Numbers in the 0345 range sit within the wider 03 non‑geographic UK number group. These numbers were introduced as a fair‑cost replacement for older 0845 numbers, ensuring callers never pay more than a standard landline call.
Key 0345 Features
- Non‑geographic: So, they’re not tied to any specific UK region.
- Included in landline/mobile bundles: 03 numbers count toward inclusive minutes on most UK tariffs.
- No revenue sharing: that means organisations can’t receive a share of the call charge.
A Brief History of 0345 Numbers
0345 numbers evolved from earlier NGNs (non-geographic numbers) used in the 1980s & 90s.
Timeline Highlights
- 1980s–1990s: Early non‑geographic prefixes like 0345 were used as ‘local-rate’ national contact numbers.
- 2001 Big Number Change: Many older NGNs were migrated or restructured into formats, including 0845.
- 2007–2015 regulatory shift: Ofcom positioned the 03 range, including 0345, as the modern caller‑friendly alternative to chargeable 08 numbers.
- 2010s–2020s: Major UK businesses port away from 0845 to 0345.
Why Businesses Choose 0345
- 03 presents a national presence without a regional identity.
- Businesses avoid the cost‑related stigma of 0845/0870/09 numbers.
- More calls are attracted due to lower perceived cost.
- 03s are easier for mobile callers, as they’re typically included in bundles.
How Much Does It Cost to Call a 0345 Number?
(2025 Update)
General Rules (Ofcom)
According to Ofcom, calls to any 03 number (including 0345):
- Must cost no more than a call to a UK 01/02 landline.
- Must be included in inclusive landline/mobile minutes.
If you have inclusive minutes:
0345 calls are free in the sense that they draw from your allowance.
If you do not have inclusive minutes:
You’ll pay your provider’s standard landline rate.
In 2024–2025, pricing data shows:
- Landline rates typically around 10–12p per min when out of allowance.
- Mobile PAYG rates vary widely from 3p per min up to around 65p per min, depending on your provider.
Typical Cost Bands
| Provider | Inside Inclusive Minutes | Outside Inclusive Minutes / PAYG |
| ASDA Mobile | Free | 8p/min |
| Delight Mobile | Free | 3p/min |
| EE | Free | 30p/min |
| GiffGaff | Free | 15p/min |
| LycaMobile | Free | 15p/min |
| O2 | Free | 35p/min |
| Tesco Mobile | Free | 25p/min |
| Three | Free | 3–10p/min |
| Virgin Mobile (legacy) | Free | 26p/min |
| Vodafone | Free | 30p/min |
(Rates are indicative based on aggregated 2024–2025 data and subject to provider changes.)
Updated 2025 Notes for Specific Networks
LycaMobile
- Included in bundled minutes: free.
- PAYG/outside allowance: typically 12–15p/min.
VOXI
- Standard charge for 01/02/03: 30p/min.
- Minimum one‑minute billing applies.
GiffGaff
- Included in bundles: free.
- Outside allowance/PAYG: 15p/min.
FreedomPop
- Rates vary by plan. Users must check current tariffs (regularly updated).
- 12p baseline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Are 0345 numbers completely free?
Only if you have inclusive minutes. Otherwise, you pay standard landline rates.
Q2. Are mobile calls to 0345 more expensive than landlines?
They can be if outside your allowance but cannot legally exceed the landline rate cap for 01/02/03 calls.
Q3. Can any business use a 0345 number?
Yes, they’re available to any organisation or company needing a national presence.
Q4. How can I ensure customers know the cost?
Display a note such as: “Calls to this number cost the same as calling a UK landline (01/02). Included in most mobile & landline bundles.”
For more info:
Feel free to…
Call us: 0330 332 0400
Email: support@numbersupermarket.co.uk
