So, what is an 01 Number & how does Virgin Media treat them?
In the UK, numbers beginning 01 are standard geographic landline numbers. These are the normal fixed-line numbers used by households and businesses across the country. Virgin Media treats calls to these numbers as standard landline calls i.e. non-premium.
If you have a Virgin Media plan with inclusive minutes, these calls may be bundled. Otherwise, normal per-minute charges apply.
Virgin Media Typical Call Charges (2025)
Depending on your plan and if you’ve used up inclusive minutes, here’s what to expect when calling 01 numbers:
| Number Type / Range | What It Is / When It’s Used | Cost (if outside of any call bundle) |
| 01 UK landlines | Standard geographic landlines | Charged per minute under “everyday call charges” — actual per-minute rate depends on your plan. |
| UK mobiles (from landline) | Calls from your landline to a UK mobile number | 24p per minute + a 24p connection fee (on certain call-plans where calls to mobiles are metered) |
| Numbers with special prefixes (084, 087, 09, 118, etc.) | Premium-rate or service numbers | Charged under a two-part system: an access charge (from Virgin) + a service charge (set by the organisation you call) |
| Non-geographic but standard-rate numbers (e.g. 03, 0333) | Often used by businesses and public-sector call centres (treated like standard landlines) | Example: 0333 numbers cost ~ 12p per minute under the most basic Virgin package (though weekend-only / optional plans may apply) |
If you subscribe to one of Virgin Media’s ‘inclusive calls’ packages (see below), many UK calls to 01 numbers may be included – in most cases per-minute charges won’t apply.
Virgin Media Call Plans / Bundles: What’s Included
Virgin Media offers a range of ‘Talk’ or ‘Chatter’ call plans:
Weekend-only / Basic packages: include weekend calls to UK landlines (some also offer calls to mobiles during the weekend).
Evening & Weekend / Anytime Plans: for an extra monthly fee, you get unlimited (or inclusive) calls to UK landlines and in some plans to UK mobiles too.
If you pick a plan with inclusive calls, standard 01/02 calls generally fall inside your allowance. If you’re on a basic or pay-as-you-go style plan, the per-minute charges above are what you’ll pay.
Premium-Rate v Standard Numbers
Not all phone numbers follow the standard charging rules. Numbers beginning 084, 087, 09 or 118 are handled differently under UK regulation:
- When you call one of these numbers, you pay an access charge to your provider (Virgin Media) – this covers the connection cost.
- Then you pay a service charge, set by the organisation you’re calling. This goes to them (or their telecoms supplier).
- Because of this two-part structure, total cost can vary significantly depending on the specific number. Always check the published service-charge before you dial — companies are required to make this clear.
What this means for Virgin Media users
- If your call plan includes inclusive UK-landline and/or UK-mobile calls, your 01/02 calls may be FREE.
- On a basic or unbundled plan, expect to pay per minute.. As an example, calls to mobiles have been known to cost approx. 24p per min + connection fee under some plans.
- Calls to premium-rate or service numbers may be substantially more expensive, so make sure to check the access + service charge before dialing.
- For non-geographic but standard-rate numbers (like 03 or 0333) rates tend to be lower than premium numbers, and under many plans fall under standard per-minute or inclusive-call terms.
Final Thoughts!
If you’re with Virgin Media, calling a standard 01/02 landline isn’t complicated provided you understand your plan type.
- On an inclusive-calls plan: calls are often covered.
- On a basic or pay-as-you-go type plan: expect standard per-minute fees.
- Always double-check before calling premium/service numbers, as charges can be much higher.
More more info call 0330 332 0400.
