0330 vs 0345 numbers: what is the difference for a UK business?

0330 and 0345 numbers are both 03 numbers: UK-wide, non-geographic numbers that Ofcom fixes at the same price as calling an ordinary 01 or 02 landline. Most mobile and landline bundles include them, so for most callers they cost nothing extra.

What is the same

• Cost to callers: identical, the normal 01/02 rate from every UK mobile and landline.
• Cost to you: with Silux Call, both are £4.99 a month (ex VAT), no setup fee, no contract, and you pay nothing per incoming call.
• How they work: both ring every user on the app, browser phone and desk phones, and work with greeting menus, hunt groups, opening hours and voicemail to email.

What is different

The difference is how the number looks. 0345 is the range banks, energy and water companies, councils and large customer service teams use, because Ofcom created it as the replacement for 0845. To many people an 0345 number says "established national organisation".

0330 is the most popular 03 range for growing businesses. It says "we serve the whole UK" without suggesting a big corporate call centre.

Which should you choose?

• Choose 0345 if you want to look as established as a bank or utility, or you are replacing an old 0845 number.
• Choose 0330 if you simply want a national number that is not tied to a town.
• Choose both if you want one for sales and one for support: every number on your account can have its own greeting and opening hours.

Pick your number from live stock: 0345 numbers or 0330 numbers. Want calls to be free for customers instead? See 0800 freephone numbers.