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0871 numbers are premium-rate non-geographic telephone numbers used primarily in the UK for various business and professional purposes.
Unlike traditional landline numbers, they do not indicate a specific location, making them ideal for nationwide customer support or marketing.
These numbers allow businesses to project a professional image while offering enhanced flexibility in managing inbound calls.
However, they come with service charges, making it essential for users to understand the costs before calling.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about 0871 numbers, their benefits, costs, and how they’re regulated in the UK.
What Are 0871 Numbers?
0871 numbers are a specific type of premium-rate telephone number regulated by Ofcom and the Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA).
Unlike standard UK landline numbers that start with geographic prefixes (such as 020 for London), 0871 numbers are non-geographic, meaning they do not correspond to any specific area.
These numbers are widely used by businesses to provide services such as customer support, technical assistance, or sales inquiries.
The main distinction of 0871 numbers is their premium rate, which means callers incur higher charges than typical calls.
These costs consist of two components: an access charge set by the caller’s network provider and a service charge determined by the business receiving the call.
This setup allows businesses to generate revenue from incoming calls, making 0871 numbers an attractive option for companies seeking additional income streams while maintaining a professional communication channel.
What Are the Benefits of Using 0871 Numbers?
0871 numbers offer several advantages, particularly for businesses looking to enhance customer service and create a professional brand image. These benefits include:
- Revenue Generation: Businesses can earn a share of the call charges, creating an additional income stream.
- Nationwide Presence: Since 0871 numbers are non-geographic, they give businesses a national presence, eliminating the perception of being tied to a specific region.
- Flexible Call Routing: Calls to 0871 numbers can be routed to different locations or devices, ensuring seamless handling of customer inquiries.
- Professional Image: Using a premium-rate number signals a well-established and professional organisation, building trust among customers.
- Enhanced Call Management: Features like call recording, queue management, and detailed analytics help businesses improve their service quality and operational efficiency.
By leveraging these benefits, companies can improve customer satisfaction and boost their overall brand reputation.
Who Uses 0871 Numbers?
0871 numbers are typically used by businesses and organisations that provide chargeable services. These premium-rate numbers allow businesses to manage call volumes while generating revenue from the additional service charges.
Below are some of the most common uses of 0871 numbers:
- Conference Call Services: Businesses offering conferencing solutions often use 0871 numbers to manage large volumes of calls and provide additional services such as call recording and advanced routing.
- Travel and Event Ticket Booking: Companies in the travel industry or those providing event ticketing services frequently use 0871 numbers for bookings and customer support.
- Dating and Chat Services: 0871 numbers are commonly used for premium-rate phone lines in the dating and chat service sectors, where customers pay for each call.
- Horoscopes and Fortune Telling: Many horoscope and psychic services use 0871 numbers to charge callers for access to their readings or predictions.
- Support Lines and Chargeable Information Services: Organisations offering specialist support, technical help, or chargeable information often use 0871 numbers for customer inquiries.
These uses make 0871 numbers a popular choice for businesses that need to generate revenue through phone calls while offering services to their customers.
Are 0871 Numbers Free to Call?
No, 0871 numbers are not free to call. Unlike freephone numbers such as 0800, calls to 0871 numbers incur a premium rate. The access charge and the service charge make up the two components of a call’s overall cost.
The access fee varies based on your network and is determined by your phone service provider. The service charge, on the other hand, is determined by the organisation you’re calling.
These charges mean that calling 0871 numbers can be significantly more expensive than calling standard landlines or mobile numbers.
It’s crucial to check your phone plan or contact your service provider to understand the specific costs involved before dialling an 0871 number.
How Much Does It Cost to Call an 0871 Number?
When calling an 0871 number, there are three key cost elements to consider: the service charge, the access charge, and the overall cost structure. Here’s a breakdown of these components:
Service Charge
- The additional fee that the company using the 0871 number sets is known as the service charge.
- Importantly, the service charge remains the same for all callers, whether they are using a landline or mobile phone.
- Typically, this charge ranges between 6p and 13p per minute.
Access Charge
- The access charge is the fee set by the caller’s phone provider.
- For landline users (excluding BT customers), this charge typically falls between 2p and 10p per minute.
- Mobile phone users tend to pay between 10p and 30p per minute, with rates varying based on the mobile operator.
It’s essential to note that calling an 0871 number from a mobile phone can be more expensive than calling a landline.
To reduce costs, many callers opt for freephone or geographic alternatives, which can provide a more affordable option for reaching businesses.
Are 0871 Numbers Included in UK Call Plans?
0871 numbers are typically not included in standard UK call plans or bundled minutes. Major network providers like EE, Vodafone, and O2 classify these numbers as premium rates, which means they are charged separately from inclusive minutes.
The cost of calling 0871 numbers can vary depending on your provider, comprising an access charge and a service charge. This makes them significantly more expensive than standard landline or mobile calls.
For individuals who frequently need to call 0871 numbers, it is essential to check their provider’s pricing structure to avoid unexpected costs. Alternative contact methods, such as email or online chat, can be considered to minimise expenses.
Some telecom providers may offer specialised packages for premium-rate numbers, but these options are rare and typically come with an additional fee.
Understanding these details ensures that you can manage your communication costs effectively while staying informed about the terms of your plan.
How Can Businesses Obtain an 0871 Number?
Acquiring an 0871 number is a simple process, often handled through telecom providers or specialised services like Telecoms World or Galaxy Numbers.
Businesses can choose from a variety of 0871 numbers, selecting one that aligns with their branding and operational needs.
Once a number is chosen, providers offer customisation options, such as call routing and advanced management features, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems.
When selecting an 0871 number, businesses should consider their expected call volume, desired features, and associated costs.
Many providers offer flexible packages that include additional benefits like call recording, analytics, and 24/7 customer support. These features help businesses monitor call performance and enhance customer service.
By acquiring an 0871 number, businesses can improve their professional image, streamline customer interactions, and even generate revenue, making it a valuable asset for companies of all sizes.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using 0871 Numbers for Businesses?
Pros Using 0871 Numbers
- Revenue Generation: Businesses can earn a share of the call charges, creating an additional income stream.
- Nationwide Accessibility: These non-geographic numbers help companies establish a professional presence across the UK.
- Professional Branding: Using 0871 numbers enhances a business’s reputation and instils customer confidence.
- Advanced Call Management: Features like call routing, queue management, and call analytics improve customer service efficiency.
Cons Using 0871 Numbers
- High Call Charges: Customers may hesitate to call due to the premium rates associated with 0871 numbers.
- Negative Perception: Premium-rate numbers sometimes create distrust among customers who prefer cost-effective alternatives.
- Regulatory Requirements: Businesses must clearly disclose call costs, adhering to strict guidelines set by regulators like Ofcom.
Carefully weighing these pros and cons allows businesses to determine whether 0871 numbers align with their communication and branding goals.
What Are the 0871 Numbers Alternatives?
For businesses seeking alternatives to 0871 numbers, several options provide similar benefits without the high call costs:
- 0800 Numbers: These freephone numbers are entirely free for callers, making them ideal for customer service and helplines.
- 0845 Numbers: While still premium-rate, 0845 numbers have lower service charges compared to 0871 numbers, making them a more cost-effective option.
- VoIP Numbers: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) numbers offer a highly flexible and affordable solution for businesses, particularly those with international operations.
Choosing the right alternative depends on the nature of the business and its communication needs. For example, freephone numbers may be more suitable for customer-centric organisations, while VoIP numbers can benefit companies looking for cost-effective global connectivity.
Each option comes with its unique set of advantages, ensuring businesses can maintain strong communication channels without deterring customers with high costs.
Conclusion
Businesses and consumers alike must comprehend 0871 numbers. While they offer several benefits, such as revenue generation and professional branding, the associated costs require careful consideration.
Businesses must ensure transparency in call charges, while consumers should stay informed about the costs of calling these numbers.
By exploring alternatives and reviewing provider policies, both parties can make informed decisions about using 0871 numbers.
FAQs About 0871 Numbers
What are the main differences between 0870 and 0871 numbers?
0870 numbers have lower service charges compared to 0871 numbers. They are also subject to different regulatory rules, providing more cost transparency.
Are there any free alternatives to calling 0871 numbers?
Yes, 0800 numbers and online chat services offer free communication options. These alternatives can help customers avoid premium-rate charges.
Why are 0871 numbers not part of standard mobile plans?
Since they are premium-rate numbers, 0871 calls incur higher costs. This makes them excluded from most inclusive mobile plans.
What happens if I mistakenly call an 0871 number?
You will be charged based on the call duration and the service charge. Check your bill for details and contact your provider if you notice any discrepancies.
How are 0871 numbers beneficial for customer support?
They help businesses manage large call volumes with features like advanced call routing. This enhances efficiency and ensures customer inquiries are handled effectively.
Can international callers reach 0871 numbers?
Yes, international callers can dial 0871 numbers. However, the costs will vary depending on the international provider’s rates.
What is the legal disclosure requirement for 0871 call charges?
Businesses must clearly display the service charge along with the access charge. This ensures customers are aware of the total cost before calling.
