The 0800 prefix is one of the most recognised phone number formats in the UK. It means one thing to callers: “this call is free.” Since Ofcom made 0800 numbers free from mobiles in 2015, freephone numbers have become even more attractive for businesses looking to remove every barrier between their customers and their phone line. This guide explains how 0800 freephone numbers work, what they cost for businesses, and whether one is right for your organisation.
What Is an 0800 Number?
An 0800 number is a UK freephone number. The caller pays nothing — the cost of the call is borne entirely by the business or organisation that owns the number. This applies to calls from all UK mobiles, landlines, and payphones.
0800 numbers are non-geographic, meaning they are not linked to any city or region. A business in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh can all have an 0800 number — it gives a national, professional presence without revealing location.
The 0800 range also includes longer 0808 numbers, which work identically. Many charity helplines use 0808 (for example, the Samaritans’ additional line at 0808 164 0123). From the caller’s perspective, 0800 and 0808 are both completely free.
Are 0800 Numbers Free from Mobiles?
Yes. Since 1 July 2015, all calls to 0800 and 0808 numbers are free from UK mobile phones. Before this date, mobile networks could charge callers for dialling 0800 numbers — a situation Ofcom described as “confusing and unfair.” The rule change means that “freephone means free” regardless of whether you call from a mobile, a landline, or a public payphone.
This applies to all major UK mobile networks: EE, Vodafone, Three, O2, Sky Mobile, BT Mobile, Tesco Mobile, giffgaff, and all MVNOs operating on UK networks.
How Much Do 0800 Numbers Cost for Businesses?
While 0800 calls are free for callers, the business receiving the calls pays a per-minute rate. The exact cost depends on your telecoms provider and the volume of calls you receive:
- Calls from UK landlines: Typically 2–5p per minute
- Calls from UK mobiles: Typically 7–15p per minute (higher because the business covers the mobile termination cost)
- Monthly number rental: Usually £2–£10 per month depending on the provider
For businesses that receive high call volumes, these costs can add up. However, many businesses find that the increase in call volume and conversion rate more than offsets the per-minute cost. A customer who can call for free is significantly more likely to pick up the phone than one facing potential charges.
Get a freephone 0800 number for your business — plans from £12/user/month
Benefits of an 0800 Number for Business
Freephone numbers offer several advantages that go beyond simply removing call costs:
- Higher call volumes: Removing the cost barrier means more customers will call. Studies consistently show that freephone numbers generate more inbound calls than geographic or 03 numbers
- Professional image: An 0800 number signals that your business is established, customer-focused, and willing to invest in accessibility
- National presence: Unlike 01/02 geographic numbers, 0800 doesn’t tie you to a specific location — ideal for businesses serving customers across the UK
- Better conversion rates: For sales-oriented businesses, the ease of a free call directly improves lead generation and conversion
- Customer trust: Callers associate freephone numbers with legitimate, reputable businesses. It can help build confidence, particularly for online businesses
- Memorable numbers: 0800 numbers are available in memorable patterns (e.g., 0800 123 4567) which are easier for customers to recall from advertising
0800 vs 0333: Which Should Your Business Choose?
The choice between 0800 (freephone) and 0333 (geographic rate) depends on your business model:
- Choose 0800 if: You want maximum inbound call volume, you’re running advertising campaigns where a free-to-call number will boost response, your target customers may hesitate to call if there’s any cost, or you’re a service business where every call is a potential sale
- Choose 0333 if: You want a cost-effective national number without paying per-minute for inbound calls, most of your customers have mobile plans with inclusive minutes (making 0333 effectively free anyway), or you receive very high call volumes where the per-minute 0800 cost would be prohibitive
Many businesses use both: an 0800 number for sales and customer acquisition, and a 0333 number for existing customer support.
How to Get an 0800 Number
Getting an 0800 freephone number is quick and straightforward with a modern VoIP provider:
- Choose a hosted VoIP provider:Hypercloud from Connection Technologies offers 0800 numbers as part of hosted phone system plans from £12 per user per month
- Select your number: Browse available 0800 numbers, including memorable gold numbers where available
- Set up call routing: Route 0800 calls to desk phones, mobiles, ring groups, or an auto-attendant
- Go live: Your 0800 number can be active within 24–48 hours
- Port an existing number: Already have an 0800 number? Port it to your new VoIP system in 5–10 working days
0800 Numbers and International Callers
0800 numbers are only guaranteed free for callers within the UK. International callers dialling +44 800 may be charged by their local phone provider. If you have significant international customers, consider providing a geographic UK number (+44 20, +44 121, etc.) as an alternative for overseas callers.
Ready for a freephone number? Get your 0800 set up in 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Since 1 July 2015, all calls to 0800 and 0808 numbers are completely free from all UK mobile phones, landlines, and payphones. This applies to every UK mobile network including EE, Vodafone, Three, O2, and all MVNOs.
Businesses pay a per-minute rate for inbound calls to their 0800 number — typically 2–5p per minute from landlines and 7–15p per minute from mobiles. There’s usually a monthly rental fee of £2–£10. The total cost depends on your call volume and provider.
0800 and 0808 are both freephone number ranges. They work identically — both are completely free for callers from all UK phones. The difference is simply in the prefix digits. Many charity helplines and support services use 0808 numbers.
You can attempt to call UK 0800 numbers from abroad by dialling +44 800 followed by the number. However, the call may not be free — your international provider may charge their standard rate for calling a UK number. Some 0800 numbers may not accept international calls at all. Check with the organisation or try their geographic number instead.
It depends on your business model. If inbound phone calls are a primary source of leads or sales, an 0800 number can significantly boost call volumes and conversion rates — the per-minute cost is often outweighed by the extra business generated. If calls are mainly from existing customers with mobile plans (where 0333 is already free from their bundled minutes), a 0333 number may be more cost-effective.
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