Phone numbers and call costs

Find out more about phone numbers, call costs, unwanted calls, premium rate services and keeping your number when you switch phone provider.

Choose a topic:

• Phone numbers and area codes
• Call charges and costs
• Premium rate numbers and charges
• How to keep your phone number when switching provider
• Recycling numbers: use it or lose it!

 Phone numbers and area codes

Phone numbers allow you to make and receive calls.

Geographic numbers start with 01 or 02 and are linked to a specific area through the first few digits, known as the area code. For example, Edinburgh uses 0131 and London 020. Find out which number is used for which location. 

Non-geographic numbers are not linked to a specific area. Common examples include: 

• 03 numbers which cost the same as calls to 01 and 02 numbers.
• 080 numbers which are free to call.

Certain numbers are reserved for specific services such as 999 and 116 helplines.

Some non-geographic numbers are free to call, while others such as 084, 087 and 09 might be charged extra, so check before you call.

Mobile numbers start with 07. As well as being essential for phone calls, you might use mobile numbers for other purposes, such as creating accounts, verifying contact details and accessing online services such as WhatsApp. Although you use a mobile number to sign up, WhatsApp calls are made over the internet rather than through the phone network. 

Find out more about the different types of numbers and their uses.

 Call charges and costs

Not all phone numbers cost the same to call. Some calls are included in your phone package, while others might cost extra. Find out how different types of phone number are charged. Check with your phone provider to find out what the prices are and if a number is included in your package or not.

 Premium rate numbers

You can pay for some premium rate services through your phone bill on 09, 118, 087 or 084 numbers. For example, to enter competitions, vote in TV or radio shows, make donations or access specialist information services. Because these services cost more than standard calls or texts, it is important to understand how they work and what charges may apply.

Look at our advice pages to check whether a number is linked to a premium rate service, find out what to do if you don't recognise a charge, learn how to stop future charges and get practical advice on managing your phone spending.

How to keep your phone number when switching provider

You can usually keep your phone number when you switch provider. This applies to both mobile and landline, although the process is different for each. Check our guides on switching mobile provider and switching landline provider.

Recycling numbers: use it or lose it!

There is a finite supply of phone numbers. This is why mobile and landline numbers are recycled after they have been quarantined for a period of time.