What is an NGN?
What is an NGN?
NGN is an acronym for ‘Non Geographic Number’ such as an 03 UK wide Number, 0800 Freephone, 0843, 0844, 0845, 0871, 09
The above are examples. The term NGN does not cover virtual 01 / 02 numbers (Often referred to in the telecoms industry as Area Call numbers) –
Use 03 numbers for Start up Businesses. As you grow, the chances you’ll move office, you can take the numbers with you. A Memorable number allows your company to Stand out from the crowd and WILL give the perception of being larger and more established
Memorable numbers
Perfect for organisations looking to establish themselves as more that just a local business. A memorable number will always stand out. Easier to remember and look impressive on your stationary. Memorable numbers are also known as Gold/Platinum /Unique/Prime numbers. These numbers all work in the same way, it is just that repeated digits and patterns in the numbers are easier to remember and therefore worth a premium.
Memorable 03 numbers are used by organisations of all sizes to generate more sales, portray a professional image and encourage customer loyalty. It makes you stand out from the crowd and gives your business a nationwide feel. Perfect for organisations looking to establish themselves as more than just a local business. Grow your customer base with a memorable number.
In the majority of cases people will physically see an 03 number in the yellow pages or on the net, newspaper etc, as it’s the same as calling an 01/02 number they will call
In the case of radio or TV advertising campaigns people won’t usually have a pen or paper to hand, hence needing a memorable number. If you are to be successful in converting listeners/viewers into customers a memorable number will do just that.
Be it an 03 / 0800 / 07 mobile number – ‘Stand Out From The Crowd’
THE EASIER YOUR PHONE NUMBER IS TO REMEMBER, THE MORE LIKELY THE CUSTOMERS ARE TO CALL YOU.
Boost your business exposure with an NGN
Attract a nationwide market. Now your business can appeal to a wider market. With a non geographic number you can give your company the appearance of a large scale business, regardless of the size and without the constraints of a geographic area code.
When a business moves it is not always feasable to retain the exsisting telephone numbers. This can cause problems, such as new company litterature plus having to contact existing customers with notification of the number change. Once and NGN number is acquired by the business you never need to change your phone number again.
Where an existing landline number or in house phone system develops a fault, the NGN can be diverted to another number. This allows calls to continue being taken for continuity of business.
There are a variety of Non Geographic numbers each serving a different purpose. When you choose your number you should consider your caller profile and which NGN would most appeal to them. Please view our different options which should help you understand the differences between the types of business telephone numbers and their unique benefits. Or alternatively call us and we will be delighted to help you understand what is best for your business needs. Our inbound solutions give you all the features of a PBX without the cost or the investment in time.
Numbers for a start up business
We know that setting up a new business can be fraught with problems but there is one thing you need to get right from the start. Your communications set-up. This is crucial because it is all about how you reach your customers, how they contact you and how your staff, partners and suppliers communicate with each other.
Talk numbers believe that just giving clients what they need today isn’t enough. Clients need to be equipt for the future so their business can grow, thrive and endure. We are here to share that journey with you.
Simplicity is the key. With many start up businesses it is easy to overspend on impressing your customers. With our telecoms solutions we start you with our basic package and you can grow from there as fast or as slowly as your business takes you. We are able to provide new start up business with with the latest in inbound call handling technology.
Talk Numbers is an active supporter of start up and new businesses. We understand there are an incredible number of things to consider when starting a business. Let us take on the worry about your telecom needs. We can set up a single number for you through to a complete telecoms solution with virtual services. Lets us manage your telecoms, freeing you to focus on your business. As you business grows your telecoms needs will grow in tandem with you. In our opinion the most important focus in telecoms terms should be to make sure that every single call is answered be it by yourselves, auto attendant, voicemail or outsourced, whatever you choose make sure the call is captured. Missed calls are missed sales opportunities
Use 03 numbers for Start up Businesses. As you grow, the chances you’ll move office, you can take the numbers with you. A Memorable number allows your company to Stand out from the crowd and WILL give the perception of being larger and more established
What is an NGN
What is an NGN, An NGN in simple terms, is a telephone number people call. No equipment is needed; it is simply attached remotely to your landline or mobile or a hosted call handling service. Unlike Landline numbers they are geographically independent of any area of the UK’
What are the different types of NGN?
An 03 / 08 number can simply be re-targeted to any UK geographic land line or mobile, which means that your customers can keep in touch where ever you are. Should you move, you simply take the NGN phone number with you.
This is the same for virtual 01 and 02 number as above can simply be re-targeted to any UK geographic land line or mobile, which means that your customers can keep in touch where ever you are
Numbers and what they cost
This is a guide to common phone numbers, some of the ways they are used and the indicative cost of calling them from landlines and mobiles as per Ofcom July 1012
There are so many different types of phone number these days that it can be hard keeping tabs on how much they cost to call.
We will look at some of the common numbers in use today like 01, 02, 03, 07, 08 and 09 numbers. What they are used for and how much it costs to call them from a BT landline other providers may vary. Calls from mobiles will almost always be higher and you should check the cost of calls with your mobile provider. Actual costs depend on your communications provider and a number of factors such as individual calling plans, time of day and the exact number called.
It should be noted that some NGN numbers have an Access charge and a Service charge
084 / 087 / 09 / 118 have an Access Charge and a Service charge
(Access charge is charged by the telecoms provider you are with, Service charge is charged by the organisation you’re calling. The amount of the service charge is set by them, and should be stated anywhere the number is advertised.
0800 and 0808 are free to call from a UK landline and UK Mobile they have no access charge or service charge the receiver of the call pays for the call
01 and 02 numbers – geographic numbers (This is not an NGN this a geographic number)
These numbers relate to specific locations in the UK and are used for homes and business. Calls from landlines are typically charged between 1p and 5p per minute; Calls from mobiles between can be part of your inclusive minutes package or charged at around 10p to 40p per minute. For landlines there is normally also a set-up fee and call charges are dependent on the time of day. Most providers offer call packages that allow calls free of charge at certain times of the day.
03 numbers – UK-wide geographic numbers (This is an NGN – Friendly NGN)
Many organisations use 03 numbers as an alternative to the more expensive 08 numbers. Calls cost no more than calls to geographic numbers (01 or 02) and must be included in inclusive minutes and discount schemes in the same way. Calls from landlines are typically charged between 2p and 10p per min; calls from mobiles typically cost between 10p and 40p per minute. Calls from landlines and mobiles are included in the free call packages – Please note they cost same to call as a normal 01 / 02 number
03 UK Wide numbers start with: 0300 / 0330 / 0333 / 0343 / 0344 / 0345 / 0370 / 0371 /0372
030 numbers – not-for-profit organisations
030 numbers were specifically designed for not-for-profit organisations, charities and public bodies to offer consumers a single point of contact nationally. The BBC, the Met Police, The RASPCA, Ofcom and a number of government departments use 030 numbers.
Calls cost no more than calls to geographic (01 and 02) numbers and must be included in inclusive minutes and discount schemes in the same way. Calls from landlines are typically charged between 2p and 10p per minute; Calls from mobiles typically cost between 10p and 40p per minute. Calls from landlines and mobiles are included in free call packages
03 numbers for Start up Business
055 Corporate Numbers (This is an NGN)
These numbers are intended for large organisations who require dedicated blocks of telephone numbers that are not associated with a specific locality – such as for an internal phone network spanning various branches around the country. Most companies use 03 numbers instead as they are more recognised.
The cost to call 05 numbers will vary depending on your network provider, how you are calling, your location and the time of day. Before calling a 055 or 056 number, you should check with your provider if the number is included in any free minutes plans.
056 Corporate Numbers (This an NGN)
Officially designated for ‘location independent electronic communication services’, 056 numbers are mostly used for VoIP phone services.
The cost to call 05 numbers will vary depending on your network provider, how you are calling, your location and the time of day. Before calling a 055 or 056 number, you should check with your provider if the number is included in any free minutes plans.
07- Mobile numbers (Not an NGN – This is a mobile number (However not specific to area)
Calls to mobiles are charged between 5p and 12p per minute from BT landlines and other landline providers and are typically included in the free call packages.
Call costs from mobiles will vary according to the calling plan chosen. Typically most mobiles on contract with inclusive minutes.
However on PAYG cost can escalate from 8p to 40p per minute or may be more
Calls between mobile phones and landlines 03 / 0800 / 0808 are included in free call package
070- Personal numbers (This is a Personal number)
These are different from mobile numbers and calls to them are more expensive. They can be used as “follow me” services where calls are diverted from another number. Small business and sole traders use them to make it easy to manage calls. Personal numbers are also sold on a one-off basis, for example when someone is buying or selling a used car and doesn’t want to advertise their private mobile or fixed line number on a website or magazine.
070 numbers can cost between from around 5p or more per minute if calling from a landline (and often include a call set-up fee, sometimes o). From a mobile phone these numbers can cost up to £5 per minute or much more
Use Caution, these numbers can be more expensive to call – Ofcom is lowering the cost – Check with your telecoms provider the cost to call these numbers
08 Freephone numbers (This is an NGN) – Friendly NGN
0800 and 0808 Freephone numbers (Toll Free)
A number of business and organizations use freephone numbers, including some help lines and charities such as RNID or Age UK, as well as government services such as Jobseeker’s Allowances.
Calls are normally free of charge from landlines but charges may apply from mobile phones. However the operator must make an announcement before the call is connected telling the caller that they will be charged (the announcement does not state the exact charge). Calling from a UK mobiles to a freephone number are now free to call.
0800 and 0808 are free to call from a UK landline and UK Mobile they have no access charge or service charge the receiver of the call pays for the call
Access charge and Service charge
The cost of calling 084 numbers, 087 numbers, 09 numbers and 118 directory enquiries numbers is now made up of two parts: an Access Charge and a Service Charge.
The Service Charge amount varies according to which organisation you are calling, while the Access Charge is what your own phone company charges you for calling these numbers.
To find out the total cost of a call, add the advertised Service Charge to your phone company’s Access Charge.
0843 and 0844 numbers (What is an NGN – This is an NGN)
Calls are charged between 1p and 13p per minute for landline customers. Calls from mobile phones are typically charged between 40p and 55p per minute, depending on the provider and the number called.
The Service Charge amount varies according to which organisation you are calling, while the Access Charge is what your own phone company charges you for calling these numbers
Use Caution, these numbers can be costly
0845 numbers / 0844 / 0843 (What is an NGN – This is an NGN)
Calls are typically charged at between 1p and 10.5p per minute depending on the any inclusive minutes in the same way. Calls from other fixed networks typically cost up to 13p per minute. From some mobile networks calls typically cost between 40p and 55p + per minute.
The Service Charge amount varies according to which organisation you are calling, while the Access Charge is what your own phone company charges you for calling these numbers
Use Caution, these numbers can be costly
0870 numbers (What is an NGN – This is an NGN)
Calls from some fixed networks cost no more than a geographic rate call (01 or 02, between 2p and 13p plus a call set-up fee in some cases) and may count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way. Calls from other fixed networks typically cost up to 13p per minute. From some mobile networks calls typically cost between 40p and 55p + per minute.
The Service Charge amount varies according to which organisation you are calling, while the Access Charge is what your own phone company charges you for calling these numbers
Use Caution, these numbers can be costly
0871/2/3 numbers (What is an NGN – This is an NGN)
Calls typically cost between 10p and 25p per minute for landline customers, plus a call set-up fee. From a mobile phone, calls may cost between 50p and 60p per minute or more . Services provided on these numbers are regulated by PhonepayPlus to provide additional protection for callers. You can find out more information at www.phonepayplus.org.uk.
The Service Charge amount varies according to which organisation you are calling, while the Access Charge is what your own phone company charges you for calling these numbers
Use Caution, these numbers can be costly
118 directory enquiry number (What is an NGN – This is an NGN)
Calls to directory enquiry numbers (starting 118) can vary significantly in price depending on the directory enquiry service and the phone company you call from. From a landline, calls can cost a fixed one-off charge of up to £10.50 for one or sometimes more searches, plus up £5 per minute. From a mobile, some networks charge a fixed one-off charge of up to £6.98, plus up to £5 per minute. Other networks charge on a per minute basis with calls costing around £1.50 to £4.50 per minute. Please note call to 118 can be far more expensive than stated here always call your provider to find out how much it is going to cost you to call a specific 118 number
As of writing this there is no price cape to a cost of a call to a 118 (Caller beware!)
The Service Charge amount varies according to which organisation you are calling, while the Access Charge is what your own phone company charges you for calling these numbers
Use Caution these numbers can be costly
09 numbers (What is an NGN – This is an NGN )
09 numbers are mainly used for competitions, TV voting, horoscopes, chat lines, adult lines, recorded information and professional advice services. You can bar these premium rate numbers from being dialled from your phone, as you can with other numbers. These numbers are also regulated by Phone-paid Services Authority www.psauthority.org.uk. Calls typically cost between 10p and £1.53 per minute or per call from a BT landline, but other landline providers can charge up to £2.60 per minute. From a mobile phone charges typically range between 50p and £2.55 per minute or per call.
The Service Charge amount varies according to which organisation you are calling, while the Access Charge is what your own phone company charges you for calling these numbers –
Use Caution these numbers can be costly
Don’t Forget!
Use 03 numbers for Start up Businesses. As you grow, the chances you’ll move office, you can take the numbers with you. A Memorable number allows your company to Stand out from the crowd and WILL give the perception of being larger and more established!
Now you know what an NGN and how it can help your business. Why not get the right one for company whether Local, National or International – Its your call
If you want to know more about NGN’s and how they can help your organisation CONTACT US
A good link is here to find out about cost of calling NGN numbers, the link goes to the Ofcom website
Phone-paid Services Authority: www.psauthority.org.uk.
Gov.uk site covering call charges : https://www.gov.uk/call-charges
Any thoughts or comments appreciated – Feel free to contact us
