Are 0345 Numbers Free in the UK? All You Need to Know About 0345 Numbers

If you have come across UK numbers beginning in 0345, you are probably wondering what this number is used for and if it is free to call.

The organisation responsible for assigning 03 numbers is The Office of Communications (Ofcom).

It is a statutory corporation that handles the UK’s regulatory and competition authority for the broadcasting, telecommunications, and postal industries.

In this article, we answer common questions asked about 0345 numbers.

Whether you want to know the cost of 0345 numbers or are 0345 numbers free, you will find the answers here. In summary, here is what you will read about:

• What Are 0345 Numbers?
• Are 0345 Numbers Free?
• What Is the Cost of 0345 Numbers?
• Are 0345 Numbers Free on Sky Mobile?
• Are 0345 Numbers Free on EE?
• Are 0345 Numbers Included in Vodafone Minutes?
• Can I Call 0345 Numbers from a Non-UK Country?
• Are Calls to 0345 Numbers Cheaper Than Other UK Numbers?

What Are 0345 Numbers?

As stated by Ofcom, 03 numbers serve as an alternative to chargeable 08 numbers. This means consumers will not be charged when calling 03 numbers like 0345.

Since the number acts as a single national point of contact, it is categorised as a non-geographic number without a specific location assigned to it.

UK telephone landlines use 0345 numbers. It is usually purchased and used by businesses, retailers, traders, financial organisations, and government agencies.

Are 0345 Numbers Free?

Although most people think a call to 0345 numbers is free, it is not. Most people think it is free to call 0345 numbers because most landline and mobile call packages come with free extra calls to 0345 numbers.

Once you use up all your free extra calls, you will be charged the standard rate.

What Is the Cost of 0345 Numbers?

Do you pay for 0345 numbers? According to the Call costs guide by Ofcom, calls to 03 numbers cost less than calls to geographic numbers such as 01 or 02.

Generally, calling 0345 numbers via landline cost up to 16p per minute and between 3p and 65p per minute for mobile calls.

However, it typically depends on the call package you avail from your service provider, the time of the call, the area from where you are calling, and whether you are using a mobile phone, landline, or payphone.

Are 0345 Numbers Free on Sky Mobile?

According to the Sky Community help forum and Sky Mobile Tariff Guide, calls to 0345 numbers are included in the free minutes of your plan.

Thus, you do not have to pay extra charges when calling 0345 numbers. Moreover, plans with Unlimited Calls & Texts to UK landline (01, 02, 03) numbers will be inclusive using Sky Mobile.

Otherwise, you will have to pay the same rates as the 01 and 02 numbers. Generally, calls to UK landlines starting 01, 02, and 03 cost £0.10 per minute.

Are 0345 Numbers Free on EE?

According to the Charges for calling non-geographic numbers via EE, calls to 01, 02 or 03 numbers are included in your inclusive minutes.

After using your inclusive minutes, you will be charged an access charge and service charge. Access charges are as follows:

• EE pay monthly mobile customers – 73p per minute
• EE SIM only mobile customers – 73p per minute
• EE pay as you go and Flex customers – 44p per minute
• EE Broadband and Phone customers – 12p per minute
• EE Small Business Customers – Business Access Charges page

Are 0345 Numbers Included in Vodafone Minutes?

Based on Vodafone’s Charges Guide, 0345 numbers are included in your regular or monthly plan allowance.

Once you exceed the plan allowance, you will be charged according to the charges applied in the charges guide.

Calls to 03 numbers via Vodafone are typically 55p per minute. Refer to the terms and conditions to learn more.

Can I Call 0345 Numbers from a Non-UK Country?

You need to know the UK Dialing Codes before making an international call to the UK 0345 numbers.

Generally, you have to include +44, remove the zero from 0345, and dial the main telephone number to make a call.

Are Calls to 0345 Numbers Cheaper Than Other UK Numbers?

Generally, it depends on several factors, such as your call plan package, device, location, and time of the call.

For instance, calls to 07 mobile numbers are typically more expensive since it costs 50p per minute via landline and 86p per minute via mobile.

If you are calling 0800 or 0808 numbers, it is a freephone service that is free-of-charge.

You can compare the prices for each number below. However, the exact cost still depends on your service provider rates.

Table of Cost Per Minute for UK Numbers

Number	Cost Via Landline	Cost Via Mobile
01 02	up to 16p per minute	3p to 65p per minute
03 0345	up to 16p per minute	3p to 65p per minute
30	up to 10p per minute	3p to 40p per minute
7	10p to 20p per minute	3p to 65p per minute
70	50p per minute	86p per minute
0800 0808	No Charge	No Charge
0843 0844 0845	up to 7p per minute + phone company’s access charge	up to 7p per minute + phone company’s access charge
0870 0871 0872 0873	up to 13p per minute + phone company’s access charge	up to 13p per minute + phone company’s access charge
9	up to £3.60 per minute, access charge, and additional 5p to £6 per call	up to £3.60 per minute, access charge, and additional 5p to £6 per call
101	No Charge	No Charge
105	No Charge	No Charge
111	No Charge	No Charge
112	No Charge	No Charge
116	No Charge	No Charge
118	up to £3.65 per 90 seconds and the phone company access charge	up to £3.65 per 90 seconds and the phone company access charge
999	No Charge	No Charge

Wrap Up

In conclusion, 0345 numbers are technically free-of-charge as long as you have free minutes from your landline or mobile plan.

Once you go over the allowable minutes, you will have to pay the necessary charges. Charges vary per service provider, so best to check with each to learn more about fees and terms and conditions.