0800 and 0500 numbers

lindabea

I know the 0800 is a free phone number, but is 0500 also a free phone? If that's the case, is there an actual difference between them?

OldGreyFox

There are 3 Freephone Numbering Ranges 0800/0808/0500.

0500 numbers were originally allocated to Cable and Wireless customers they are no longer issued, but are still in use eg Crimewatch 0500 500 500, NS and I 0500 007 007.

They all perform the same function,no difference between them.

If you want to check one out visit : http://www.telecom-tariffs.co.uk/codelook.htm

esuhl

OldGreyFox wrote: »

0500 numbers were originally allocated to Cable and Wireless customers they are no longer issued, but are still in use...

Wasn't it Mercury Communications (a subsidiary of C&W) who originally issued them?

Gordon_Hose

esuhl wrote: »

Wasn't it Mercury Communications (a subsidiary of C&W) who originally issued them?

Kinda, C&W aquired MCL back in the 90's.

Historically, C&W (MCL) were issued with 0500 numbers by Oftel (as it was then, now Ofcom), and BT were issued with 0800. It meant both operators could have the same amount of Gold (easily remembered) numbers, without one operator (namely BT at the time) holding the monopoly on the decent non-geo numbers, thus stopping arguments and complaints and increasing fairness and choice for their customers.

They are both freephone, and there is no difference between the two sets of numbers, and they'll cost you a big fat £0 to call them.

Obviosuly nowadays any 0800 xxx xxx or 0500 xxx xxx can be ported anywhere the customer so desires. 0800 xxx xxxx are issued to all operators regardless now, as the extra digit gave more scope for memorable (Gold) numbers.

ColinAllCars

Gordon_Hose wrote: »

and they'll cost you a big fat £0 to call them.

But only from a landline or the Giffgaff Network.:D

Gordon_Hose

ColinAllCars wrote: »

But only from a landline or the Giffgaff Network.:D

Indeed. Mobile phones usually charge

Buzby

There's been talk of 0500 being discontinued for ages, due to the fact they are an anomaly withing the UK's revised numbering system - free numbers, as non-geographic should be 08xx - wasting the 05 code for free, when 05 VOIP ranges exist and are chargeable do nothing to aid transparency. Looking at my call log, I don;t believe I've called an 0500 number in the last 8 years....

Heinz

NS&I (Premium Bonds) is probably the most-called 0500 number (0500 007 007).

Gordon_Hose

Crimewatch.

I've seen a few written on vans too.