Your call cost questions answered
When you see a phone number beginning with 0345, you might wonder what it’ll cost to call, especially from a mobile network like iD Mobile. With so many different prefixes and changing tariffs, it’s no surprise that people get confused.
The good news?
0345 numbers are deliberately designed to be simple, fair and caller-friendly. Thankfully, in 2025, that’s still the case.
Our guide breaks down exactly what you’ll pay when calling an 0345 number from iD Mobile and explains the rules that keep these 03 NGN numbers affordable.
What Exactly is a 0345 Number?
0345 numbers sit within the wider 03 non-geographic UK number range.
They were introduced by Ofcom as a replacement for the older (often expensive) 0845 numbers.
03 numbers were created to ensure callers wouldn’t face unpredictable charges or unwanted premium-rate surprises.
Key facts:
- 0345s cost the same as calling a UK landline (i.e. numbers starting 01or 02).
- 03s are included in most mobile and landline minutes.
- They carry no revenue sharing. That means businesses can’t profit from incoming call costs.
- They give companies a national & professional appearance.
Put simply:
A 0345 number is a fair, transparent option for both callers and businesses.
So… how much do 0345s cost on iD Mobile?
iD Mobile follows Ofcom’s regulation:
0345 numbers must be charged the same as standard landline numbers.
That means the cost depends on your plan.
If you have inclusive minutes
Calling an 0345 number will cost you:
Absolutely nothing, as they’re completely included in your allowance.
This applies whether you’re:
- on a monthly handset contract
- on a SIM-only plan
- or on a rolling monthly bundle
As long as the plan includes UK minutes, you’re covered.
If you don’t have minutes (or you’ve used them up)
iD Mobile charges a standard rate of 30p per minute (in 2025).
This is their typical out-of-bundle rate for UK landline calls (0345 numbers fall into this category).
It’s worth noting that minimum one-minute billing applies.
iD Mobile 0345 Call Costs (2025 Data)
| Call Type | Cost | Notes |
| Calling 0345 using inclusive minutes | Free | Uses your UK allowance |
| Calling 0345 outside your minutes | 30p/min | Standard iD Mobile out-of-bundle rate |
| Minimum charge | 1 minute | Standard billing rule |
| Texting a 0345 number | Not applicable | SMS can’t be sent to 03 numbers |
| Calling 0345 while roaming | Varies by zone | Check your roaming plan |
| Calling 0345 from abroad | Standard international rates | Depends on the country |
So, why is this the rule?
This is actually more than a rule, it’s the law.
Ofcom protects consumers by requiring all phone networks (including iD Mobile) to treat 03 numbers the same as 01/02 calls.
That means:
- No added surcharges
- No ‘special number’ pricing
- No premium fees
The goal is to make customer service and helpline numbers fairer, simpler and more transparent for everyone.
What this means for iD Mobile customers
For most iD Mobile customers, calling an 0345 number is easy and cost-efficient:
✔ If you have minutes
Your call is free as it comes out of your allowance.
✔ If you don’t have minutes
You’ll pay 30p/min (predictable & regulated).
✔ If you’re abroad
You’ll pay iD Mobile’s roaming rates. These do vary by destination.
So why do many businesses use 0345 numbers?
0345 numbers are a popular choice for UK businesses.
They:
- Make a company look national rather than tied to one region
- Remove the negative image of 0845 / 0870 numbers
- Encourage customers to call without fear of premium charges
- Works perfectly with VoIP and modern cloud systems
- Align with Ofcom’s fair-charging rules
For businesses that want to create a trustworthy and accessible customer contact point, 0345 is often the perfect choice.
Final Thoughts
Calling an 0345 number on iD Mobile is straightforward in 2025:
- Included in your minutes (Free of charge)
- Out of minutes = Pay 30p/min
- Simple, fair and regulated – exactly how Ofcom intended it.
If you’re comparing call costs across networks or considering an 0345 number for your business, this page gives you the clear, up-to-date information you need.
Can’t find the info you need?
Why not call us on 0330 332 0400 or visit our dedicated 0345 page?
