0800 Numbers

Toll free phone lines, or 0800 numbers as they are known in the UK , were first developed in the mid nineties sixties in America as an alternative to collect phone calls. However, they are used in an entirely different way today than how they were first intended to be used as it did not take long for people to realise the commercial potential of 0800 numbers. Today these specialised phone lines are utilised by many businesses and organisations that are likely to benefit from people being able to contact them over the phone free of charge. For example many charities that run help lines such as the Samaritans will utilise 0800 numbers so people who need to use their services can do so for free.

Although 0800 numbers can be called free of charge from any UK landline this does not mean that they are entirely free, as the organisation or individual who runs the line will be expect to pay for its use. If you think that 0800 numbers may be useful to your business or organisation then you'll find that there are a number of companies who will be able to provide you with line rental for 0800 numbers for a cost. Receiving calls to 0800 numbers also costs and many of the operators of these phone lines will charge the recipient of the call by the minute, although there are special pre payment packages available for businesses that require 0800 numbers.