Recent months have seen more and more people talk about the impending release of 03 numbers across the UK telecoms network. But, such talk has led to people asking the question: what are 03 numbers?

03 Numbers are a new range of non-geographic number being introduced nationwide by telecoms industry regulator, Ofcom, during the summer of 2007. The range has been launched to provide numbers that are similar to traditional 01 or 02 landline numbers from the consumer's perspective, whilst allowing businesses to benefit from the advantages of non-geographic numbers, such as national marketing and effective call management and customer service with intelligent ‘ad-ons', such as call redirection and queuing. Due to its clear and concise pricing structure, Ofcom believes that the 03 range will create certainty and ensure consumer confidence. Other non-geographic numbers, such as the 0870 National Rate range have experienced ‘bad press' recently, as callers are often unclear about how much they are paying to call them.

On their website, Ofcom explains further about the new 03 numbers:

"We are allocating the new 03 numbers to increase certainty, trust and confidence in the numbers that consumers call to public services, voluntary organisations and companies who want a national presence ... consumers will pay the same amount for calls to 03 numbers as they would for calling a landline number beginning with ‘01' or ‘02'"

Calls to 03 numbers will also be treated like calls to standard 01 and 02 numbers in respect of their inclusion in bundled minutes and whether they qualify for discount packages i.e. the cost of the call will be that of a local call if you are calling locally or a national call if you are calling nationally. 03 calls cannot exceed the rate to make a national geographic call. Many UK businesses are very excited about the introduction of 03 numbers, and most are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to choose the most memorable number they can. Meanwhile, number providers are set to launch their ranges in a month or two, once pricing decisions have been made.

At the moment there is very little information available about 03 numbers, although you can find information on the Ofcom website, as well as specialist number providers such as Windsor Telecom. So, if you're a business who has experienced hassle with your landlines or you want to improve your customer service, then you shouldn't ignore the release of the new 03 ‘UK Wide' numbers. For many years UK businesses have been able to present a national presence with non-geographic numbers and have benefited from more effective call management. As such, 03 numbers are set to be the most customer friendly and talked about range for years.