Numbering Restrictions

Modified on Fri, 18 Jan, 2019 at 9:40 AM

We frequently get asked if there are any restrictions on what numbers can be used for. The short answer is yes, but with a few caveats and exceptions.

01, 02, 03 and 0800/0808 numbers can be used for any purpose. In fact, the use of 03 numbers by companies is actively encouraged, especially if the company was relying on more expensive 084x/087x numbers previously.

The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 states...

41.—
(1) Where a trader operates a telephone line for the purpose of consumers contacting the trader by telephone in relation to contracts entered into with the trader, a consumer contacting the trader must not be bound to pay more than the basic rate.

(2) If in those circumstances a consumer who contacts a trader in relation to a contract is bound to pay more than the basic rate, the contract is to be treated as providing for the trader to pay to the consumer any amount by which the charge paid by the consumer for the call is more than the basic rate.

This basically means that any post-sales support lines cannot charge more than the basic rate for calls.

This means that for post-sales support lines, you cannot use 070x, 084x, 087x or 09x numbers. As we no longer supply 09x numbers, this doesn't affect Numbergroup customers, but we do supply the other types of numbers, so if you are allocating these numbers for use, please bear the above in mind.

You are still permitted to use 084x and 087x for pre-sales lines, however.

There are some exceptions to the above, so if you are unsure, please refer to the guidelines available on the below link...

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/429300/bis-13-1368-consumer-contracts-information-cancellation-and-additional-payments-regulations-guidance.pdf#page=23&zoom=auto,0,580

Due to changes in the telecoms industry with regards to high cost numbers, such as 087x and 084x, these are no longer generally available to allocate from within Selfcare. If you require these numbers, you will need to contact us and we will assist you further. The reason for this is we have a responsibility to ensure the numbers we allocate out are being used correctly, and within the bounds of the law.