What are 0845 numbers? Everything you need to Know

0845 numbers have been a common feature in UK telecommunications for many years. They’ve offered businesses a unique way to communicate with their customers. 

But what exactly are these numbers, and why do they matter?

In this blog, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about 0845 numbers—from their features and costs to their role in business communication—to help you decide if they’re the right fit for your organization.

What are 0845 Numbers?

An 0845 number is a type of non-geographic telephone number used in the United Kingdom. Unlike standard landline numbers, 0845 numbers do not indicate the caller’s or recipient’s location. 0845 numbers are inbound-only.

These numbers are not tied to a specific location, making them ideal for businesses and organizations that want to establish a national presence without being associated with a particular region.

Calls to 0845 numbers usually incur a per-minute charge, which varies depending on the caller’s provider and the time of the call. Businesses typically pay to receive calls on 0845 numbers, with the cost depending on their telecom provider.

Who are these numbers for?

As 0845 numbers are inbound, no outbound calls can be made from them — which is why most companies use them. The most popular users of 0845 numbers are:

• Utility companies
• Delivery tracking services
• Event or ticket booking terminals
• Travel and transport services
• Government services or local councils

0845 numbers are typically used when additional funding is needed. For example, in delivery tracking services and booking terminals, the extra charge helps cover the cost of the operator. The same applies to support lines, where the additional fee contributes to paying support staff.

These numbers are intended solely for commercial use; they are not permitted for customer service purposes.

In 2013, the UK government announced plans to end the use of expensive premium-rate numbers, including 084 and 087 numbers, for customer service lines. This decision aimed to protect consumers from high call charges when contacting businesses, airlines, train operators, and major retailers.

By June 2015, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) had withdrawn all 0845 helpline numbers. They were replaced with 03 numbers, which are charged at standard geographic rates.

Benefits of 0845 Numbers 

1. Neutral Location: Unlike local numbers, 0845 numbers are not tied to any specific geographic area. This allows your business to maintain a national presence, helping you appeal to a broader audience and avoid alienating potential customers based on location.
2. Re-Routing Flexibility: One of the biggest advantages of 0845 numbers is their ability to be re-routed to different locations. If your business moves or expands internationally, your 0845 number can move with you, ensuring continuity in communication without changing the contact number.
3. Strengthens Company Image: Adopting an 0845 number can give the impression that your business is larger or more established than it may actually be. This can enhance your credibility and help your company appear more professional to customers.
4. Attracts Genuine Callers: The cost associated with calling an 0845 number can act as a filter to discourage time-wasters or non-serious inquiries. As a result, you’re more likely to receive calls from customers with genuine, urgent needs. This helps increase the quality of your leads.
5. Additional Income Source: While unlikely to generate revenue to a significant scale, 0845 numbers can generate a small income through service charges paid by callers. 

How 0845 Numbers Work

Calls made to 0845 numbers are routed to a designated landline or mobile phone. Businesses can leverage advanced features such as:

• Time-based routing
• Call recording
• Voicemail-to-email
• Automated IVR systems

Setup Process for Acquiring an 0845 Number

1. Choose a telecom provider.
2. Select the desired features and plan.
3. Register your number.
4. Integrate the number into your phone system.

0845 numbers are portable. That means businesses can retain the same number when switching providers or relocating. This ensures continuity and consistency for customers.

Costs Associated with 0845 Numbers

1. Initial Setup Costs for Businesses:

Setting up an 0845 number typically involves:

• Setup Fees: Some providers offer promotional rates, with setup costs starting from £9.95.
• Monthly Rental: Ongoing charges can vary, with some providers offering numbers at £5 per month.

2. Call Charges for Customers

Calls to 0845 numbers consist of two components:

• Access Charge: This is the amount your phone company charges per minute. For example, British Telecommunications (BT’s) access charge ranges from 0p to 31.41p per minute, depending on the call plan.
• Service Charge: Set by the business, this charge can be up to 7p per minute. The total cost to the caller is the sum of the access and service charges.

For callers, the total cost is the sum of the access charge and the service charge.

For instance, if a caller uses BT with an access charge of 10p per minute and the business sets a service charge of 5p per minute, the total cost to the caller is 15p per minute.

3. Call Charges for Businesses

Businesses are typically charged a portion of the service charge, which is shared with the phone company. The premium rates depend on the agreement with the service provider.

4. Comparison with Other Number Types

Number TypeCaller Cost (Landline)Caller Cost (MobileBusiness Cost per MinuteCommon Uses0845Access Charge + Service ChargeAccess Charge + Service ChargeShared between business and providerSales0800FreeFreeHigher monthly rental feesCustomer service, helplines03xxStandard rateStandard rateLower monthly rental feesCustomer service, helplines

How 0845 Numbers Can Improve Business Communication

Here’s how these numbers enhance business communication:

Neutral Location

Unlike local numbers, 0845 numbers are not tied to a specific geographic area. This neutrality allows businesses to maintain a national presence and appeal to a broader audience without alienating potential customers based on location.

Portability and Flexibility

Once acquired, an 0845 number belongs to your business indefinitely. You can route calls to different geographic locations, including international ones like the US. This ensures continuity in business communication, even if your business relocates.

Enhanced Professional Image

0845 numbers can project the image of a larger, more established organization. Regardless of the actual size of your business, this perception can build trust and credibility with customers.

Genuine Inquiries

The associated costs of calling an 0845 number tend to discourage casual inquiries. This attracts only serious customers with genuine and urgent needs. So, it can save time and improve the efficiency of customer interactions.

Cost Recovery

While they are unlikely to generate revenue on a large scale, the service charge tied to 0845 numbers helps to compensate for operational expenses, such as staff wages. This can be an added financial benefit for businesses.

International Calling with 0845 Numbers: Benefits and Costs

0845 numbers are an excellent choice for businesses looking to include international calling and boost their global communication strategy. With the ability of call forwarding to any location worldwide, these numbers provide great geographic flexibility. Businesses can maintain a consistent and professional business image regardless of where they operate.

Additionally, the built-in cost recovery feature helps cover expenses like call handling. This makes it a practical solution for managing client communication. 

By adopting an 0845 number, businesses can 

• boost their credibility
• simplify customer interactions
• establish a strong presence in international markets

📝Note: If someone is making calls to the UK on 0845 numbers from abroad, they may incur international calling charges set by their telecom provider. This charge is in addition to the standard service charge associated with 0845 numbers.

Should You Choose an 0845 Number?

While 0845 numbers once held significant appeal, they have become increasingly unpopular in recent years. The changes in 2014 regarding the status of customer service numbers made 0845 numbers more expensive for callers, leading many reputable businesses to abandon this prefix.

The 0845 prefix has also been linked to scams. In some cases, customers were charged large fees for calls they never made. This damaged the reputation of 0845 numbers and made it harder for businesses to build trust with customers and enhance customer calls.

While 0845 numbers were popular in the past, their usage has declined due to the introduction of other number ranges like 0800, 0808, and 03xx numbers, which often have lower costs for callers and are more transparent.

FAQs

Are 0845 numbers free to call?

No, there are charges for calls on 0845 numbers. Callers are charged both an access fee (determined by their phone provider) and a service charge, which is set by the organization that owns the 0845 number. 

Can I switch providers and keep my 0845 number?

Yes, 0845 numbers are portable, meaning you can retain your number even if you decide to switch telecom providers. 

Are 0845 numbers suitable for small businesses?

Yes, 0845 numbers can be suitable for small businesses, especially those looking to establish a national presence. However, the associated costs for callers might deter some potential customers, so businesses should carefully weigh this factor.

How can I verify the legitimacy of an 0845 number?

To confirm whether an 0845 number is legitimate, visit the organization’s official website to find contact details that match the number in question. This can help avoid falling victim to scams associated with fraudulent 0845 numbers.

 What’s the main difference between 0845 and 0800 numbers?

The most significant difference is cost. 0800 numbers are free for callers, making them more customer-friendly and widely trusted. On the other hand, 0845 numbers involve charges for both the caller (through access and service fees) and, in some cases, the business. 

 What are the costs associated with using an 0845 number for international call forwarding?

When businesses use an 0845 number to forward calls internationally, they may need to pay extra charges for rerouting the call to the intended destination. Actual costs may vary depending on the location and providers.