Frequently Asked Questions About 0117 Bristol Numbers
How much does a 0117 Bristol number cost?
0117 Bristol numbers from Number Supermarket come with your first 2 months completely free, then from £14.99/mo + VAT on the Solo package. The Works package is £24.99/month + VAT and includes 3 numbers, 1,000 free inbound minutes a month, real-time reporting and 4 call features of your choice (for example call recording, IVR, hunt groups). Extra features on The Works are £9.99 a month + VAT each. You can also buy a number outright for a one-off payment of £497 + VAT. There is no set-up fee. Solo and The Works are 12-month minimum contracts.
How much does it cost to call a 0117 number?
0117 numbers cost the same as calling any other 01 or 02 number: up to 16p a minute from landlines and 3p to 65p from mobiles, and may be free within the caller's call package (GOV.UK). Unlike 084/087 numbers, there is no service charge.
Where is the 0117 area code?
0117 is the UK geographic area code for Bristol in Bristol. It is a genuine local dialling code, so a 0117 number gives your business an authentic Bristol presence. Calls are charged at standard UK geographic rates and are included in most callers' inclusive minutes, the same as any other landline.
Can I divert my 0117 number to a mobile?
Yes. When you buy a 0117 number from Number Supermarket, you can forward calls to any UK landline or mobile number. You can change your divert destination at any time through our online portal or smartphone app — useful for after-hours redirection, holiday cover, or routing different services to different teams.
How quickly can I get a 0117 number?
Usually the same day. 0117 numbers are sourced to order: we don't keep a stock of unused local numbers, so when you order we request one in your chosen area code from our UK network partners. Want a particular number? We can request it, as long as it isn't already in use by another business. No engineers, no installations.
What features are included with a 0117 number?
Solo includes call forwarding. The Works includes 4 call features of your choice from 20+. Extra features on The Works are £9.99 a month + VAT each. With The Works, the options for your 0117 number include voicemail to email, call recording, call whisper, time-of-day routing, hunt groups and IVR auto-attendant.
Do I need special equipment for a 0117 number?
No. A 0117 number works with your existing phone setup. Calls are forwarded to whatever number you choose — office landline, mobile, or home phone. There is no hardware to install and no software required.
Can I keep my 0117 number if I switch provider?
Yes. Under Ofcom regulations, you have the right to port your 0117 number to any other provider. Porting usually takes 1–2 weeks, depending on the network. If you bought your 0117 number outright, it is yours.
Who uses 0117 Bristol numbers?
0117 numbers are used by businesses of all sizes that want a recognisable Bristol presence at standard geographic call rates. They're especially popular with local trades, customer service teams, property managers, professional services and any business that wants to look established in Bristol — whether they're based in the city or serving it remotely.
Can I use my 0117 number with the free WhatsApp Business app?
Yes — and this is one of the biggest advantages a geographic number has over 0800 freephone. Unlike 0800 numbers (which the free app rejects), 0117 numbers are accepted by the free WhatsApp Business app you download from the App Store or Google Play. Verify by SMS or automated voice call, set up your business profile and start chatting with customers on the same trusted number you use for voice calls.
How do I verify my 0117 number on WhatsApp Business?
0117 numbers verify on WhatsApp Business in the standard way: you choose SMS or voice-call verification when you install the app, Meta sends a 6-digit code to your 0117 number, and you enter it. Most setups take about 30 seconds. (If you're using the WhatsApp Business Platform tier instead of the free app, verification goes through your BSP.)
Should I use the free WhatsApp Business app or the Platform tier?
For sole traders and small teams, the free WhatsApp Business app is usually all you need — it handles auto-replies, away messages, quick-reply templates and a basic product catalogue at zero cost per message. Upgrade to the WhatsApp Business Platform (Cloud API) via a BSP like Sinch, Twilio, Vonage or Infobip when you need multiple agents, CRM integration, chatbots, or bulk customer notifications. Your 0117 number works with both tiers — you can switch later without changing your number.
Will my customers pay to message me on WhatsApp?
No — WhatsApp messaging is free for customers on any UK mobile data plan or Wi-Fi. They pay nothing for messages, calls or media sent to your WhatsApp Business number. If you're on the free WhatsApp Business app, your side is free too.
Can I use my 0117 number for both voice calls and WhatsApp Business?
Yes — that's the whole point. One trusted business number handles both inbound phone calls (forwarded to your team) and WhatsApp Business chat (in the free app or Platform). Customers see consistent branding across your website, calls, signage and chat. WhatsApp registration does not affect call routing or anything else about how your 0117 number works as a phone number.
Can I get a Bristol 0117 number if my business isn't based there?
Yes. Calls to your 0117 number divert to any phone, anywhere — your office, your mobile or your team across the country. The number still gives your business a recognised local Bristol presence regardless of where you physically operate, so you can win local Bristol customers without a physical office in the area.