If you’ve ever dialled a number starting with 0845 and been surprised by the cost on your bill, you’re not alone. Once one of the most common business phone number prefixes in the UK, 0845 numbers have become controversial since Ofcom reformed non-geographic call charges in 2015. This guide explains exactly what 0845 numbers are, what they cost to call in 2026, and why most businesses have switched to cheaper alternatives like 0333 or 03 numbers.
What Is an 0845 Number?
An 0845 number is a UK non-geographic telephone number — meaning it is not tied to any specific town, city, or region. Unlike geographic numbers that begin with 01 or 02 (such as 0121 for Birmingham or 020 for London), an 0845 number gives no indication of where the business receiving the call is located.
0845 numbers were originally introduced as “lo-call” or “local rate” numbers, meaning the caller would pay the same rate as a local call regardless of where they were calling from within the UK. This made them hugely popular with businesses, government departments, and call centres throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
Historically, the business receiving calls on an 0845 number also earned a small revenue share — a few pence per minute — from each inbound call. This “revenue sharing” model was a key incentive for businesses to adopt 0845 numbers.
How Much Does It Cost to Call 0845 Numbers in 2026?
Since Ofcom’s non-geographic call reforms took effect on 1 July 2015, the cost of calling 0845 numbers changed significantly. Calls to 0845 numbers are now charged at two separate rates combined together:
- Service charge: Up to 7p per minute, set by the organisation you’re calling
- Access charge: Set by your phone provider — typically 10–65p per minute from a mobile
This means a call to an 0845 number from a mobile could cost up to 72p per minute — far more than calling a geographic 01/02 number, which is usually included in your bundled minutes.
Need a business number that’s free for your customers to call?
0845 Call Costs by Provider
The access charge varies by network. Here’s what the major UK providers charge per minute to call 0845 numbers (on top of the service charge):
- EE mobile: 65p per minute access charge
- Vodafone mobile: 55p per minute access charge
- Three mobile: 65p per minute access charge
- O2 mobile: 55p per minute access charge
- BT landline: Usually included in call packages or charged at up to 12p per minute
- Sky landline: Typically included in talk packages
Crucially, 0845 numbers are not included in mobile inclusive minutes. Even if you have unlimited calls on your mobile plan, calling an 0845 number will be charged separately.
Why Did 0845 Numbers Become Expensive?
Before Ofcom’s 2015 reforms, 0845 numbers were genuinely cheap to call from BT landlines — just the cost of a local call. However, mobile networks were never required to charge the same rate. As mobile usage overtook landline usage in the UK, more and more people were calling 0845 numbers from mobiles and paying significantly more than they expected.
Ofcom’s reforms aimed to bring transparency. The “unbundled tariff” system now forces providers to clearly separate the access charge (which goes to your phone company) from the service charge (which goes to the business you’re calling). While this improved transparency, it also exposed just how expensive these calls had become from mobile phones.
Are 0845 Numbers Still Used by UK Businesses?
Yes, but far fewer than before. The combination of high mobile call costs and growing public awareness has driven most businesses away from 0845 numbers. According to Ofcom research, the number of organisations using 0845 numbers has declined significantly since 2015.
You may still encounter 0845 numbers used by:
- Older legacy systems that haven’t been updated
- Some government helplines (though many have migrated to 0345 or 03 numbers)
- Insurance claims lines and technical support desks
- Small businesses unaware of cheaper alternatives
What Are the Alternatives to 0845 Numbers?
If you’re a UK business looking for a non-geographic phone number, there are several better options available in 2026:
- 0333 numbers: The most popular replacement. Calls to 0333 numbers cost the same as calling an 01 or 02 geographic number, and they’re included in mobile inclusive minutes bundles. Read our full 0333 guide
- 0345 numbers: Another local-rate alternative. Like 0333, calls to 0345 are charged at geographic rates and are included in bundled minutes. Read our 0345 guide
- 0800 numbers: Completely free for the caller from both mobiles and landlines. The business pays for the call instead. Read our 0800 guide
- 0300 numbers: Reserved for public-sector bodies, charities, and not-for-profit organisations. Charged at geographic rates. Read our 0300 guide
- Geographic (01/02) numbers: Traditional local numbers that give a regional identity — ideal if you want to appear local to a specific city
- VoIP numbers: Cloud-hosted phone systems like Hypercloud let you choose any UK number type from £12 per user per month
Can I Port My 0845 Number to a New System?
Yes. If you currently have an 0845 number with established brand recognition, you don’t need to lose it. Most VoIP providers — including Hypercloud from Connection Technologies — can port your existing 0845 number onto a modern cloud phone system. Porting typically takes 5–10 working days.
However, many businesses choose to redirect their 0845 number to a new 0333 or 0800 number instead, giving callers a cheaper option while maintaining the old number as a redirect for anyone who still has it saved.
0845 Numbers: Key Rules and Regulations
Ofcom regulates all non-geographic numbers in the UK, including 0845. Here are the key rules businesses should know:
- Revenue sharing is permitted on 0845 numbers — the business can receive a per-minute payment from calls (unlike 03 numbers where revenue sharing is banned)
- Call charges must be stated in advertising if you promote an 0845 number
- Government bodies should not use 0845 for public-facing helplines (Ofcom guidance recommends 03 or geographic numbers instead)
- 0845 numbers cannot be used for post-sale customer service lines if the business has an alternative geographic number — this is a requirement under the Consumer Rights Act 2015
Switch from 0845 to 0333 — keep your number, cut your callers’ costs
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 0845 numbers are not free. They cost up to 7p per minute service charge plus your provider’s access charge, which can be 10–65p per minute from a mobile. They are not included in mobile inclusive minutes. A call to an 0845 number from a mobile can cost up to 72p per minute.
The 0845 prefix indicates a UK non-geographic number. It’s not tied to any city or region. It was originally marketed as a “local rate” number but since Ofcom’s 2015 reforms, calls to 0845 numbers can be expensive, particularly from mobile phones.
No. Unlike geographic (01/02) numbers and 03 numbers, 0845 numbers are not included in your mobile plan’s bundled minutes. You will always be charged separately for calling an 0845 number from a mobile, even with an unlimited calls plan.
The best replacement is usually a 0333 number. Calls to 0333 cost the same as calling a standard 01 or 02 number and are included in mobile inclusive minutes, so your customers can call for free from their bundled plan. If you want calls to be completely free for the caller, consider an 0800 freephone number.
Yes, 0845 numbers are still available from telecoms providers. However, most businesses and advisors recommend against choosing a new 0845 number due to the high call costs for mobile callers. 0333 or 0345 numbers offer a much better experience for your customers.
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