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UK Calling Charges

What's UK calling?

It's the name for the changes that make the cost of calling service numbers clearer - that's numbers starting 08, 09 and 118.

What's changed, and why?

The cost of calling service numbers - that's numbers starting 084, 087, 09 and 118 - is now clearer. These numbers are used for everything from finding out information to banking, directory enquiries and entertainment services.

The call charges for these numbers can be confusing. So, from 1 July 2015, the costs were split into:

  • An access charge - the amount we charge you, per minute, for connecting the call (55p a minute, minimum charge 55p)
  • A service charge - the amount the organisation you're calling charge for the call


The overall cost of the call is the two charges added together.

How can I find the cost of calls to service numbers before I call them?

The service charge should be shown wherever you see the service number.

Our access charge is set at 55p a minute, minimum charge 55p.

The total cost of the call is the service charge plus the access charge. If you call a service number, you'll see both the service charge and the access charge on your bill.

Find out more about call charges for pay monthly or call charges for pay as you go.

Will 0500 numbers become free to call from mobiles?

No, 0500 numbers aren't part of these changes and calls from mobiles to these numbers may still be charged for. Ofcom has decided the 0500 number range will be withdrawn in 2017.

See Ofcom for more information on UK Calling.

Frequently asked questions

On 1 July 2015. 

Yes, the service charge is set by the organisation you're calling, not the telephone provider.

Yes, but not to the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.

Companies and organisations that provide services using 084, 087, 09 or 118 numbers will have to make sure the service charge is clearly shown close to the telephone number wherever they promote the service.

The organisation you're calling and the phone company that's connecting your call. After the UK Calling charges, you'll be able to see how much money is going to your phone company (the access charge), and how much goes to the organisation you're calling (the service charge).