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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Non-geographical telephone numbers in the UK . (Discuss) |
03 numbers are non-geographic telephone numbers that were announced by UK communications regulator, Ofcom, in February 2007, with allocation starting in March 2007.[1][2] They are formally known as UK-wide numbers and have been introduced as an alternative to 08 numbers, such as 087x and 084x numbers.[1]
03 numbers offer the same benefits as all non-geographic numbers; including call divert, call queuing and call statistics.[citation needed]
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Call costs
Unlike 08 numbers, 03 numbers cost the same to call as geographic landline numbers (starting 01 and 02), even from a mobile phone.[1] They are also included as part of inclusive call minutes and discount schemes from all major mobile phone and landline operators.[1]
The practise of revenue sharing (where the dialled party receives a share of the cost of the call) is not permitted with 03 numbers (unlike 08 numbers).[1]
Cost comparisons
| Number range | Mobile call cost[3][4][5] |
|---|---|
| 03 | Inclusive or at geographic rate |
| 0800 | 20-20p/min |
| 0844 | 20-55p/min |
| 0845 | 20-30p/min |
| 0870 | 20-29p/min |
| 0871 | 35-50p/min |
Number ranges
There are a range of numbers available for use by specific people or organisations:[6]
- 030 numbers (0300 - 0309) - specifically designated for public bodies and not-for-profit organisations.
- 033 numbers (0330 - 0339) - available for any person, business or organisation.
- 03 migration numbers (034x, 037x) - only available for migration from an existing 08 number or range (084x and 087x).
03 number use
Healthcare
In December 2006, Lord Norman Warner sent a letter to all Primary Care Trust Chief Executives drawing attention to the Central Office of Information guidance on telephone numbering, which suggested that healthcare providers consider adopting an 03 telephone number so that people "do not have to pay over the odds to contact their local services".[7][8]
Since then, there has been much discussion in the media about the use of 0844 numbers in the healthcare sector, mainly due to the costs incurred by people who have to dial these numbers as the primary form of contact with their local healthcare services.[9][10][11][12]
Health Secretary Alan Johnson has also publicly advocated the use of 03 numbers.[13] Windsor Telecom has also published the first ever 0300 number guide for the healthcare sector.[14]
Public sector
On 14 October 2008, the Metropolitan Police Service launched its new 0300 non-emergency telephone number: 0300 123 1212. [15] The force joins Durham, Essex, Northumbria, Staffordshire and West Mercia constabularies who also now use 03 numbers.[16]
References
- ^ a b c d e "Ofcom introduces UK-wide 03 numbers", Ofcom (2007-02-13). Retrieved on 7 August 2008.
- ^ "New 03 number for phones proposed", BBC (2007-02-23). Retrieved on 7 August 2008.
- ^ "Other Call Charges". Vodafone. Retrieved on 2008-08-07.
- ^ "Pay monthly mobile phone plans for new customers". Orange. Retrieved on 2008-08-07.
- ^ "Special Numbers". Telefónica Europe. Retrieved on 2008-08-07.
- ^ "Form S3 (UK-wide application - numbers starting '03')". Ofcom. Retrieved on 2008-08-07.
- ^ Norman Warner (2006-12-19). "Use of non-geographical (084) telephone numbers to contact NHS services". Department of Health. Retrieved on 2008-08-07.
- ^ "Practices encouraged to use new 03 numbers", E-Health Insider Primary Care (2007-01-03). Retrieved on 7 August 2008.
- ^ David Rose (2007-07-23). "Why it will cost more to phone your GP", The Times. Retrieved on 7 August 2008.
- ^ David Rose (2008-05-16). "Hospitals make money on patient phone calls", The Times. Retrieved on 7 August 2008.
- ^ James Tozer (2008-03-08). "Patients charged up to 40p a minute to call family doctors", Daily Mail. Retrieved on 7 August 2008.
- ^ Gavin O'Connor (2008-07-13). "The great GP phone rip-off", Wales On Sunday. Retrieved on 7 August 2008.
- ^ "Johnson steps up pressure on 0844 numbers", E-Health Insider Primary Care (2008-03-11). Retrieved on 7 August 2008.
- ^ "Guide to 0300 Numbers Published", Comms Business (2008-07-09). Retrieved on 7 August 2008.
- ^ http://cms.met.police.uk/news/major_operational_announcements/mps_launches_the_new_met_contact_number_0300_123_1212
- ^ http://www.bapcojournal.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/1305/Is_it_time_to_make_the_switch_to__03__.html
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