Who Called Me From a 0500 Number? (Withdrawn Freephone Range)
A 0500 number was part of the UK's original freephone range, introduced in the 1980s and free for the caller. Ofcom formally withdrew the 0500 range in 2017, asking holders to migrate to a matching 0808 080 number (which is also freephone). As a result, most 0500 numbers no longer connect, and a working 0500 line today is an old legacy number. While the 0500 range was active, calls were free from UK landlines and mobiles. Type the full number below to see the original Ofcom range holder.
Type the full UK number that starts with 0500 to see the original Ofcom range holder, the number type, call cost and risk flag — instantly, with no signup.
Explanation
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Number type
UK Freephone
Number format
0500 ______ (an old freephone number)
Call cost
Free from all UK landlines + mobiles
Risk level
Low
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Use our free UK Phone Number Checker tool to look up any UK number — mobile, landline, freephone or premium — against live Ofcom range-holder data. No signup, results in milliseconds.
Frequently asked questions about 0500 numbers
Do 0500 numbers still work?
Mostly no. Ofcom withdrew the 0500 range in 2017 and most numbers were migrated to a matching 0808 080 freephone number. Some legacy 0500 numbers may still connect, but the range is closed to new allocations.
Were 0500 numbers free to call?
Yes — 0500 was a freephone range, so while it was active calls were free for the caller from UK landlines and mobiles, the same as 0800 and 0808.
What replaced 0500?
Ofcom asked 0500 holders to move to a matching 0808 080 number. For example, an old 0500 xxxxxx typically became 0808 080 xxxxxx — still completely free to call.
Who called me from a 0500 number?
If you genuinely received a recent 0500 call it is unusual, as the range is withdrawn. Type the number into the checker on this page to see the original Ofcom range holder, and treat any unexpected "free number" call with normal caution.
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