Inbound Call Ranges
Inbound Call Control Options
Available on all number ranges
03 - Virtual UK Wide Numbers
0370 Numbers
0370 is not an area code; it is a non-geographic number, designed to replace the equivalent 0870 number that your organisation is currently used to. 0870 rebates were abolished by Ofcom in 2008 and 03 numbers are not revenue bearing towards the user.
For instance, the BBC changes its 08700100100 number to 03700100100 for those people wishing to call into its Radio 1 programmes in July 2008 and led the way in showing a responsibility towards the consumer.
0370 numbers are used for variety of purposes, including but not being restricted to: Charities and Disaster and Overseas Aid agencies. For instance, the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC.org.uk) utilises 0370 numbers for its relief campaigns
Can I call an 03 number from overseas?
This depends. It is not universally available on all telecoms carriers network and maybe subject to the individual network operators commercial / technical arrangements. Ideally, calls to 0370 numbers should not be charged at a premium to the 01/02 equivilent number as it then defeats the object of charging the same as these 01/02 numbers.
What happens if someone dials the 0870 numbers after the 0370 has been installed.
This will depend if the organisation has chosen to run both of the numbers in parallel. It still may be possible to dial the 0870 number until such point as the organisation has ceased the service.
Most organisations will then ask the caller, via way of recorded message to redial the new number. The cost of 0870 calls will be determined by the caller’s communication service provider.
Why do companies change to the new 0370 number range?
Some businesses made money from their customers by retaning some of the additional revenue.
There has been a lot of confusion over the cost of calls because some businesses have advertised them as the ‘national rate’, but in fact some consumers were getting these calls free of charge.
Ofcom commenced their review of their policy surrounding 08 numbers in 2006, with the follow up consultation in 2008. As a result, they have announced a package of measures designed to improve price transparency consumer protection.
Some operations took the opportunity at this stage to change the prefix from 0870 to 0370.
Why do some companies specifically choose an 0370 number?
Ofcom introduced UK-wide 03 numbers in 2008 as an alternative to 08 numbers such as 0870. They recommended the use of this prefix and encouraged organisations to use these numbers where they did not wish to levy an additional charge to consumers for contacting them.The new number (0370) can also be widely called from abroad.
Are 0370 numbers good for Business Start-up operations?
Most small businesses move more frequently than large businesses and therefore they may wish to continue to keep their numbers when they move, These companies are ideally suited to taking these numbers
By choosing the 0370 number organisations can move premises but continue to keep their existing number. According to national carrier, Opal Telecommunications, Businesses can save up to £18,000 in costs of re-printing business cards / Stationary, etc.
Early Adopters of 0370 numbers include:British Broadcasting Corporation - BBC
03700 100 150
