Standard landline rate numbers
| Number type: | 0303 number |
| Usage: | Non-geographic numbering for public services and charities |
| Call costs: | Normal landline rate |
| Introduced: | March 2007 |
| Similar numbers: | All other 03 numbers |
What are 0303 numbers?
An 0303 number is a special type of landline-rate phone number used by government bodies, the public sector, charities and not-for-profit organisations.
Unlike traditional landline phone numbers, 0303 numbers are not linked with specific geographic locations. However, the cost to call an 0303 number within the UK is always the same as calling a normal home or business landline.
0303 number call costs
A call to an 0303 number costs the same as a call to a normal home or business landline.
All numbers that start with 03 are charged at the same rate as standard landline numbers that start with ’01’ or ’02’. If your phone tariff offers inclusive calls to landlines, calls to 0303 numbers will also be included on the same basis.
| Call type | Call cost |
|---|---|
| 0303 number from a landline | Included in any applicable call packages, otherwise standard landline rates. |
| 0303 number from a mobile | Included in talktime and bundled minutes, otherwise standard landline rates. |
Telecoms regulator Ofcom specifically prohibits phone companies from charging more to call an 03 number than a standard landline, as detailed in their call costs guide.
Are 0303 numbers free to call?
0303 numbers are not the same as freephone 0800 and 0808 numbers, but they can be called at no extra charge on many phone tariffs.
If your phone tariff offers free calls to landlines at certain times of day, or has inclusive calls or bundled minutes that cover calls to landline numbers, calls to 0303 numbers (and all other 03 numbers) will be included in these deals on the exact same basis.
All ‘03 numbers‘ work in the same way and are charged at the same rate. This includes 03030 numbers, 03031 numbers, 03033 numbers, 03034 numbers and all other numbers that start with the digits 0303, regardless of how the number is displayed or what the following digits are.