, and to inform the development of Ofcom's communications campaign. November 2004.

Telephone numbering program: The London Project (PDF, 177.3 KB)

This report provides an overview of the key findings of residential and SME consumer awareness and perceptions of London dialling codes, taken from surveys conducted in August 2004.

London telephone numbers: New sub-range for London (020) 3 (PDF, 154.1 KB)

In its 2004/05 Annual Plan, Ofcom stated that one of its key operating priorities was to carry out further monitoring and review of the performance of 118 directory enquiry (DQ) services in conjunction with the Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services (ICSTIS). Ofcom supports Oftelís decision to liberalise the DQ market, but recognises that this is an area which has attracted a significant level of attention and criticism from the media, consumer groups and the public particularly after the legacy 192 and 153 numbers were switched off on 24 August 2003.

Full report

Evaluation of Directory Enquiries services (PDF, 251.6 KB)
Ofcom and ICSTIS research; May 2004