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Ofcom's new 03 ranges are known as UK Wide Numbers. These have been introduced as an alternative to traditional 08 numbers, such as 0844, 0845, 0870 and 0871, to restore public confidence in non-geographic numbers, and enable organisations to have a single national point of contact, without consumers having to pay extra for the call.
03 numbers only cost the caller the same price they would pay to dial a standard 01 or 02 geographic number, and unlike 08 numbers, they are included, by Ofcom mandate, in both landline and mobile phone inclusive minutes packages. This is especially helpful to mobile users, as the majority of calls in the UK, as reported by Ofcom, are now made from mobile phones. So basically, by using an 03 UK Wide number, you are letting your customers know that you want to connect with them in a way that offers them the most convenience and least cost. The 03 range is still new, but as the public become aware of it, companies and organisations that use it will be seen to be those which care more for their customers, giving a significant marketing advantage.
For more information on any of Ofcom's new UK Wide 03 Numbers please give us a call and one of our
experts will be happy to talk you through the advantages.
Call us on 0845 652 2222 or 016 6666 6610.
Following a series of complaints from members of the public that doctors surgeries using 08xx numbers were placing healthcare beyond the reach of vulnerable people who may only have a PAYG mobile phone with no inclusive plan, no landline, and very limited and expensive call options, the Department of Health is reported to be considering an outright ban on the use of 0844 and 0845 numbers in the NHS. Health clinics and doctors surgeries are encouraged to migrate to the reserved 0300 range, to apply for this range the organisation will need to pass Ofcom criteria, which can be found here: Ofcom guidance on eligibility for the 030 number range.
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