Use of 0300 telephone numbers

Ofcom have created a new country wide range of telephone numbers starting with 03 for use by public sector bodies and not-for-profit organisations such as registered charities. These numbers are not part of any revenue-sharing schemes. Oxfam is adopting numbers within the 0300 200 xxxx range.

What are the benefits

Telephone providers are required to treat 03 numbers in the same way as 01 and 02 numbers ie:

• Calls will cost no more than a national call
• Calls  will count towards any inclusive (‘free’) minutes that the customer is entitled to
• Calls will be treated the same in respect of any discount schemes (eg eligible for ‘Friends and Family’ type schemes)

Linking the 03 number range with the 01 and 02 numbers may reassure those who are not comfortable using the traditional ‘non-geographic’ numbers.

As the 0300 numbers are non-geographic Oxfam will retain the flexibility of being able to route calls to offices and agencies as necessary to provide the highest level of supporter care. This is particularly important to us during times of emergency response where call levels are much higher than normal.

Existing non-geographic numbers, eg 0300 200 1300, are being changed to 0300 numbers over the course of the next few months, but both the 0870 and 0300 numbers will be valid and will work for the foreseeable future.