Landline

Crack the code and you’ll be in the know…

Ever noticed that there’s a pattern to phone numbers? Call from your home phone to a mate’s home phone and your numbers will start in the same way if you live in the same town. In fact, maybe all your mates have numbers that start in exactly the same way. If you are in the same area you have the same area code.

There are all sorts of codes for home phones all over the country. London = ‘020’ but Leeds = ‘0113’. The important code to remember is ‘09’ when you see this it means your call will cost more than a normal area to area call (plus any network charges).

What does the code mean to you and your money?

If you are calling from a landline then...

• Most expensive = 09
  Name = premium rate
  Cost = 10p - £1.50 per minute
  
• Next expensive = 087
  Cost = up to 10p per minute
  
• Then = 0845
  Cost = up to 5p per minute
  
• Cheapest = 080
  Name = Freephone
  Cost = free
  
• 0800REVERSE
  This starts 080 and is free to dial but the person getting your call will have to pay. It costs £3.48 for the connection and then it will cost 50p per minute from a landline or 60p per minute from a mobile. If you can't get through to someone and leave a message on an answerphone, this will cost £2.34.
  
• BUT with all codes (even 080)
  network charges may apply and call costs can vary depending on network

If you are calling from a mobile then...

• You will probably need to pay extra to call any number starting 09, 087, 0845 or 080. Always check with your phone company to know what you get. 

This website is about services that use 09 numbers. If you remember the codes and how much each code means then you will be able to decide how you want to spend your money.

Who uses 09?
Lots of companies use ‘09’ numbers – like TV votelines (e.g. Strictly Come Dancing, X Factor or Big Brother), competitions (e.g. Deal or No Deal), computer helplines, recorded information (e.g. weather or traffic updates) and even children's TV shows.
It's okay to use these numbers as long as they tell you the exact price and you ask permission from the person who pays the phone bill first!

Asked to call 09?
If you get a text message/voice message/card from a company you don’t know telling you to call an 09 number then beware! They may say that you have won a prize or have something wonderful waiting for you but calling 09 to claim it will cost you money. If it looks too good to be true then it probably is and it’s best to ignore it!

Not 100% sure?
If there is no price or if you’re not sure, avoid it! Phone companies know what numbers you’ve dialled and it’s your responsibility to check what you’re getting. By calling you are agreeing to pay so you will have to face the bill!

Words you don’t understand?
Follow this link to our jargon buster dictionary…

Need help?
Follow this link to find the answer to your question…

Use your phonebrain to stay in control!