Service and Access Charges

In 2015, Ofcom changed the way that non-geographic calls are billed to make the cost for calling such numbers clearer to understand.

Non-geographic numbers generally start 08 or 09 and have a higher rate than standard 01 and 02 calls but there can be hundreds of different pricing combinations, both per minute, per call and a combination of both.

Since the change, calls are now split into an access charge that we bill you for accessing the number and a service charge of which the number owner/operator charge for providing the service on that number.

Where you see a non-geographic number used or advertised, it will state the service charge of the number and often a statement such as plus telephony providers access charge.


Our access charge differs between products and can be found on the respective product page.

On your bill the total shown will be the service and access charge combined for the duration of the call.