Last Updated on March 22, 2025
Running your own business is hard work, and one part of setting up your own business that can be confusing is picking the right phone numbers and services.
With the advent of VoIP and virtual number technology businesses now have a huge array of numbers and prefixes they can choose from, so ff you’ve ever wondered what an 0845 number is, how it works, or whether it’s still a good option for your business, we’re here to give you a breakdown.
0845 numbers have been a staple in the UK for decades, often used by businesses to create a national presence.
But with changing regulations and consumer preferences, are they still the best choice?
We’ll dive into the history, costs, and uses of 0845 numbers, and explore why alternatives like 0330 numbers might be a better fit for your business.
At Air Landline, we specialise in professional and cost-effective virtual phone solutions.
While we don’t offer 0845 numbers, we’ll show you how our 0330 numbers and other services can help you communicate more effectively with your customers.
What Is an 0845 Number in the UK?
An 0845 number is a non-geographic phone number used in the UK. Unlike traditional landline numbers tied to a specific area, 0845 numbers are not location-specific, making them ideal for businesses that want a national presence.
These numbers were introduced in the 1990s as part of the “08” number range, which also includes 0800 (freephone) and 0870 (premium rate) numbers.
They were initially popular for customer service lines and helplines, but their usage has declined recently due to changes in call charges and consumer preferences.
Brief History of 0845 Numbers
0845 numbers were introduced by BT (British Telecom) in the 1990s as part of a broader effort to modernise the UK’s phone numbering system.
They were designed to replace older geographic numbers and provide businesses with a more flexible and professional communication solution.
At their peak, 0845 numbers were widely used by large corporations, government agencies, and customer service lines.
However, in 2015, Ofcom introduced new regulations to make call charges more transparent.
This led to a decline in the popularity of 0845 numbers, as many businesses and consumers shifted to more cost-effective alternatives like 03 numbers.
Do 0845 Telephone Numbers Have an Area Code?
No, 0845 numbers do not have an area code. They are non-geographic numbers, meaning they are not tied to a specific location.
This makes them ideal for businesses that operate nationally or want to project a broader presence.
Cost of 0845 Numbers
One of the most common questions about 0845 numbers is their cost.
Let’s break it down:
Are 0845 Numbers Free to Call?
No, 0845 numbers are not free to call. They charge at a higher rate than standard landline calls, with part of the revenue shared between the phone provider and the business using the number.
Here’s a breakdown of the costs to call an 0845 number from different providers:
- Are 0845 Numbers Free to Call from EE?
No, calls to 0845 numbers are not free on EE. They are typically charged at around 55p per minute, plus a connection fee.
- Are 0845 Numbers Free to Call from O2?
No, O2 charges around 65p per minute for calls to 0845 numbers, plus a connection fee.
- Are 0845 Numbers Free to Call from Vodafone?
No, Vodafone charges around 75p per minute for calls to 0845 numbers, plus a connection fee.
- Are 0845 Numbers Free to Call from Three?
No, Three charges around 55p per minute for calls to 0845 numbers, plus a connection fee.
How Much Does It Cost to Call an 0845 Number from a Landline?
Calls to 0845 numbers from landlines are typically charged between 10p and 20p per minute, depending on the provider.
However, some landline packages include 0845 calls in their inclusive minutes.
Which Type of Companies Use 0845 Numbers?
0845 numbers are commonly used by:
- Customer service lines: For large corporations and public services.
- Helplines: For charities, government agencies, and healthcare providers.
- Large businesses: To provide a single point of contact for national customers.
However, due to the higher call charges, many companies have switched to alternatives like 0330 numbers.
Alternatives to 0845 Numbers
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective and customer-friendly option, consider 0330 numbers.
These non-geographic numbers are charged at the same rate as standard landline calls, making them a better choice for businesses and customers.
At Air Landline, we offer 0330 numbers as part of our virtual phone services.
With free additional features like call forwarding, voicemail, and call screening, our 0330 numbers ensure a professional and flexible solution for businesses of all sizes.
We also offer a free 7-day trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What Are the Most Common Uses for 0845 Telephone Numbers?
0845 numbers are typically used for:
- Customer service and support lines.
- Helplines for charities and public services.
- National sales and enquiry lines.
However, their usage has declined in recent years due to the availability of more affordable alternatives.
Advantages
- National Presence: 0845 numbers project a professional, nationwide image.
- Revenue Sharing: Businesses earn a share of the call revenue.
- Flexibility: Calls can be forwarded to any device or location.
Disadvantages
- Higher Call Charges: Customers pay more to call 0845 numbers, which can deter them.
- Declining Popularity: Many businesses and consumers prefer alternatives like 0330 numbers.
- Regulatory Changes: Ofcom’s transparency rules have made 0845 numbers less attractive.
Frequently Asked Questions
As one of the largest virtual and VoIP number providers in the UK, we get a lot of questions.
Here are some of the most frequently asked:
Summary – 0845 Numbers
0845 numbers were once popular for businesses looking to establish a national presence.
However, due to higher call charges and changing consumer preferences, many businesses have switched to alternatives like 0330 numbers.
At Air Landline, we offer a range of virtual phone solutions designed to meet the needs of modern businesses.
Whether you’re looking for a 0330 number or a London number, we’ve got you covered.
Why not sign up for our 7-day free trial today and experience the benefits of a professional phone system for just £9.99 + VAT per month.