Cost to Call an 0800 Number in 2025?
Ever wondered whether calling an 0800 number from your mobile still costs money? The good news: as of July 2015, Ofcom ruled that all calls to 0800 numbers from UK mobile phones must be free, and this applies across all major providers. This streamlined guide will walk you through how it works with key networks, including TalkTalk, O2, GiffGaff, Three Mobile, and Lycamobile (as of mid‐2025).
1. The Universal Rule: Calls to 0800 Numbers are Free
Since 1 July 2015, Ofcom mandated that calls to 0800 (as well as 0808 and 116) numbers from
mobile phones within the UK are free of charge, regardless of the network provider.
2. Provider-Specific Details
- Calling 0800 numbers from TalkTalk is completely free, with no service charge and no impact on your free-minute allowances or any time-limit caps Number Supermarket.
- On O2, 0800 calls cost nothing on both landlines and mobiles. This has been the case since changes rolled out in mid‐2015
- GiffGaff also offers free calls to 0800 numbers across the board. This applies to pay-as-you-go users, and the call time does not eat into any minute allowances. However, if you’re calling from abroad on a GiffGaff SIM, normal roaming rates and standard geographic call charges may apply.
- Three Mobile eliminated charges for 0800 numbers back in 2015, meaning such calls are free for both contract and SIM-only customers
- Lycamobile confirms that calling an 0800 number is free, with no per-minute or service fees. This applies even if you’re using Lycamobile in one of the 22 countries where it operates, though, of course, if you’re abroad, international rates still apply.
Additionally, here’s a quick comparison of Lycamobile’s UK in-network pricing (as of July 2025):
- 0800, 0808 & 116: Free (no call charge, no service fee)
- Other UK networks: £0.19/min (charges apply)
- Other non-0800 numbers (e.g. 01, 02, 0300, 0330, 0345, etc.): around £0.12/min, no service fee.
Summary Table
| Provider | Cost to Call 0800 from UK Mobile (2025) |
| TalkTalk | Free — no charges, no impact on minutes |
| O2 | Free — landline & mobile |
| GiffGaff | Free — mobile only; roaming charges may apply |
| Three Mobile | Free — mobile only |
| Lycamobile | Free — no per-minute or service fee |
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the 2015 Ofcom ruling, all the networks listed now offer free calls to 0800 numbers from UK mobiles. The differences between providers are minimal—mostly limited to roaming conditions or landline specifics. If you’re frequently dialing helplines, charities, or customer services, rest assured: your mobile call to an 0800 number won’t cost a penny.
Getting an 0800 for your business
You have to agree that 0800s are certainly appealing to callers and are a welcome addition to most businesses.
Why not call 0330 332 0400 to find out how to get your new 0800 number up and running?
