Are 0800 Numbers free to call?
The short answer is yes, when you phone from a UK landline. If you phone from an international destination or from your mobile, there is a small charge for the call (this is based on the line/network provider).
So who pays for the call when you dial from a landline?
The business that is using the 0800 number pays the cost of the call, not you!
Why do businesses use the 0800 range in the first place?
Research shows that more people will phone a freephone number, because they know they will not be charged for the call (from a UK landline).
What costs are involved?
There is a monthly rental on an 0800 number, then you pay 4 pence per minute for calls which fall outside of the included minutes. Included minutes range between 500 minutes and 5000 minutes. The price will vary depending on how memorable it is. For example, because of the repetition, 0800 669 6669 costs more than 0800 669 6002 because of the repeated digit pattern.
How can my businesses benefit?
1. Attract new business from outside your normal geographic area.
2. Gain an advantage over your competitors.
3. Increase sales and attract more customers.
4. Web-based control and call management solutions allow you to manage everything with a click of a button.
5. Monitor call response rates.
What are 0808 Numbers?
0808 numbers are a new prefix, which run parallel with 0800 numbers. Freephone 0808 numbers have a growing reputation as callers understand they are also free to call from a UK landline.
Is there an alternative?
Yes, the 03 range was introduced in 2007 providing freephone calls from a UK landline and mobile phone. Calls made to 03 numbers from a mobile phone are free (within the inclusive minutes package provided by the network). They were created to bring back consumer confidence in the cost of their calls. The 03 number is growing in popularity as a freephone number, used by government sectors and charity organisations across the United Kingdom.
What's the history of freephone numbers?
The first freephone numbers were launched by the UK Post Office in 1960. These were originally 10 digit 0800 numbers, which became 11 digits to increase the scale of each suffix range. Very few 10 digit 0800 numbers are in use today.
This article was submitted by Neil Barrall - Managing Director at Telecoms World PLC. Neil is an 0800 numbers, 0845 numbers and 0844 numbers expert. For more information visit our website for additional solutions.
