01 Numbers Summarized
If you’ve come across a phone number beginning with 01 and wondered whether the call is free, the short answer is: not necessarily. In 2025, UK ‘geographic’ numbers still carry a cost but how much depends on your provider and your phone plan.
Below, is a clear breakdown of what calling an 01 number actually means and what to check before you dial.
What exactly are 01 numbers?
Numbers starting with 01 in the UK are called geographic (or landline) numbers – they correspond to a particular region, town, city or area code. These numbers are commonly used by businesses and households.
As they’re ‘standard’ numbers (i.e. not premium rate, service line or special rate, they’ve long been treated as national or local-rate calls. This tends to make them massively cheaper than premium numbers. That’s why businesses often get 01/02 numbers: they’re familiar, credible and typically lower cost for callers.
Are 01 Numbers ever free to call?
Not automatically! Here’s how calling costs work (in 2025) when dialling an 01 number:
- From a landline: for many providers, calls to 01 numbers are charged at a standard geographic call rate. According to regulatory guidance, this is often up to 16 p per minute, depending on your provider.
- From a mobile, if you have inclusive call minutes covering landlines: calls to 01/02 numbers may be included at no additional cost. If not, mobile call rates apply, which vary by provider and plan.
- If you have a bundle or inclusive calls plan that covers UK landlines: calls to 01/02 numbers may be FREE (i.e. counted against your allowance, rather than billed per minute).
In short: an 01 number being free to call depends entirely on your plan. There’s no guarantee of zero cost simply because the number begins 01.
In short: an 01 number being free to call depends entirely on your plan. There’s no guarantee of zero cost simply because the number begins 01.
Why people think 01 = Free…
…and what’s changed
Historically, 01 (and 02) numbers were often promoted as local or standard rate, which for many landline users meant relatively low cost or included minutes. Over time, with mobile adoption and varied plans, many providers rolled those numbers into call bundles. This led some callers (and companies) casually considering them ‘FREE numbers’.
But in reality:
- ‘Local rate’ doesn’t mean free – it just means standard.
- Many plans now charge per minute if you’re outside your allowance.
- Especially on mobile networks, 01/02 calls may be billed like any other call if inclusive minutes are exhausted.
Hence the confusion around ‘free landlines’ and why it’s essential to check your own plan terms before assuming a call will be free.
What This Means for Businesses Using 01 Numbers
If your business advertises an 01 number:
- They’re inviting as your callers may not pay anything (if their plan includes landline-call allowances).
- From a customer-trust standpoint, offering a geographic 01 number equals familiarity over non-geographic or premium alternatives.
Quick Overview: What to Check Before You Dial
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
| Do you have inclusive minutes or a bundle covering UK landline calls? | If yes → 01 calls may be free; if no → standard per-minute charges might apply. |
| Are you calling from a landline or mobile? | Mobile calls often cost more when outside allowances. |
| Does your plan have pay-as-you-go or restrictions? | If so, calls to 01/02 may incur regular charges. |
| Is the number actually geographic i.e. 01 or 02 or a non-geographic/premium-rate number? | Non-geographic or premium numbers may cost more. |
Final Word
Using an 01 number doesn’t automatically equal a call “free.” These are standard UK regional numbers which come with standard call charges when not covered by a bundle or inclusive-minute plan.
For businesses, this means 01/02 remains a good choice for credibility and familiarity, but not a guarantee of free calling. However, if they are not completely free they are nevertheless affordable.
Feel free to call 0330 332 0400 for more details or click our 01 info page.
