Non Geographic Number
08 numbers are generally referred to as “NGN – non-geographic numbers” and are designed to provide increased inbound call routing functionality. Unlike traditional “normal” geographic telephone numbers they are not constrained to line capacity or the limitations of the telephone system allowing organisations to process unlimited calls
Free-phone 0800 numbers
0800 numbers are free for callers to phone and have traditionally have been used to attract new customers, although with the cost of phone calls constantly dropping and the fact that 0800 calls are not free from mobile phones, means this services is becoming less attractive, although it is without doubt that companies that adopt an 0800 numbers are perceived by the public as generally caring about their customers.
“Lo-call rate” 0844 and 0845
0845 and 0844 numbers are special “lo-call” numbers which charge the caller the standard BT lo-call rate of 4.2 pence per minute irrelevant where they are calling from in the UK. 084 numbers portray a “customer caring image” and can actually save callers money if they are calling nationally. It is well established that 084 lo-call rate numbers are good for business. Research shows that subsidising your incoming callers by charging lo-call rates increases goodwill and the likelihood of a recommendation.
0870 and 0871
0870 and 0871 numbers are charged at between 1.5 and 10 pence per minute + VAT (depending on time of day). They are referred to as national rate numbers and callers will pay the “BT national call rate” irrelevant of where they are calling from, national rate numbers have traditionally been adopted by larger companies with multiple geographic locations and call centres where the increased functionality helps deal with high volumes of calls, in many cases generous out payments are made to the owners of these type of numbers.