Table of Contents
Last Updated: 21.09.2026
0871 numbers are UK non-geographic service numbers that are not free to call and are usually not included in standard mobile or landline minutes.
Calls typically cost more than 01, 02 or 03 numbers because the total price includes a service charge of up to 13p per minute plus an access charge set by the caller’s network provider. Ofcom currently regulates these services.
Because access charges vary between providers, callers should check their tariff before making a long call and consider cheaper alternatives such as 01, 02, 03, 0800 or 0808 numbers where available.
What Are 0871 Numbers?
0871 numbers are non-geographic UK telephone numbers. Unlike numbers beginning with 01 or 02, an 0871 number is not connected to a particular town, city or region.
Businesses and organisations have historically used 0871 numbers for telephone services where they want a single national contact number rather than separate geographic numbers.
They can also be combined with call-management services such as routing calls between different offices or directing incoming calls according to opening hours.
0871 numbers are part of the wider group of UK service numbers. Calling them normally involves two separate charges rather than the single standard call rate often associated with ordinary landline numbers.
Common reasons organisations have used 0871 numbers include:
- National Contact Numbers: Providing one number regardless of business location
- Call Routing: Sending incoming calls to different offices or employees
- Call Management: Using menus, queues and other telephone features
- Revenue Sharing: Some arrangements allow organisations to receive a portion of the service revenue
- Marketing Lines: Creating dedicated numbers for campaigns or enquiries
Their use has declined in some areas because callers increasingly expect cheaper 03 or freephone alternatives.
Are 0871 Numbers Free?
No. 0871 numbers are not freephone numbers.
Calls to 0871 numbers are normally charged separately from standard inclusive minutes. The total cost is made up of your phone provider’s access charge and the service charge associated with the number.
This differs from 0800 and 0808 numbers, which are generally free for consumers to call.
Are 0871 Numbers Included In Free Minutes?
Usually not.
Most mobile and landline packages that include unlimited or bundled minutes cover standard numbers such as 01, 02 and 03.
Calls to 0871 numbers are normally excluded because they use the access charge plus service charge pricing structure.
Always check your tariff because individual network plans can differ.
Are 0871 Numbers Free From Mobiles?
No. Calling an 0871 number from a mobile normally attracts both an access charge and a service charge.
The access charge can make mobile calls to 0871 numbers particularly expensive if the conversation lasts several minutes.
Are 0871 Numbers Free From Landlines?
They are not generally free from landlines either.
Some older or specialist telephone packages may apply different charging arrangements, so callers should check the terms of their specific landline plan.
How Much Does It Cost To Call An 0871 Number?
The cost of calling an 0871 number is calculated using two separate components:
Total Call Cost = Access Charge + Service Charge
The service charge for an 087 number can be as much as 13p per minute. Your telephone provider then adds its own access charge.
This means two people calling the same 0871 number from different networks may pay different total prices.
Access Charge And Service Charge
The access charge is set by the company providing your phone service.
The service charge is connected to the organisation or telephone service you are calling.
The company advertising an 0871 number should make the service charge clear, while your own network should provide information about its access charge.
Example 0871 Call Cost
Suppose an 0871 number has a service charge of 13p per minute and your network charges an access fee of 25p per minute.
Your total call price would be:
25p Access Charge + 13p Service Charge = 38p Per Minute
A ten-minute call at that rate would therefore cost approximately £3.80.
The example is illustrative because access charges vary between networks and packages.
0871 Call Costs By UK Network
The service charge attached to an 0871 number remains the same regardless of the caller’s network, but each network can apply a different access charge.
This means the total cost can vary considerably.
EE
0871 numbers are not generally included in EE’s standard inclusive minutes. Customers usually pay EE’s applicable access charge plus the service charge associated with the number.
Different plans may have different access charges, so customers should check their current tariff.
O2
O2 customers normally pay an access charge when calling an 0871 number in addition to the service charge.
These calls are generally outside standard inclusive allowances.
Vodafone
0871 calls are not normally treated as standard inclusive calls by Vodafone.
The total cost depends on the applicable Vodafone access charge plus the service charge set for the 0871 number.
Three
Three customers normally pay an additional access charge when calling 0871 numbers.
The service charge is then added to produce the total cost of the call.
Virgin Media
0871 numbers are generally chargeable on Virgin Media services rather than being automatically included within standard call allowances.
Pricing can depend on the customer’s package.
Sky
Sky customers may also pay an access charge plus the relevant service charge when calling an 0871 number.
Check the current Sky tariff before making a lengthy call.
BT
BT pricing can vary according to the landline package being used.
0871 calls should not automatically be assumed to be free or included simply because the customer has an inclusive calling package.
Giffgaff
Giffgaff customers normally pay an access charge plus the relevant 0871 service charge.
Current access charges should be checked before calling because tariffs can change.
SMARTY
0871 numbers are not normally included in SMARTY’s standard unlimited calling allowance.
Additional charges may apply based on the network’s current access charge and the 0871 service charge.
Why Are 0871 Numbers So Expensive?
0871 numbers can cost substantially more than ordinary UK numbers because the caller pays two separate charges.
Standard 01, 02 and 03 calls are often included within monthly mobile or landline packages. 0871 calls usually are not.
The higher price can result from:
- Access Charges: Your network charges for connecting the call
- Service Charges: An additional charge applies to the service being contacted
- Revenue Sharing: Part of the service revenue may be distributed under commercial arrangements
- Excluded Minutes: Inclusive allowances usually do not cover the call
This is why checking for an alternative contact number can make sense before dialling an 0871 number.
Do Companies Make Money From 0871 Numbers?
Some organisations can generate revenue through 0871 telephone services.
The amount depends on the agreement between the organisation, its telephone provider and other parties involved in carrying the call.
It would be incorrect to assume that a business receives the entire service charge. Part of the charge may be retained by telecommunications providers or intermediaries.
Revenue can depend on:
- Call Volume: More calls may produce more revenue
- Call Duration: Longer conversations can increase revenue on per-minute arrangements
- Provider Contract: Revenue-share terms differ
- Number Tariff: Different 0871 numbers can carry different service charges
- Call Routing Costs: Additional telephone services may reduce the amount received
Businesses considering an 0871 number should therefore examine both the possible revenue and the effect higher calling costs could have on customers.
Who Regulates 0871 Numbers In 2026?
Ofcom regulates premium-rate services in the UK in 2026.
An important change took effect on 1 February 2025 when Ofcom assumed direct responsibility for day-to-day regulation of premium-rate services from the Phone-paid Services Authority.
Older information referring to PhonepayPlus or the Phone-paid Services Authority as the current regulator is therefore outdated.
Businesses operating regulated services must comply with the current Ofcom framework.
Requirements can include:
- Clear Pricing: Customers should be able to understand the service charge
- Accurate Promotion: Advertising must not mislead callers
- Consumer Protection: Services must comply with applicable premium-rate rules
- Registration: Certain businesses involved in premium-rate activities may need to register
- Complaint Handling: Consumers must have appropriate routes for raising problems
Do Businesses Need To Register An 0871 Number?
Simply owning or receiving calls through an 0871 number does not automatically mean every business faces exactly the same registration requirement.
Registration obligations depend on the business’s role in providing the premium-rate service and whether an exemption applies.
Businesses involved in regulated premium-rate activities should determine whether registration with Ofcom is required before launching the service.
This is particularly important because older guidance stating that 0871 numbers never require registration may no longer reflect the current regulatory framework.
Can Businesses Use 0871 Numbers For Customer Service?
There are important restrictions on using premium or revenue-sharing numbers for post-contract customer service.
Businesses generally cannot require consumers to use a number that costs more than the basic rate when contacting them about an existing consumer contract.
This means 0871 numbers are generally unsuitable for customer-service lines dealing with matters such as:
- Existing Purchases: Questions about products or services already bought
- Orders: Problems with an existing order
- Contracts: Queries about an existing consumer agreement
- Complaints: Contact concerning a completed purchase
- After-Sales Support: Help after a transaction has taken place
Businesses may instead use 01, 02 or 03 numbers where standard-rate calling is required.
The rules affecting sales or enquiry lines can differ from those applying to post-contract customer service.
0871 Vs Other UK Phone Numbers
Different UK prefixes have very different charging structures.
| Number Type | Main Use | Typical Call Treatment |
| 01 And 02 | Geographic Numbers | Standard Rate And Often Included |
| 03 | Non-Geographic Numbers | Charged Like 01 And 02 |
| 0800 And 0808 | Freephone Numbers | Free For Consumers |
| 084 | Service Numbers | Access Charge Plus Service Charge |
| 087 | Service Numbers | Access Charge Plus Service Charge |
| 09 | Premium-Rate Numbers | Higher Premium Charges |
For businesses wanting a national number without imposing 0871-style charges on customers, 03 numbers are often a more caller-friendly alternative.
Are 0871 Numbers A Scam?
An 0871 number is not automatically a scam.
Legitimate businesses and organisations can use 0871 numbers. However, the higher charges associated with these numbers mean callers should be careful about returning calls from unfamiliar numbers.
Potential warning signs include:
- Unexpected Missed Calls: Particularly when you have no relationship with the caller
- Requests To Call Back Quickly: Pressure to return a premium-rate call
- Unusually Long Calls: Attempts to keep callers connected unnecessarily
- Unclear Business Identity: No obvious explanation of who operates the number
- Missing Pricing Information: Failure to disclose the service charge where required
Rather than returning an unfamiliar 0871 call immediately, check the organisation independently and look for its official contact details.
Caller ID should also not be treated as proof that the displayed number genuinely belongs to the caller.
How To Avoid Expensive 0871 Calls?
There are several ways to reduce the cost of contacting a company that advertises an 0871 number.
- Check For An 01 Or 02 Number: Businesses sometimes provide geographic alternatives
- Look For A 03 Number: These are generally charged like standard geographic calls
- Use 0800 Or 0808: These numbers are free for consumers
- Check Official Contact Pages: Alternative telephone numbers may be listed
- Use Webchat: Many organisations now provide free online support
- Use Email: Written contact can avoid telephone charges completely
- Check The Price First: Know the access and service charges before dialling
- Avoid Unknown Callbacks: Verify unexpected 0871 numbers before returning the call
Consumers should also avoid automatically trusting alternative numbers posted on unknown third-party websites.
Can You Call An 0871 Number From Abroad?
It may be possible to call an 0871 number from outside the UK, although availability depends on the overseas telephone network.
The domestic number:
0871 XXX XXXX
would normally be written internationally as:
+44 871 XXX XXXX
The leading zero is removed when using the UK’s +44 international country code.
However, UK non-geographic service numbers are not necessarily supported by every overseas carrier. International pricing can also be significantly different from UK domestic rates.
If the number does not work from abroad, look for:
- An International Contact Number
- A UK Geographic Number
- A 03 Alternative
- Email Support
- Online Chat
Can You Block 0871 Numbers?
Some mobile and landline providers allow customers to restrict calls to premium-rate or service numbers.
The exact controls depend on the network.
Options may include:
- Premium Call Barring: Preventing calls to selected number ranges
- Account Restrictions: Useful for family or employee phones
- Spending Limits: Restricting additional call charges
- Network-Level Controls: Blocking certain chargeable services
Contact your provider if you want to prevent 0871 calls from being made from your account.
How To Complain About An 0871 Number?
If you believe you have been charged incorrectly for an 0871 call, start by checking your telephone bill and confirming the number, duration and applicable charges.
For billing problems, contact your phone provider first.
Problems involving the service itself may include:
- Misleading Pricing Information
- Unexpected Premium Charges
- Failure To Display Service Charges
- Suspected Premium-Rate Scams
- Misleading Marketing
- Unfair Service Practices
Ofcom is responsible for premium-rate service regulation and can receive complaints or reports concerning regulated services.
Keep screenshots, bills, advertisements and other evidence if you believe pricing information was misleading.
Should Businesses Still Use 0871 Numbers In 2026?
0871 numbers can still provide useful telephone features, but businesses need to consider whether the commercial benefits outweigh the inconvenience and expense for callers.
Advantages Of 0871 Numbers
- National Presence: The number is not linked to a specific location
- Call Routing: Calls can be distributed between locations
- Flexible Management: Businesses can use queues and routing systems
- Possible Revenue: Some contracts provide revenue sharing
- Consistent Number: Businesses can retain one public contact number
Disadvantages Of 0871 Numbers
- Higher Caller Costs: Customers may pay significantly more
- Excluded Minutes: Calls are normally outside inclusive packages
- Customer Resistance: Some people avoid premium or service numbers
- Regulatory Requirements: Businesses may have additional compliance obligations
- Customer-Service Restrictions: 0871 cannot simply replace a basic-rate post-contract support line
- Cheaper Alternatives: 03 numbers can provide similar non-geographic flexibility without the same premium charging structure
For many customer-facing businesses, an 03 number may offer a better balance between national telephone functionality and affordable calling.
Conclusion
0871 numbers remain part of the UK’s non-geographic telephone system in 2026, but they differ significantly from ordinary 01, 02 and 03 numbers.
They are not normally free or included within standard calling allowances. Instead, callers usually pay a service charge plus an access charge set by their network.
Businesses can use 0871 numbers for certain purposes, including call routing and some revenue-sharing arrangements, but they must consider regulatory obligations and restrictions on post-contract customer-service lines.
The regulatory environment has also changed. Ofcom has directly regulated premium-rate services since February 2025, making older references to the Phone-paid Services Authority as the current regulator outdated.
For callers, the simplest way to control costs is to check the price before dialling and look for an 01, 02, 03, 0800 or 0808 alternative where one is available.
FAQs
Are 0871 Numbers Premium Rate?
0871 numbers are non-geographic service numbers associated with higher call charges and are covered by the UK’s premium-rate regulatory framework in relevant circumstances. Calls normally involve an access charge plus a service charge.
How Much Does An 0871 Number Cost Per Minute?
The service charge can be up to 13p per minute, with your telephone provider adding its own access charge. The total rate therefore depends on your network and plan.
Are 0871 Numbers Free On EE?
No. EE customers should expect an applicable access charge plus the service charge unless their particular tariff states otherwise.
Are 0871 Numbers Free On O2?
No. 0871 calls are not generally included in O2’s standard inclusive minutes and additional charges normally apply.
Are 0871 Numbers Free On Vodafone?
No. Vodafone customers normally pay the applicable network access charge in addition to the service charge associated with the 0871 number.
Are 0871 Numbers Included In Free Minutes?
Usually not. Standard allowances generally cover numbers such as 01, 02 and 03, while 0871 numbers are charged separately under the access charge plus service charge system.
Can I Call An 0871 Number From Abroad?
Possibly. The international format is normally +44 871 followed by the remaining digits, with the initial UK zero removed. Some overseas networks may not connect UK non-geographic numbers, so an alternative geographic or international contact number may be needed.