What’s the use of premium-rate phone numbers such as 09 numbers?

Premium-rate numbers such as 09xx are non-geographical phone numbers charging special communication rates. 

Communication rates to these phone numbers consist of a flat access charge and a per-minute service charge.

There are many different premium-rate number prefixes, corresponding to different communications charges, but the “UK Calling” act has made it simpler:

• 0800 xx numbers are now always free to call, whether called from a mobile or landline
• 084xx numbers cost a maximum of 7p in access charge and a maximum of 7p per minute to call
• 087xx numbers cost a maximum of 13p in access charge and a maximum of 13p per minute
• 09xx numbers are charged up to £6.00 in access charge and up to £3.60 per minute in service charge.

These phone numbers can be kept in the event of company relocation.

They are customisable and the exact sequence of digits can be chosen to make it easier for customers to remember.

They can be optionally free for the caller (toll-free numbers), cost the same as a local call, or charged more (actual premium-rate numbers as detailed above). In the latter case, the company which subscribes can make profits on the use of these numbers through repayments.

There is an article in our guide about premium numbers, feel free to check it!