0345 numbers are a unique type of landline numbers, much different from the other prefixes. They are used by several organisations. In fact, their popularity increased manifold after Ofcom’s recent regulation that transformed the way they are charged.
Whether you are an end-user wishing to understand more about 0345 numbers or a business considering to invest in a 0345 line, this ready-reckoner prepared by cNumber will come to your aid.
Just get started below and in no time you will know everything about the 0345 prefix.
Part 1: All You Need to Know About 0345 Numbers
0345 numbers are a relatively new category of non-geographic numbers that were launched in 2007. They are non-geographic type, hence they give no indication of the location of the number owner.
They offered an alternative to businesses who wanted to migrate from 084 numbers, save customers from their hefty call charges while still benefit from a pan-nation image.
0345 call charges are regulated by the UK’s telecom regulator Ofcom. In one of its landmark ruling in 2015, it had made it compulsory for all the telecom companies to treat 0345 numbers at par with local 01 and 02 numbers.
It abolished the erstwhile different 0345 call charges treatment for calls originating from a mobile or a landline.
You see, earlier companies were free to levy any charge for mobile calls to 0345 numbers. The rates went as high as 40 pence a minute.
The different treatment from mobiles and landlines made it very confusing for consumers. Ofcom’s ruling was a remarkable step towards standardizing the call charges.
Part 2: Who Uses 0345 Numbers?
0345 numbers are pretty common nowadays. You would often see them being used by:
- government bodies,
- small and medium enterprises,
- hospitals,
- charities,
- banks,
- retailers,
- insurance companies, etc.
Due to their many benefits, some organisations have even shifted from 0845 to 0345 prefix. Check out these advantages in the upcoming sections.
Part 3: Why Choose a 0345 Number for Your Business?
There are multiple reasons for choosing 0345 numbers for your business. Check them out below:
- Get a pan-UK image: Since these are non-geographical numbers, your callers won’t know where you are based and hence cannot have any biases. This mystery allows you to attract customers from all nooks and corners of the country.
- Approachable image: The cost of 0345 numbers is the same as that of other local 01/02 type numbers. Most of the time, people have inclusive minutes or free calls to these numbers and hence they won’t incur any extra charge. This makes it easier for customers to pick up the phone.
- Single telephone number: You can use the same number all over the country. It is not just easier for your marketing and communications team but also for your potential customers to remember you.
- No number change when relocating: Even when you are switching offices to a different city, 0345 numbers can save you from the hassle of having to change numbers and informing all the stakeholders.
- Switch from 0845 numbers easily with only one digit change: If you have been using the 0845 service-rate number and now wish to switch to local rate number, then 0345 is a very attractive option for you.
- Call routing is possible: You may redirect the calls from any 03 number to any other mobile or landline phone across the world. This is possible without inconveniencing your callers.
Part 4: What Are the Benefits of Using 0345 Numbers?
If your organisation is considering to buy a number, you should be considering 0345 numbers. Below we have compared these numbers with other prefix types to help you understand the merits of a 0345 number.
0345 vs freephone numbers like 0800/ 0800: Both these numbers are non-geographic. However freephone numbers are free only for the customers, their call costs are borne by the company being called.
So your firm will incur this charge on a regular basis. With 0345 number, you won’t incur any charge for incoming calls.
0345 vs premium-rate numbers like 084/ 087: Both these numbers are non-geographic. But they are different in their charging mechanisms.
0345 numbers are charged at the same rate as local landline numbers beginning with 01 or 02. Mostly the call comes out of inclusive minutes or other plan offers like free calls to landlines.
On the other hand, customers have to pay dual-rate – both service charges to phone owners and access charges to the network operator for calls to service rate numbers.
If a customer faces the option of calling a 0845 number or a 0345 number for information inquiry, it is natural that he would prefer calling the company with the 0345 number.
0345 vs local landline numbers like 01/ 02: 0345 numbers are charged at the same rate as 01 and 02 numbers. The difference lies because while 0345 is a non-geographic UK-wide number, 01 and 02 are geographic types.
All numbers beginning with 02 are associated with the areas of London and its surrounding regions, 0115 is linked to Nottingham, 0131 is used for Edinburgh, etc.
If you do not wish to be restricted to a particular region of the UK, non-geographic numbers like 0345 make better sense. If you want the advantages of being a local business then you can use geographic numbers like 01 or 02.
Part 5: FAQs
Q1: Which Area Code Is 0345?
0345 numbers are non-geographic type, hence they are not area codes. Unlike other geographical type prefixes like 01 and 02, they are not bound to any pre-defined region of the UK.
So when you receive a call from a 0345 number, you cannot tell which corner of the country that person is calling from.
Also Read: All You Need to Know about 0345 Area Code
Q2: Is an 0345 Number Premium Rate?
No, 0345 numbers do not fall in the category of premium-rate numbers. They are charged at the same rate as other local landline numbers of 01/02 prefix.
Most of the time, phone plans have free calls to landlines or inclusive minute offers, hence calling a 0345 number won’t come at an extra charge.
So you can see that 0345 call charges are different from that of other 084/ 087 type premium-rate numbers where callers have to pay both service charge and access charge for the call.
Q3: What Type of Number is 0345?
As you must have gathered from the article, 0345 numbers have distinctive features:
- Non-geographical nature
- All calls to 0345 numbers are treated in the same manner as calls to local landline numbers beginning from 01 and 02.
0345 numbers share these features with all other numbers that begin with 03, whether they are 0300, 0330, 0333, 0345, or 0370, etc.
Q4: What Rates Are 0345 Numbers?
- Landline users: Most landline companies allow free calls to other landline numbers like beginning from 01, 02, or 03 at certain times of the day or week.
If you have such a plan, then use it to call 0345 numbers free of cost at such times. Otherwise the rate of calls to 0345 numbers varies from 0 to 9 pence per minute.
- Mobile users: Most telecom packs have inclusive minutes for calls to 01, 02, or 03 numbers. You can use them for calls to 0345 numbers without having to pay anything extra.
Once you run out of your inclusive pack, the rate of charge can be anything from 3 pence to 55 pence per minute.
We advise you to check your phone contract for knowing the exact details of the applicable rate. Alternatively, cNumber has also answered these questions in its other published articles.
You May Like: How Much Do 0345 Numbers Cost to Call on Vodafone?
Q5: Can I Call an 0345 Number from Abroad?
Firstly, yes it is possible to call a 0345 number from abroad. You need to prefix the number with the UK’s area code i.e. 0044 or +44, and skip the initial zero of 0345. So if you are calling 0345 9784561, then you should be dialing 0044 345 9784561.
Secondly, even if you dial the correct number as above, your call may get blocked in between by the local operator.
Even if your call does get through successfully, the charges aren’t so easy to figure out as they would be a function of your phone company and the international location you are calling from.
An easy way to reach the organisation is to find out if the company has listed any alternate number for international callers. It’s generally much straight-forward to call that number.
Wrapping Up
After going through this quick read we are sure that 0345 numbers will come easy to you.
cNumber is dedicated to its mission to simplify the telecom world for its readers and this article is just one of the many where we clarify common doubts about the different number prefixes, rules and regulations, charging processes, etc.
Are you interested in purchasing a 0345 number (or any other prefix) for your business? Check out our impressive collection of phone numbers at attractive low-cost prices and a host of value-added features that are sure to take your business to new heights.
