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Have you ever come across an 0843 number and wondered how much it costs to call?
These numbers are commonly used by businesses and organisations across the UK, but their call charges can sometimes be confusing.
Unlike local numbers, 0843 numbers are non-geographic, meaning they are not tied to a specific area.
Many people are unaware of the costs associated with calling these numbers, especially from mobile networks.
Charges can vary based on the provider, time of the call, and whether the call is made from a mobile or landline.
In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about 0843 numbers, including their purpose, costs, potential risks, and alternative options.
What Are 0843 Numbers?
0843 numbers are non-geographic phone numbers in the UK, primarily used by businesses, organisations, and service providers.
These numbers are part of the 0800 range, which means they do not correspond to a specific geographical location. Instead, they are designed to route calls to different locations based on the company’s needs.
These numbers typically have a service charge and an access charge, which together determine the total cost of calling them.
The service charge is set by the company that owns the number, while the access charge is determined by the caller’s network provider.
Unlike freephone numbers like 0800, 0843 numbers always come with a charge, making them more suitable for companies that need to offset call-handling costs.
What Are the Key Features of 0843 Numbers?
0843 numbers are commonly used by businesses across the UK for various services, offering a non-geographic solution for customer interaction.
These numbers are ideal for companies that want to maintain a national presence without being tied to a specific location.
Although not free like 0800 numbers, they serve as a practical way for businesses to manage call costs and generate additional revenue.
Features of 0843 Numbers
- Non-geographic: Not associated with any specific area in the UK.
- Business-oriented: Primarily used for customer service, helplines, and bookings.
- Charge-based: Callers incur a charge based on their phone network provider.
- Revenue-generating: Businesses can earn a share of the service charge from calls.
0843 numbers provide a cost-effective way for businesses to manage customer calls while generating additional revenue.
Who Commonly Uses 0843 Numbers?
0843 numbers are widely used by businesses and organisations that need a professional, non-geographic number.
These numbers are commonly found in industries that require frequent customer interaction.
Industries That Use 0843 Numbers
- Customer Service Centres: Used by banks, telecom providers, and utility companies for helplines and customer support.
- Government Services: Employed by local councils, public helplines, and support services for accessibility.
- Travel & Booking Services: Used by airlines, hotels, and ticket agencies for bookings and inquiries.
- Technical Support Lines: Common in IT and tech support for troubleshooting and customer assistance.
- Charity Organisations: Some charities use these numbers for donation hotlines and fundraising campaigns.
- Subscription Services: Utilised by magazines, clubs, and membership organisations for customer interaction and subscription management
Many companies choose 0843 numbers because they allow call routing flexibility, enabling businesses to handle calls more efficiently.
Additionally, some businesses earn revenue from the service charge portion of the call cost.
Are 0843 Numbers Free to Call?
No, 0843 numbers are not free to call. Unlike 0800 or 0808 numbers, which are toll-free, 0843 numbers always come with a charge.
The total call cost consists of:
- Access Charge: This is set by your phone provider (EE, O2, Vodafone, etc.).
- Service Charge: This is set by the business you are calling.
The combined charge makes calling 0843 numbers more expensive than standard geographic numbers (01 or 02).
Some mobile plans may include certain non-geographic numbers in their allowances, but this is uncommon for 0843 numbers.
If you are unsure about the cost, it is best to check with your mobile or landline provider before dialling an 0843 number.
How Much Do 0843 Numbers Cost from Different Networks?
Call charges for 0843 numbers can differ depending on the network provider and the type of phone you are using.
Below is an overview of the typical costs from major UK networks for 0843 calls:
0843 Call Charges from Major Networks
| Network Provider | Estimated Cost per Minute |
| BT Landline | £0.12p per minute |
| EE Mobile | £0.50p per minute |
| O2 Mobile | £0.45p – £0.55p per minute |
| Vodafone Mobile | £0.55p per minute |
| Three Mobile | £0.55 – £0.70 per minute |
Additional Cost Factors
There are additional factors that can affect these charges:
- Peak vs. Off-Peak Times: Calls made during peak hours may incur higher charges.
- Call Duration: The longer the call, the higher the cost.
- Mobile vs. Landline: Calls made from mobile phones are generally more expensive than from landlines.
Before making a call to an 0843 number, it is recommended to check with your network provider to avoid unexpected charges and ensure you understand the exact cost structure.
Why Do Companies Use 0843 Numbers Instead of Local Numbers?
Companies prefer 0843 numbers over standard geographic numbers for several reasons. Here are some advantages of 0843 numbers for businesses:
National Presence
0843 numbers are not tied to a specific geographic area, allowing businesses to appear more professional and have a nationwide presence.
This can make small businesses seem larger and more established to customers.
Call Routing
These numbers offer flexibility by allowing calls to be forwarded to various departments or locations.
This feature helps businesses streamline operations and ensure that calls are answered by the right team member.
Revenue Generation
Businesses can earn a portion of the call charge for each customer who contacts them via the 0843 number.
This can provide an additional revenue stream for companies offering support or information over the phone.
Call Management Features
0843 numbers often come with advanced features like Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems and call recording. T
hese options improve customer service by efficiently managing calls and tracking interactions for quality control.
Although some customers dislike paying for calls, many businesses find 0843 numbers beneficial for managing large volumes of calls efficiently.
Are 0843 Numbers Linked to Scams or Spam Calls?
While 0843 numbers are legally used by many businesses, they can also be misused by fraudsters and scammers for cold calls, scams, or premium-rate fraud.
To identify a scam call from an 0843 number, watch for unsolicited calls from unknown numbers, as legitimate businesses typically don’t call you out of the blue.
Another red flag is the use of automated messages, which are commonly used by scammers to impersonate companies.
Additionally, be wary if the caller requests personal or sensitive information such as your bank details or passwords, as trusted companies will never ask for such information over the phone.
If you suspect a call is a scam, it’s best to avoid engaging with the caller, block the number immediately, and report the incident to authorities such as Ofcom or Action Fraud.
Staying vigilant can help protect you from falling victim to scams.
How Can You Block 0843 Numbers on Your Phone?
If you’re receiving unwanted calls from 0843 numbers, there are several ways to block them. Here’s how to do it:
On iPhone
- Open the “Phone” app and go to “Recents.”
- Tap the “i” icon next to the number you want to block.
- Scroll down and select “Block this Caller.” This will prevent future calls from the number.
On Android
- Open the “Phone” app and go to your “Call History.”
- Find the 0843 number you wish to block.
- Tap the number and select “Block Number” to stop receiving calls from that contact.
Through Your Network Provider
You can also contact your mobile provider, such as EE, O2, Vodafone, or Three, to request that they block all 0843 numbers for you.
This is particularly useful if you’re experiencing frequent nuisance calls. Blocking these numbers will help reduce unwanted disturbances and potential scams.
How Do 0843 Numbers Compare to Other UK Non-Geographic Numbers?
0843 numbers fall under the category of non-geographic numbers, but they are not the only ones available in the UK.
Many people often confuse them with other 0800 numbers, such as 0844, 0845, 0870, and 0800.
Understanding the differences can help you decide which number to call or use for business purposes.
Comparison of 0843 Numbers with Other Non-Geographic Numbers
| Number Type | Usage | Call Charges | Commonly Used By |
| 0843 | Customer service, sales, tech support | Chargeable (Access + Service charge) | Businesses, charities, helplines |
| 0844 | Booking services, support lines | Similar to 0843 | Travel agencies, service providers |
| 0845 | Government helplines, customer support | Slightly lower than 0843 | Government departments, banks |
| 0870 | Premium services, conference calls | Higher than 0843 & 0845 | Tech support, financial services |
| 0800 | Freephone customer service | Free to call | Businesses offering free support |
Key Differences Between 0843 and Other Non-Geographic Numbers
- 0843 vs. 0844: Both have similar pricing, but 0844 numbers may have different service charges depending on the business.
- 0843 vs. 0845: 0845 numbers tend to be cheaper and are commonly used by government agencies.
- 0843 vs. 0870: 0870 numbers are typically more expensive as they are classified as premium-rate numbers.
- 0843 vs. 0800: 0800 numbers are free for callers, making them more customer-friendly.
If you are looking for a cost-effective way to contact businesses, you may want to look for alternatives like 0345 or 0800 numbers instead of 0843 numbers.
Are There Any Alternatives to Calling 0843 Numbers?
If you are looking to avoid high call charges when calling an 0843 number, there are several alternative options available. Some businesses offer cheaper or free ways to get in touch.
Alternative Contact Methods for 0843 Numbers
- Call an 0345 Number Instead: Many companies provide 0345 numbers, which are charged at standard local rates and are often included in mobile call allowances.
- Look for a Geographic Alternative (01 or 02 Number): Some companies provide an 01 or 02 alternative, which is typically cheaper or included in mobile call packages.
- Use an 0800 Number: 0800 numbers are free to call from both landlines and mobiles in the UK.
- Check the Business’s Website for Live Chat or Email Support: Many customer service teams now offer online chat, WhatsApp, or email support.
- Use VoIP Services (Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp Calls): If the business has an online presence, you may be able to contact them via free VoIP services.
- Contact the Business via Social Media: Many companies respond to customer queries on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Before calling an 0843 number, check the business’s website to see if they provide a cheaper alternative or a toll-free option.
What Should You Do If You’re Overcharged for an 0843 Call?
If you believe you have been overcharged for calling an 0843 number, it is important to take the right steps to dispute the charge and prevent further unexpected costs.
Steps to Take If You’re Overcharged for an 0843 Call
Check Your Phone Bill
Review your phone bill for the 0843 call charges and note the call duration. This will help you understand the cost breakdown.
Compare with Network Provider’s Rates
Verify the charge by reviewing your provider’s pricing policy online. Compare the listed rates with what you were billed.
Contact Your Provider
Reach out to your provider’s customer service for clarification. They may offer a refund or explanation if there’s an error.
Contact the Business Directly
Get in touch with the company you called for clarification on their charges. They might offer an alternative number or refund policy.
File a Complaint if Necessary
If unresolved, file a complaint with Ofcom or the Communications Ombudsman. This helps address unfair charges and ensures consumer protection.
It is always advisable to double-check call charges before dialling an 0843 number to avoid unexpected expenses.
Conclusion
0843 numbers play a significant role in the UK’s business and communication industry, offering flexibility and nationwide reach.
However, these numbers come with higher call charges, which can vary based on the network provider and the business’s service charge.
For consumers, it is essential to be aware of the costs associated with calling 0843 numbers, as well as potential alternatives like 0345 or 0800 numbers.
If you receive unwanted calls or overcharges, you can take steps to block the number or dispute billing errors.
Before making a call, always check your network provider’s tariff rates and explore other free or low-cost contact options available.
This ensures you stay informed and avoid unnecessary expenses when dealing with 0843 numbers.
FAQs About 0843 Numbers
How can I find out the exact cost of calling an 0843 number?
You can check your phone provider’s website or contact their customer service for specific pricing details.
Are 0843 numbers included in monthly mobile plans?
No, most mobile plans do not include 0843 numbers, and they are charged separately.
Can businesses make money from 0843 numbers?
Yes, businesses receive a portion of the service charge, making it a source of revenue.
Do 0843 numbers work internationally?
Yes, you can call 0843 numbers from abroad, but the charges will be significantly higher.
Why do you keep getting calls from 0843 numbers?
Many 0843 numbers are used by telemarketers, businesses, or scammers, so always verify the caller before responding.
What’s the difference between 0843 and 0845 numbers?
0843 numbers often have a higher service charge than 0845 numbers, which are typically used by government services.
Can I block all 0843 numbers?
Yes, you can block 0843 numbers using your phone settings, mobile network provider, or third-party apps.
Is it cheaper to call 0843 numbers from a landline or mobile?
Generally, landline calls to 0843 numbers are cheaper than mobile calls, which have higher access charges.
