Ofcom publishes UK guide to phone numbers

Ofcom - has got your number, sunshine
Ofcom - has got your number, sunshine

Communications watchdog Ofcom has published a useful list of what UK numbers mean and how much each will cost to ring.

The sheer number of options for UK consumers makes it difficult to keep track of what costs national rate, local rate or premium rate.

So, Ofcom has responded by publishing its latest guide – explaining the difference between a 0800 number and an 03 prefix – and what you'll pay for those darn 0871 calls.

Confused?

"If you're confused by call charges or don't know your 03 from your 0845 numbers, then we have the perfect guide for you," say Ofcom.

"There are so many different types of phone number these days that it can be hard keeping tabs on how much they cost to call."

Common numbers

"Our guide looks at some of the common numbers in use today, what they are used for and how much it costs to call them from a BT landline," Ofcom continues

"You can then download the guide, print it off and keep it by your phone so that you've always got the facts at your fingertips."

You can check out the guide at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/files/2009/08/numbering.pdf but be aware that it's a PDF file.

Alternatively you can call 0845...

Patrick Goss

Patrick Goss is the ex-Editor in Chief of TechRadar. Patrick was a passionate and experienced journalist, and he has been lucky enough to work on some of the finest online properties on the planet, building audiences everywhere and establishing himself at the forefront of digital content.  After a long stint as the boss at TechRadar, Patrick has now moved on to a role with Apple, where he is the Managing Editor for the App Store in the UK.