When are calls to 0845 numbers free?

Answer 1

Numbers beginning 084x and 087x are "special services," and usually chargeable.

0845 and 0870 numbers work on a slightly different revenue system to other 084 and 087 numbers.

Ofcom stopped revenue sharing on 0870 numbers in 2009. BT expected the same to happen to 0845 numbers so went ahead and allowed both 0870 and 0845 to be used within inclusive minutes. Ofcom stepped back from cancelling revenue share for 0845 numbers, so BT subsidises the approx 2p/min revenue share on calls to 0845 numbers.

The price for 0845 numbers from landlines was tied to "local rate" before 2005. Since 2005, calls to 01 and 02 numbers are no longer charged by distance. There is a single "geographic rate". Additionally, most callers call 01 and 02 numbers for up to one hour within inclusive minutes.

"Local rate" no longer exists.

It is illegal to describe 084 numbers as "local rate".

0845 numbers cost up to 40p/min from mobiles.

From landlines they cost up to 10p/min or many be usable within inclusive calls at certain times, depending on call package.

Businesses should be moving to 0345 numbers to ensure their customers pay no more than they would for calling 01 and 02 numbers. The Consumer Rights Directive will force this move in 2014.

Answer 2

Not in the United Kingdom. All numbers beginning with '084' and '087' are charged as special rates, usually above a normal landline call cost.

Usually, freephone numbers in the UK begin with 0800 or 0808.

Other numbers that are usually free include:

1. 0500 numbers - old freephone numbers still used by some organisations

2. Europe-wide helplines beginning with '116' - such as 116123 used for Samaritans in the UK or 116111 for Childline UK

Answer 3

0845 numbers are non-geographic and not usually covered by mobile phone contract inclusive minutes. BT line holders can typically call these numbers for free at the weekends, depending on their call plan. Some may also be able to call during the evening for free.

Answer 4

In most countries that have 0800 as a prefix, it is used for toll-free numbers. There is usually no charge to call an 0800 number from a landline, although airtime charges may still apply for calls from mobile phones.

Answer 5

No, in the UK, 080x numbers are toll-free. 084x numbers can cost up to 6.2p/minute.