When browsing through contact details for travel agents, technical support lines, or booking services in the UK, you may have come across phone numbers starting with 0871.
These numbers often spark confusion, mainly because they don’t belong to the familiar landline (01, 02) or mobile (07) ranges.
Instead, they fall under the category of non-geographic numbers (NGNs) numbers that are not tied to a physical location but instead route calls based on the service provider’s settings.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at 0871 numbers, exploring what they are, how much they cost to call, why businesses use them, and the potential advantages and disadvantages for consumers and organisations alike.
What Are 0871 Numbers Used For?
0871 numbers are part of the 087 range of non-geographic phone numbers regulated in the UK. They are typically used by businesses and organisations for:
- Customer service helplines
- Technical support services
- Booking and reservation lines (travel, hotels, ticketing, etc.)
- Information and advice lines
- Revenue-generating services
Unlike standard geographic numbers (01/02) or mobile numbers (07), 0871 numbers are designed to allow the organisation receiving the call to earn revenue from incoming calls. This is achieved because callers are charged a premium rate, part of which is passed back to the business.
Are 0871 Numbers Premium Rate Numbers?
Yes, 0871 numbers are considered premium rate service (PRS) numbers, though they are often classed as “lower-tier premium rate” compared to the more expensive 09 numbers.
The Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) regulates services using 087 numbers (including 0870, 0871, 0872, and 0873). Any company operating an 0871 number must comply with PSA regulations, which cover advertising, transparency of costs, and consumer protection.
So, while not as costly as 09 numbers, calling an 0871 number is significantly more expensive than calling a standard landline or mobile.
How Much Do Calls to 0871 Numbers Cost?
The cost of calling an 0871 number depends on two components:
- Access Charge: This is set by the caller’s phone provider (BT, EE, O2, Vodafone, etc.) and typically ranges from 10p to 65p per minute.
- Service Charge: This is set by the organisation that owns the number and is usually up to 13p per minute.
For example:
- If your mobile provider charges a 40p per minute access charge, and the company you are calling applies a 13p per minute service charge, your total cost would be 53p per minute.
Because these costs add up quickly, calls to 0871 numbers are not included in “inclusive minutes” or free call bundles offered by most networks.
Are 0871 Numbers Free on EE?
Calling any business 0871 number on EE is normal, yet it isn’t in every case totally clear what you will be charged for settling on the decision. Non-geographic phone numbers starting with 0871 are regularly utilized by numerous enormous associations. Their utilization in the UK is diminishing, with many being supplanted with 03 numbers.
Nonetheless, while 087 numbers are as yet being utilized you will need to comprehend the charges you ought to anticipate. You can’t utilize 0870 numbers in your month-to-month portion of minutes on your EE call bundle – 0870 numbers are excluded.
Be that as it may, EE allows its clients to pursue an extra group for a charge, which permits admittance to 0870 numbers. EE will charge clients an entrance charge, as of now 50p notwithstanding a charge each moment for settling on a decision to 0870 numbers which are at present 11p.
Are 0871 Numbers Free on O2?
O2 is a main UK portable organization supplier, one of which gives cutthroat and reasonable call bundles to O2 individuals. Reaching business 0871 numbers on O2 are viewed as superior rate numbers.
Calls made to numbers beginning with 0871 cause a higher charge, contrasted with other contact numbers.
The cost of 0871 increases on the basis of contract O2 part, and the calls are prohibited from comprehensive minutes, and it will cost 35.8 pence for each minute.
This calling charge is applied after the principal entire moment of a call and will be charged as late as possible.
Calls to premium-rate numbers are added to your normal month-to-month proclamation and will be isolated from your standard calls. 0871 numbers have an entrance charge that is added for associating the call.
Are 0871 Numbers Free on Vodafone?
Vodafone is one of the UK’s biggest versatile administrators. All things considered, eventually, you should call any business 0871 number from your cell phone. These are non-geological numbers that are frequently utilized by enormous associations, for example, banks and huge call communities.
These are numbers that are normally excluded from cell phone bundles. This is valid for Vodafone. On the off chance that you have a month-to-month standard of minutes as a feature of your arrangement, dialling a 0870 number won’t emerge from these minutes. All things considered, you will be charged for the call.
Vodafone charges both a help charge and an expense each moment for settling on a decision from a Vodafone portable. Presently, Vodafone charges 55p for settling on decisions to 0870 numbers, yet there will likewise be an expense on top of this, subject to the association you are calling.
Cost Breakdown
| Provider | Access Charge | Service Charge (typical) | Total Cost |
| BT | 20p/min | 13p/min | 33p/min |
| EE | 45p/min | 13p/min | 58p/min |
| O2 | 35p/min | 13p/min | 48p/min |
| Vodafone | 55p/min | 13p/min | 68p/min |
Why Do Businesses Use 0871 Numbers?
Despite the higher costs to consumers, many businesses still opt for 0871 numbers for several reasons:
1. Revenue Sharing
The main incentive for organisations is the revenue-sharing model. Businesses earn a portion of the service charge every time someone calls their 0871 number. For example, if the service charge is 13p per minute, a business might receive 7p per minute from each call.
2. National Presence
Since 0871 numbers are non-geographic, they are not tied to any city or region in the UK. A company based in London, Manchester, or Birmingham can appear to have a national identity, which can be useful for large organisations.
3. Professional Image
Using a non-standard number often gives a business an aura of professionalism, signalling that it is a structured and national-level operation rather than a small local business.
4. Call Routing Flexibility
0871 numbers allow organisations to easily route calls to different offices, departments, or even outsourced call centres, improving efficiency without revealing their underlying landline numbers.
The Downsides of 0871 Numbers for Consumers
While businesses may benefit, consumers often face frustrations when dealing with 0871 numbers:
- High Call Charges – Costs are considerably higher than standard calls, and can quickly add up, especially if waiting in a queue.
- Not Included in Free Minutes – Inclusive minutes and free call allowances on mobile or landline packages don’t cover 0871 numbers.
- Transparency Issues – Despite regulations, many customers remain unaware of how expensive these calls can be until they receive their phone bill.
- Perception of Exploitation – Customers often see businesses that use revenue-sharing numbers as exploitative, especially when used for essential services like customer support.
0871 Numbers vs Other Non-Geographic Numbers
It’s important to distinguish 0871 numbers from other types of non-geographic numbers:
| Number Range | Type | Cost | Typical Use |
| 01 / 02 | Geographic | Local/national rates, often free in bundles | Landlines |
| 03 | Non-geographic | Charged at standard landline rates, included in bundles | Alternative to 08 numbers for customer service |
| 0800 / 0808 | Freephone | Free for the caller | Helplines, enquiries |
| 0843 / 0844 / 0845 | Non-geographic, revenue share | Up to 7p per min + access charge | Customer service, info lines |
| 0870 / 0871 / 0872 | Non-geographic, premium | Up to 13p per min + access charge | Technical support, booking lines |
| 09 | Premium rate | Up to £3.60 per min | Competitions, adult services |
From this table, it’s clear that 0871 numbers are less consumer-friendly than 03 or 0800 numbers. In fact, the UK government banned the use of 087 numbers for post-sales customer service lines in 2014, requiring many organisations to switch to 03 or 0800 numbers.
Are Businesses Allowed to Use 0871 Numbers for Customer Service?
Legally, businesses cannot use 0871 numbers for customer service helplines where a customer is calling about an existing contract or product. For example:
- If you’ve already purchased insurance, broadband, or an appliance, the company must provide a basic rate number (01, 02, 03, or 080) for after-sales support.
However, 0871 numbers can still be used for:
- Pre-sales enquiries (e.g., checking availability or making a booking).
- Technical support services.
- Paid information lines.
This regulation helps protect consumers from unfairly high charges when resolving issues with services or products they’ve already purchased.
How to Avoid High Charges When Calling 0871 Numbers
If you come across an 0871 number, here are a few tips to reduce costs:
- Check for Alternatives – Many companies also provide a geographic (01/02) or 03 number that can be cheaper to call. Websites like “SayNoTo0870” list alternatives.
- Use Landline Instead of Mobile – Calls from landlines can sometimes be cheaper than from mobiles.
- Look for Online Support – Email, live chat, or contact forms can avoid phone charges entirely.
- Social Media Contact – Many businesses now respond faster to queries raised via Twitter/X or Facebook.
What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of 0871 Numbers for Businesses?
Like most communication tools, 0871 numbers come with clear advantages and disadvantages.
While they can be financially beneficial for companies, they also carry reputational risks if not used appropriately.
Benefits of 0871 Numbers for Businesses
1. Revenue Generation
One of the most attractive benefits is the revenue-sharing model. Each time a customer calls an 0871 number, the business receives a portion of the service charge typically a few pence per minute.
For organisations handling large call volumes, this can represent a meaningful secondary income stream. For example, a travel booking line that receives thousands of daily calls may earn a steady additional revenue source without increasing product prices.
2. National, Non-Geographic Appeal
Unlike local landline numbers beginning with 01 or 02, 0871 numbers are non-geographic. This means a business in Manchester could appear to have a nationwide reach, making the company seem larger and more established.
For businesses that want to avoid being tied to a specific location, this helps create a professional, UK-wide image.
3. Professionalism and Brand Image
Using an 0871 number often signals to customers that they’re dealing with a structured, professional organisation.
Instead of a small local number, the 0871 range can give the impression of credibility, particularly in industries like financial services, travel, or technical support.
4. Call Routing and Flexibility
0871 numbers are highly adaptable when it comes to call routing. Calls can be directed to multiple offices, departments, or even outsourced call centres.
For instance, a company could route calls to one centre during the day and another at night, ensuring 24/7 coverage without confusion for the caller.
5. Scalability for Growing Businesses
As businesses expand, managing communication becomes more complex. 0871 numbers make it easier to add call management features such as IVR (Interactive Voice Response), call forwarding, or queue management.
This scalability helps growing businesses maintain customer service standards as demand increases.
Drawbacks of 0871 Numbers for Businesses
1. High Costs Discourage Customers
While businesses earn from these calls, the cost to the consumer is significantly higher than calling a landline or mobile.
If customers feel they are being forced to pay extra just to contact a company, they may decide to take their business elsewhere. This is particularly damaging in competitive industries where free alternatives (e.g., 0800 or 03 numbers) are available.
2. Negative Brand Perception
Over time, 0871 numbers have gained a reputation for being expensive and customer-unfriendly.
Companies that rely on them may be viewed as prioritising profit over customer care. For example, a customer phoning a technical support line and spending 20 minutes on hold could be charged several pounds, creating frustration and distrust.
3. Regulatory Restrictions
Since 2014, consumer law has prohibited the use of 087 numbers for after-sales support lines.
Businesses offering services like insurance, utilities, or retail purchases cannot legally use 0871 numbers for customer care once a contract has been signed. This limitation reduces their usefulness for many industries.
4. Risk of Complaints and Bad Publicity
Consumer watchdogs and organisations such as Citizens Advice often highlight the high cost of 087 numbers. Negative press or customer complaints about expensive helplines can tarnish a company’s image.
In today’s social media-driven environment, such backlash can spread quickly, harming brand reputation.
5. Declining Relevance
With the introduction of cheaper and more consumer-friendly alternatives such as 03 numbers (charged at standard landline rates and included in free minutes), reliance on 0871 numbers is decreasing. Businesses continuing to use them risk appearing outdated or insensitive to consumer trends.
Balanced Perspective
0871 numbers still have a place in industries that rely on call-driven revenue, such as travel booking, paid advice lines, or information services. For these businesses, the extra income and flexibility outweigh the drawbacks.
However, in most mainstream sectors, the drawbacks, particularly high customer costs and negative brand perception can outweigh the benefits.
Modern consumers expect fair, transparent, and affordable communication channels. As a result, many organisations are switching to 03 numbers or free 0800 lines, which build greater trust and customer loyalty.
What is The Future of 0871 Numbers?
With the increasing focus on consumer rights and cost transparency, the use of 0871 numbers is gradually declining.
Many organisations have shifted towards 03 numbers, which cost the same as standard landline calls and are included in free minutes.
Government regulations and consumer watchdog campaigns have also pushed businesses to adopt more customer-friendly contact numbers.
However, 0871 numbers are still in use, particularly in industries like travel booking, information lines, and some technical support services.
Over time, it’s likely that these numbers will continue to shrink in popularity as customer expectations evolve.
Conclusion
0871 numbers are a type of non-geographic, premium rate phone number used by businesses for revenue sharing, national presence, and call routing flexibility.
While they provide advantages to organisations, they are expensive for consumers, often costing between 30p and 68p per minute, depending on the provider.
UK regulations prevent businesses from using 0871 numbers for after-sales customer support, but they remain in use for booking services, technical support, and information lines.
For consumers, the best advice is to always check for cheaper alternatives, such as geographic (01/02) or 03 numbers, and make use of online or free communication channels wherever possible.
Ultimately, while 0871 numbers still serve a role in business communications, their future may be limited as customer expectations shift towards transparency, fairness, and affordability.
FAQs
What is an 0871 number in the UK?
An 0871 number is a non-geographic, premium rate phone number used by businesses for customer services, bookings, or technical support.
How much does it cost to call an 0871 number?
Calls to 0871 numbers cost up to 13p per minute service charge plus an access charge from your provider, typically between 10p–65p per minute.
Are 0871 numbers free to call?
No, 0871 numbers are never free and are not included in inclusive minutes on mobile or landline plans.
Who regulates 0871 numbers?
The Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) regulates 0871 numbers to ensure transparency and protect consumers.
Can businesses use 0871 numbers for customer service?
No, UK regulations ban businesses from using 0871 numbers for after-sales support. They must offer standard-rate alternatives like 01, 02, 03, or 0800 numbers.
Why do companies use 0871 numbers?
Companies use them to create a national presence, manage call routing, and generate revenue from incoming calls.
How can I avoid high charges when calling an 0871 number?
Look for an alternative 01, 02, or 03 number, use online contact options, or check directories like SayNoTo0870 to save money.
