Telecoms numbering
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 the use of 070 telephone numbers.
National Telephone Numbering Plan
Ofcom publishes a list of UK area codes in the National Telephone Numbering Plan (PDF, 626.9 KB). This is a PDF document: to search using Adobe Reader press Ctrl + F (or Command + F for Macs) and type in the number to look for matching locations.
The three-digit telephone number ‘119’ has been made available for use as part of the NHS’s Covid-19 response programme following Government request.
The 0500 Freephone number range, which was withdrawn on 5 June 2017, has been used to provide services such as sales, enquiries and helplines, alongside the widely-used 080 Freephone numbers.
In 2012/13, Ofcom identified poor consumer awareness and understanding of 0500 numbers, alongside a lack of efficiency in their use. We also identified a long-term decline in the use of 0500 numbers by service providers.
Unlike 080 numbers, no new 0500 numbers have been released since 1997/98.
Following consultation, Ofcom decided it was appropriate to withdraw the 0500 range.
In making the decision, Ofcom also considered it would benefit consumers by simplifying the range of numbers available. Due to a lack of clarity around Freephone numbers, Ofcom felt that consolidating all Freephone numbers on to one range would be in consumers’ interests.
The withdrawal of the 0500 range follows a three-year period during which existing 0500 numbers were either closed or transferred to 08085 numbers.
0500 numbers stopped working on 5 June 2017. However, prior to this date, for any numbers that had not been withdrawn, callers should have received pre-call announcements that the numbers are due to close. This was accompanied by advice that callers can instead call a replacement 08085 number.
Applying for telephone numbers
Ofcom’s Number Management System (NMS) allows communications providers to apply for the allocation of numbers and to manage their existing resource. Ofcom uses NMS in performing its duties in managing the UK’s telephone numbers. Communications providers are required to provide certain information when applying for numbers. We require this information in order to carry out our numbering duties under the Communications Act 2003. Please see Ofcom’s General Privacy Statement for further information about how Ofcom handles your personal information and your corresponding rights.
If you have any queries, please contact the Numbering team on 0300 123 3000.
Harmonised European numbers for harmonised services of social value (116XXX numbers)
Information on 116 numbers, including register of numbers available in the UK and details of the comparative selection process.
Consumer protection test for telephone number allocation
Details of Ofcom’s Consumer Protection Test and access to the under assessment list and the number refusal list.
The National Numbering Scheme – telephone numbers administered by Ofcom
We publish data on which UK telephone numbers are available for allocation or are allocated, and aim to update these files every Wednesday.
We also publish lists of codes for use by communications providers (CPs) in number porting and other administrative tasks.
Number block allocations
To help CPs keep track, we publish lists of number allocations made over a rolling 12-month period. Communications providers are responsible for keeping their own records up to date.
There are two lists, in MS Excel format:
Telephone numbers beginning 01-09
Codes used for indirect access, and directory enquiries ("DQ")
Long-term protected number ranges not available for allocation, adoption or use
To help CPs identify numbers that are not available for allocation, adoption or use on a long-term basis, we publish a list of number ranges that are protected and will not be made available for use without public consultation. CPs may refer to the list to help identify calls with invalid or non-dialable CLI Data and prevent such calls from being connected to the called party (see General Condition C6). The list includes:
- number ranges not designated for use in the National Telephone Numbering Plan; and
- numbers set aside for use in TV and radio drama programmes.
Geographic telephone numbers: Guidance for communications providers on the administrative arrangements for the pilot scheme to charge for geographic numbers
This document provides guidance on the administrative arrangements for the pilot scheme. (Publication date: 27 March 2013)
Harmonised European numbers for harmonised services of social value (116XXX numbers)
Information on 116 numbers, including register of numbers available in the UK and details of the comparative selection process
The National Telephone Numbering Plan (PDF, 626.9 KB)
Current version published 4 January 2021
Code of practice for numbers in 'closed' ranges
For example 0800 Freephone range.
Guidance on bodies eligible to use ‘030’ telephone numbers
Current version published 03|10|08
Personal numbering – guidance on the acceptable use of 070 numbers
Guidance on acceptable use of 070 telephone numbers. Revised 24 January 2004
Number portability
Number portability is a facility which enables customers to change their service provider while retaining their existing telephone number.
Telephone numbers for use in TV and radio drama programmes
Ofcom continues to receive requests for geographic numbers to be used for drama purposes. In the light of this, Ofcom has set out below a range of geographic telephone numbers recommended for drama purposes (1000 numbers within each geographic area code).
Reseller identification codes (RIDs) are a type of code that Ofcom allocates to communications providers (CPs) for administrative purposes. They are three-character alphabetic codes which are used in the Notification of Transfer (NoT) switching process and can be used it identify a reseller of wholesale services.
A full list of allocated RID codes (XLSX, 749.3 KB) is updated every week, usually on Wednesday. We are aware of an intermittent problem in using Google Chrome to access the list of RID codes. We recommend using Microsoft Edge, Firefox or Safari instead. We are investigating the problem and hope to resolve it soon.
If you wish to apply for a RID code, you can do so by using Ofcom’s number management system (NMS).
If you have any queries, please contact the Numbering team on 0300 123 3000.
To ensure the best use of limited numbering resources, Ofcom will occasionally withdraw numbering ranges from companies which have dissolved, gone into liquidation or closed. We typically allow a period of time after announcing these withdrawals, to make sure these numbers are not in use by other consumers or communications providers. The current withdrawal proposals are below.
Companies with allocated number ranges that are no longer trading (PDF, 426.3 KB)
Last updated 15 February 2021