Standard landline rate numbers
| Number type: | 0343 number |
| Usage: | Non-geographic numbering |
| Call costs: | Normal landline rate |
| Introduced: | March 2007 |
| Similar numbers: | All other 03 numbers |
What are 0343 numbers?
An 0343 number is a special type of landline-rate phone number used by businesses, government bodies, the public sector and various other organisations.
Unlike traditional landline phone numbers, 0343 numbers are not linked with specific geographic locations. However, the cost to call an 0343 number within the UK is always the same as calling a normal home or business landline.
0343 number call costs
A call to an 0343 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 0343 numbers will also be included on the same basis.
| Call type | Call cost |
|---|---|
| 0343 number from a landline | Included in any applicable call packages, otherwise standard landline rates. |
| 0343 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 0343 numbers free to call?
0343 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 0343 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 03430 numbers, 03431 numbers, 03432 numbers, 03433 numbers, 03434 numbers and all other numbers that start with the digits 0343, regardless of how the number is displayed or what the following digits are.