In the UK, telephone numbers come in a variety of prefixes, each with a specific purpose and cost structure. Understanding the differences between these prefixes can help you avoid unexpected call charges, whether you're running a business or managing your personal telephone usage. In this guide, we focus on standard geographic numbers with the prefixes 01 and 02. These are typically assigned to landlines in specific locations across the UK and are widely used for both business and personal communication.
Geographic Numbers: 01 and 02 Prefixes
Geographic numbers, commonly referred to as "landline numbers," are a staple of the UK's telephone numbering system. Recognisable by their 01 and 02 prefixes, these numbers are tied to specific geographic locations and provide a reliable means of communication for both individuals and businesses. Each prefix corresponds to an area code that signifies a particular region or city within the UK, such as:
- London - 020
- Manchester - 0161
- Glasgow - 0141
- Birmingham - 0121
- Bristol - 0117
These numbers are widely used for homes, offices, and local businesses and remain one of the most common ways to reach organisations and individuals.
The Purpose of 01 and 02 Numbers
The geographic nature of these numbers means they are location-specific. When dialled, they help connect callers to a specific region within the UK, providing a sense of locality and trust. Many small and medium-sized businesses use them to create a familiar presence within a particular community.
These numbers are especially valuable for businesses that want to be recognised as local, even if they operate nationwide.
Cost of Calling 01 and 02 Numbers
The cost of calling this type of number is relatively straightforward and generally affordable. They are classed as standard rate, meaning they are charged at a non-premium levels.
Here's what you need to know:
Cost from a UK Landline
- Calls to 01 and 02 numbers are typically included in bundled minutes or call packages offered by most UK landline providers, such as BT, Virgin Media, and Sky.
- Outside of these bundled packages, the cost to call 01 and 02 numbers typically ranges from 10p to 16p per minute. Some providers also apply a 23p call set-up fee, also known as a 'connection charge'.
Cost from a Mobile Phone
- Similar to landline providers, mobile networks like EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three often include calls to 01 and 02 numbers in monthly call allowances or pay-as-you-go plans.
- If these calls fall outside of your included minutes, the cost can vary significantly depending on your provider. Rates typically range from 3p to 65p per minute, with higher charges applied by certain providers.
- As with landlines, mobile providers may also apply a connection fee for calls outside of your bundle.
International Calls to 01 and 02 Numbers
If you're calling a UK geographic number from abroad, charges will depend on your international calling plan. Many providers offer international packages that include calls to UK landlines, but standard rates may apply outside these packages, ranging from £0.05 to £2 per minute, depending on the country and carrier.
Are 01 and 02 Numbers Premium Rate?
No, 01 and 02 numbers are not premium rate numbers. They are standard-rate numbers, meaning they are charged at the same rate as regular domestic calls and are not subject to the high fees associated with premium-rate services like 084, 087, or 09 numbers.
Because these numbers are so commonly included in inclusive call bundles, most individuals and businesses won't incur additional costs for calling 01 and 02 numbers as long as they stay within their call allowances.
Benefits of Using 01 and 02 Numbers
For both individuals and businesses, 01 and 02 numbers offer several advantages:
- Affordability: The low cost of calling these numbers ensures they are accessible to everyone, even outside of bundled packages.
- Trustworthiness: For businesses, using a local 01 or 02 number conveys a sense of being established and connected to the community. Customers are more likely to trust a business that uses a familiar geographic code.
- Wide Availability: Geographic numbers are easily obtainable, and businesses can select an area code that aligns with their target market.
- Inclusivity: These numbers are widely included in mobile and landline call plans, reducing the financial burden on callers.
Additional Information: All 01 and 02 Prefixes
To understand the geographic scope of these numbers, here is a brief overview of some commonly used telephone area codes in the UK:
| Location and Telephone Area Code | Business Landscape |
| London (020) | A global financial hub and the heart of the UK's business activity, London boasts a diverse economy ranging from finance and tech to creative industries. |
| Birmingham (0121) | Known as the UK's second city, Birmingham has a thriving manufacturing base alongside growing sectors in finance, tech, and professional services. |
| Glasgow (0141) | Scotland's largest city, Glasgow is a centre for innovation, with strong industries in finance, technology, and the creative arts. |
| Liverpool (0151) | With a rich maritime history, Liverpool is now a hub for digital innovation, tourism, and creative industries. |
| Manchester (0161) | Renowned for its media, tech, and cultural sectors, Manchester is one of the UK's fastest-growing business cities. |
| Edinburgh (0131) | Scotland's capital is a powerhouse for financial services, alongside a vibrant tourism and technology sector. |
| Bristol (0117) | A leading city for aerospace, technology, and the creative industries, Bristol offers a strong business ecosystem for innovation. |
| Leeds (0113) | A financial and legal services centre, Leeds is also a growing hub for digital and healthcare innovation. |
| Sheffield (0114) | Once synonymous with steel production, Sheffield is now home to advanced manufacturing and a burgeoning digital sector. |
| Newcastle (0191) | Known for its industrial heritage, Newcastle is now a hotspot for tech start-ups, life sciences, and digital innovation. |
| Nottingham (0115) | With a strong heritage in textiles, Nottingham is now a growing hub for retail, tech, and creative businesses. |
| Cardiff (029) | Wales' capital city, Cardiff, is a centre for media production, professional services, and tourism. |
| Belfast (028) | Northern Ireland's capital is thriving in fintech, cybersecurity, and creative industries. |
| Coventry (024) | A key city for the UK automotive industry, Coventry also has growing sectors in engineering and tech. |
| Portsmouth & Southampton (023) |
These port cities have strong maritime and logistics industries, alongside thriving tourism and tech sectors. |
| Plymouth (01752) | Known for its naval history, Plymouth also boasts a growing marine tech and advanced manufacturing sector. |
| Wolverhampton (01902) | A key player in the West Midlands’ manufacturing and aerospace industries, with growing investment in business services. |
| Derby (01332) | Home to major aerospace and rail engineering industries, Derby has a strong advanced manufacturing focus. |
| Swansea (01792) | A coastal city with strengths in tech innovation, tourism, and renewable energy development. |
| Leicester (0116) | Known for its diversity and innovation, Leicester is a hub for textiles, space technology, and professional services. |
These prefixes are assigned based on specific geographic areas, but modern telephone systems allow businesses to choose a geographic number for marketing purposes, even if they don't have a physical presence in the area.
Regulatory Oversight
Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, oversees the use and pricing of 01 and 02 numbers to ensure they remain affordable and accessible to the public. By maintaining this affordability, Ofcom ensures that geographic numbers continue serving as a cost-effective communication tool for individuals and businesses.
For businesses, offering an 01 or 02 number is an excellent way to encourage customer trust and reduce barriers to contact. Since these numbers are associated with low costs, they help to create a positive customer experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're thinking about using 01 and 02 numbers for personal or business use, it's important to understand how they work and the benefits they offer. Below, we’ve answered the most common questions to help you decide if these local landline numbers are right for you.
- What are 01 and 02 numbers?
01 and 02 numbers are geographic landline telephone numbers in the UK. They are associated with specific regions or cities, making them easily recognisable as local or regional numbers. For example, the 020 prefix is for London, while 0161 is for Manchester. - Are calls to 01 and 02 numbers free?
Calls are not free by default. However, many phone providers include these numbers in bundled minutes for both landline and mobile plans. Bundled minutes refer to a certain number of minutes included in your plan without additional charges. Calls are charged at standard local or national rates if you exceed your allowance or don't have a bundle. - Can 01 and 02 numbers be called from abroad?
Yes. International callers must use the UK country code (+44) and omit the initial '0' from the number. For example, a call to 0115 905 8156 from outside the UK would be dialled as +44 115 905 8156. Charges depend on the caller's telecom provider. - What are the benefits of using 01 and 02 numbers for businesses?
• Local Trust: Businesses using a local area code can build trust with customers in that region.
• Cost-Effectiveness: They are often cheaper to call compared to non-geographic or premium-rate numbers.
• Flexibility: Businesses can use virtual landline services to redirect calls to other numbers, including mobiles and outsourced telephone answering services. - Can 01 and 02 numbers be used for VoIP services?
Yes, many VoIP providers offer these numbers to give businesses and individuals a local presence. These numbers function like traditional landlines but use internet-based technology for calls. - Are 01 and 02 numbers suitable for residential use?
Yes, they are widely used for residential purposes. Homeowners often use these numbers for landline services provided by telecom companies such as BT, Virgin Media, and Sky. - Are 01 and 02 numbers portable?
Yes, they are portable between providers. This means businesses and individuals can retain their numbers even if they switch telecom providers, ensuring continuity for customers and contacts. Our guide breaks the process down for you: ‘Guide to Number Porting and PAC Codes’ - How do 01 and 02 numbers compare to 03 numbers?
While 01 and 02 numbers are tied to specific geographic locations, 03 numbers are non-geographic and charged at the same rate as local calls. Businesses looking for a national presence often choose 03 numbers, while 01 and 02 numbers are ideal for maintaining a local image.
If you’re a business aiming to boost customer satisfaction and make it easier for your customers to get in touch, adopting a geographic 01 or 02 number could be the perfect solution.
Visit our Virtual Telephone Numbers page to explore how Numbers4u can support your business. For further information about 01 and 02 numbers, you can also visit Ofcom's official website or speak directly with our friendly team to discuss your specific number requirements.
Further Reading
In the UK, telephone numbers have different prefixes, each serving a specific purpose with varying cost structures. Understanding these prefixes can help you manage your calling costs for business or personal use. Our guides below break down which UK number prefixes are free, which are premium rate, and the typical costs when calling from landlines or mobiles.
