03 numbers explained: 0300, 0330, 0345 and 0370
One national number that costs the same as calling a landline. Who can use 0300, what 0330 is for, and why 0345 and 0370 are popular with former 0845 users.
03 numbers were introduced by Ofcom as a fair, trusted alternative to 084 and 087 numbers. They give you a single national number, not tied to any town, and they cost callers the same as calling a normal 01 or 02 landline number.
Why callers like them
Calls to 03 numbers are charged at the standard geographic rate and count towards the inclusive minutes on most mobile and landline plans. For many callers that means they are effectively free to call. There is no hidden service charge, so customers are happy to ring and stay on the line.
The main ranges
| Range | Who can use it |
|---|---|
| 0300 | Public sector bodies and not-for-profit organisations only, such as charities, councils and the NHS. |
| 0330 / 0333 | Any business or organisation. |
| 0345 / 0344 / 0343 | Any business; popular with those moving from the matching 0845, 0844 or 0843 number. |
| 0370 / 0371 / 0372 | Any business; popular with those moving from the matching 0870, 0871 or 0872 number. |
Who uses 03 numbers
- National businesses that want one number for the whole country without looking tied to one city.
- Customer service lines, where callers may wait in a queue and should not pay extra to do so.
- Charities and public services, which can use the instantly recognisable 0300 range.
- Businesses leaving 084 and 087, which can often keep the same digits on the matching 034 or 037 number.
Getting an 03 number
All our 03 numbers are £4.99 a month with 1,000 free UK minutes, and divert to any UK landline or mobile or into our cloud phone system. Standard numbers have no setup fee. See the full range on our 03 numbers page. If you are applying for an 0300 number, we will ask you to confirm your organisation is eligible.