(Details correct as of Oct 2025)
When 03 numbers were launched by Ofcom back in 2007, they were designed to bring clarity and fairness to UK phone charges. Before then, many organisations used 08 numbers (like 0845 or 0870), which often carried confusing and sometimes costly call charges.
Ofcom introduced 03 numbers to solve that problem – giving organisations a non-geographic number (so they’re not tied to a local area) while ensuring customers pay no more than a normal landline call (and when calls are included in bundles, often nothing at all).
Why 0300 Numbers Were Introduced
0300 numbers were introduced as part of the 03 range specifically for public sector, charity, and non-profit organisations.
This gave trusted organisations a national presence and a fair way for people to contact them without premium-rate charges.
From day one, 0300 numbers came with three key guarantees:
- They cost the same as 01 or 02 calls.
- They are included in any inclusive minutes from landlines or mobiles.
- Organisations cannot profit from incoming calls.
This made 0300 numbers a popular choice for councils, charities, schools, healthcare providers, and government departments who wanted a fair and transparent contact number.
What’s Changed by 2025
Fast forward to 2025, and the rules remain clear and consumer-friendly.
Under Ofcom’s latest updates, all 03 numbers (including 0300, 0330, 0333, and 0345) are still regulated to ensure that:
- Calls must never cost more than 01 or 02 numbers.
- 03 calls are always treated as inclusive minutes on mobile and landline bundles.
- Clear pricing transparency is mandatory for any business using them.
This continued consistency has made 03 numbers a trusted, stable part of UK telecommunications — and one of the most popular number ranges for customer-friendly organisations.
2025 Cost Guide for Calling 0300 Numbers
| Origin of Call | Typical Cost per Minute (2025) | Details |
| Landline (with inclusive minutes) | 0p | Included in your package if the 01/02 numbers are too |
| Landline (outside inclusive minutes) | Up to 16p per minute | Charged at the same rate as standard geographic calls |
| Mobile (with inclusive minutes) | 0p | Included in mobile bundles that include 01/02 calls |
| Mobile (outside inclusive minutes) | 3p – 65p per minute | Varies by network — always at the same rate as 01/02 |
All prices are accurate as of October 2025, based on Ofcom guidance and typical UK network tariffs.
In Summary: From Launch to Leadership
Since their introduction nearly two decades ago, 0300 numbers have gone from a new experiment in fairer telecoms to one of the UK’s most trusted and widely used number ranges.
They’ve achieved exactly what Ofcom intended – clear, honest pricing for consumers and reliable nationwide reach for organisations.
In 2025, 0300 numbers remain the gold standard for transparent, professional & accessible communication, helping charities, public services and businesses connect with their audiences on fair terms.
Need a 0300 Number or Want to Learn More?
If you’d like to explore setting up a 0300 number for your organisation, we’re happy to help.
Call 0330 332 0400 or visit our dedicated 0300 page.
