© Copyright 2011 Commutech.       Disclaimer

Which Number?

Business Numbers

Business numbers let you receive calls on your landline and your caller pays a lower rate than for Personal numbers. These numbers are usually used as the main contact number for business, administration centres and any application where there is a need for a permanent number.
If you have multiple branches and departments you can use an auto attendant service to route callers to the relevant department or branch, this can be a standard landline, mobile or another business number.  

BUSINESS 0844 NUMBERS

0844 business numbers are ideal for business. They can be diverted to any UK landline plus some international destinations (depending upon provider) and the main uk mobile networks all at no cost to you. They also have the added advantage of having lower calling costs than 070 and 0871 numbers, but the exact rate will depend on your phone line or mobile supplier.

0844 numbers are lightly regulated by Ofcom, as the BT rate is 5p per minute or lower. There is no need to publish call price warnings to consumers.

BUSINESS 0845 NUMBERS

0845 is the traditional "Lo-Call" Business number and is usually cheaper to call than 0844 and 0871 numbers and is now included in many free call bundles, including BT.
The professional 0845 number range has been established for many years, so it is well known and widely available from overseas. 0845 virtual numbers deliver cheap international calling and to UK mobiles.
Due to the low cost to call 0845 numbers you do have to pay forwarding charges.

BUSINESS NATIONAL 0870 NUMBERS

Suitable for national and international outbound and inbound business. However, 0870 can now be diverted to all the destinations of an 070 number including any UK landline or "big five" mobile networks, plus most international destinations (depending upon provider). A charged depending upon the destination is usually made.

0870 numbers are now including in BT's call bundles, so can cost no more than ordinary 01 & 02 numbers. Ofcom expects other fixed and mobile network operators to do the same.

BUSINESS 0871 NUMBERS

0871 Business numbers are ideal for national and international business and can diverted to any UK landline or "big five " mobile networks, plus some international destinations (depending upon provider) , all at no cost to you.  
They also have the added advantage of having lower calling costs than with Personal numbers, but the exact rate will depend on your phone line or mobile supplier.

However, from the 1st August, 2009, Ofcom has decided that 0871 numbers should be treated like a type of premium rate number and they should be regulated by Phonepayplus.

UK WIDE 03 NUMBERS

UK wide numbers are prefixed with 03 and are suitable for national and international outbound and inbound business.

03 numbers can be diverted to all the destinations of an 070 number including any UK landline or "big five" mobile networks, plus most international destinations (depending upon provider).
Forwarded calls are usually charged depending upon provider and destination.
03 numbers are included in BT's call bundles, so can cost no more than ordinary 01 & 02 numbers to call especially from mobiles.
According to Ofcom, in 2011 there will be more calls from mobiles than landlines. For the first time in history.
03 numbers are becoming increasingly more popular as an alternative to 0800 numbers because although a 0800 is free to call from a landline most mobile operators charge upto 20p per minute. In addition to this 03 numbers  are much cheaper to run than 0800.

LOCAL PROVINCIAL (GEOGRAPHIC) NUMBERS 01 AND 02

Suitable for national and international outbound and inbound business.

01 and 02 can be diverted to all the destinations of an 070 number including any UK landline or "big five" mobile networks, plus most international destinations (depending upon provider).
Forwarded calls are usually charged depending upon provider and destination.
01 and 02 numbers are included in BT's call bundles, so can cost no more than ordinary 01 & 02 numbers.

LONDON (GEOGRAPHIC) NUMBERS 02

Suitable for national and international outbound and inbound business.

Offer the same as local provincial numbers above but have London specific area codes.

Personal Numbers

Personal numbers let you receive calls on your mobile phone at no cost to you, to most destinations worldwide. It is ideal for people on the road or for taking out-of-hours calls, where contacting you on a mobile is vital. Your callers pay a higher rate for the call.
Personal numbers have the prefix 070. They are the most powerful in our range and can be diverted, free of charge, to any UK landline or "big five" mobile networks, plus most international destination.

070 Personal Numbers can only be used within the Ofcom's Personal Numbering acceptable use policy. You are responsible for ensuring you do this. Your number may be disconnected without notice if you appear not to comply or if the provider suspects fraud or deception.