The 0500 Freephone number range, which was withdrawn on 5 June 2017, has been used to provide services such as sales, enquiries and helplines, alongside the widely-used 080 Freephone numbers.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 However, prior to this date, for any numbers that had not been withdrawn, callers should have received pre-call announcements that the numbers are due to close.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.