On Virgin Media, if you need to call a number beginning with 0345? Here’s your essential ‘cost to call’ guide.
What is a 0345 number?
Phone numbers beginning with 0345 are non-geographic UK numbers in the 03 range.
Points to consider when dialling a 0345:
- They are classified under the 03-prefix number range – so they are charged at the same rate as geographic landline numbers (i.e. those starting with 01 or 02).
- If your calling plan includes inclusive minutes to 01/02 numbers, calls to 03 numbers must also be included.
- These rules apply in the UK under the regulator Ofcom’s numbering plan.
So effectively, 0345 numbers should cost you no more than calls to any standard landline number – provided your plan covers them.
What You Need to Check:
- Do you have inclusive minutes on your Virgin Media plan for calls to 01/02 numbers?
- Does your landline plan specifically say that 03 numbers (including 0345) are included?
- If you are calling from a mobile or a non-Virgin landline, what your mobile provider charges for 03 numbers might vary (though by regulation the cost must not exceed the geographic rate).
- Always check your latest tariff or plan “Everyday call charges” document from Virgin to be sure, as individual plans may differ.
At-a-Glance Prices (2025)
Take a look at the likely costs when calling a 0345 number from Virgin Media:
| Scenario | Typical cost per minute | Notes |
| You have inclusive minutes that cover 01/02/03 numbers | £0.00 | If your plan includes calls to 01/02 numbers, 03 numbers (such as 0345) must be included under the same terms. See the Ofcom rule (above). |
| You do not have inclusive minutes (landline) | £0.03 to £0.55 | If your tariff charges per minute for calls outside the allowance. Approximate range. |
| You call from a mobile or non-Virgin plan | Same as above (or plan dependent) | Mobile provider tariffs and whether 03 numbers are included may affect cost. |
Note: These are approximate costs. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific plan or bundle, whether the call is outside inclusive minutes, and whether any special offers apply.
Why the 03 Range Matters
Current regulations:
- Ofcom’s statement on the ‘03 Number Range’ makes clear that calls to numbers beginning with 03 are ‘charged at up to the same rate the customer would pay to call a UK geographic number (01/02)’.
- Calls to 03 numbers must be included in inclusive call minutes if the customer has remaining inclusive minutes to UK geographic numbers, and included in any discount structures that apply to UK geographic numbers’.
- The fact that this regulation continues to apply means that as of 2025, the cost ceiling remains: you should not pay more for a 0345 call than you would for a 01/02 call under your plan.
In Conclusion
If you’re a Virgin Media landline customer and your plan includes 01/02 calls (and explicitly includes 03 numbers as part of that), then calling an 0345 number should cost you zero extra beyond your normal inclusive minutes.
If you’re outside inclusive minutes, or are on a plan without this inclusion, the cost will depend on the per-minute rate of your plan, which (in 2025) is likely in the ballpark of 3p to 55p per minute when no inclusive minutes apply.
For more info on 0345 call 0330 332 0400 or visit our dedicated 0345 page.
