Step 1: Choose your 0121 number
Originally listed as the area code 021, since April 16th, 1995 saw the emergence of the 0121 we are all so familiar with today. As you know, telephone numbers with the prefix 0121 are associated with Birmingham. But were you aware that 0121s also cover many of Birmingham’s adjoining areas, or instance, Ashfield, Bearwood, Edgbaston and Sutton Coldfield amongst others? If you are still unsure whether your business is covered by the 0121 prefix or it is an alternative geographic option you need, please call our team on freephone 0330 332 0400. Our lines are open 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.
What do I need to know before I buy an 0121 number?
UK telephone numbers beginning with 01 or 02 relate to particular areas of the country.
The short answer to where numbers that start with 0121 relate is Birmingham in the West Midlands.
However Birmingham is a big city, the country’s second largest in fact, so the 0121 prefix code also covers many of Birmingham’s districts, suburbs and satellite towns, such as West Bromwich, Edgbaston, Halesowen and Sutton Coldfield.
During a comprehensive overhaul of the UK telephone network by The Post Office in the 1960s, Birmingham was allocated the area code 021 in recognition of its status as the country’s second largest city. This code preceded a further seven digits to make up telephone numbers in the area.
This group of seven numbers began with a 2 or 6 for telephones in Central Birmingham while numbers to the city’s North side were 021 3XX XXX, East started with a 7, West with 5, while South was 4.
Choosing your 0121 number
Within these larger zones, districts initially had their own codes, such as 021 472 XXXX for Selly Oak.
This meant that people were able to find a clear indication where around the West Midland area a home or business would be located just by looking at its telephone number. Other areas which had different area codes included Acocks Gree, Ashfield, Aston Cross, Beacon, Bearwood, Birchfield, Blackheath, Calthorpe, Castle Bromwich, Druids Heath, Edgbaston, Elmdon, Erdington, Fordbridge, Four Oaks, Great Barr, Halesowen, Harborne, Highbury, Hillside, Kings Norton, Oldbury, Rectory, Rowley Regis, Rubery, Sheldon, Shirley, Smallbrook, Smethwick, Solihull, Springfield, Stechford, Stone Cross, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield, Tipton, Wednesbury, West Bromwich and Woodgate.
In more recent times, however, the explosion in the number of telephones, faxes, modems, and other internet and communications technology equipment blurred the strict geographical demarcation of the original numbering system.
Why buy an 0121 number?
This dramatic increase in the demand for numbers led in 1995 to all 021 numbers being modified with the addition of an extra digit to signify these related to a geographical area. This meant that every 021 number became 0121 overnight, forcing businesses and public agencies to change their signage and letterheads and also for IT equipment to be reprogrammed to take account of the new format.
Further blurring of the locality information contained in telephone numbers followed the deregulation of the telephone market when British Telecom was removed from state ownership and sold off to the private sector. This opened the market to competition so today multiple companies are able to offer landline numbers in an area where once British Telecom or the Post Office was the only provider. For example, in recent years Virgin Media has offered numbers starting 0121 250 xxxx to customers throughout Birmingham and that part of the West Midlands.
However, if you are ready to choose your new 0121 number now simply follow our no-hassle, 3-step shopping system – taking you from selection to secure payment with minimum effort. Remember, in addition to finding your new 0121 telephone number you will also discover an extensive portfolio of telecom features. From ‘Disaster Recovery’ to ‘On-Hold Marketing’ and more, we have solutions in place to ensure you never miss a call.
