What are 03 numbers?

Published: 13 September 2016

Smiling_phoneYou have probably seen them around but what are 03 numbers and how much do they cost?

Ofcom introduced UK-wide 03 numbers as an alternative to chargeable 08 numbers, such as 0870.

These numbers allow organisations to have a single national point of contact without consumers having to pay extra to call them.

Revenue sharing

Calls to 03 numbers cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and must count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls.

These rules apply to calls from any type of line including mobile, BT, other fixed line or payphone.

Revenue sharing – where the dialled party can receive a share of what the consumer pays to make a call – is also not allowed on calls to 03 numbers.

Read Ofcom's guide to call costs

Ofcom numbers

At Ofcom we have a range of 03 numbers which you can call if you need to get in touch with us.


Ofcom 03 numbers

Ofcom licensing centre0300 123 1000
Ofcom switchboard0300 123 3000
Ofcom advisory team0300 123 3333
Ofcom Welsh language line0300 123 2023

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