- 01 and 02 numbers are geographic numbers, meaning the area code identifies a town or region, and they are managed by Ofcom under the National Telephone Numbering Plan.
- Ofcom requires that 01 and 02 numbers be charged no more than 03 numbers, and they are included in landline and mobile inclusive call allowances.
- 02 numbers cover large cities such as London (020), and 01 numbers cover the rest of the UK with codes of varying length.
- Ofcom has historically applied a local-dialling and number-conservation regime to protect the supply of geographic numbers in areas of high demand.
- Openreach's all-IP migration, completing across 2027, moves geographic numbers from the analogue PSTN to digital voice while keeping the number itself the same.
01 and 02 are geographic numbers tied to a local area code, charged no more than 03 numbers and included in inclusive minutes. Under the all-IP migration the number stays the same on digital voice.
Last reviewed: June 2026
What 01 and 02 numbers are
Almost every traditional UK landline number starts with 01 or 02, and these are known as geographic numbers because the opening digits, the area code, identify the place the number is associated with. Ofcom administers them under the National Telephone Numbering Plan, allocating blocks of numbers to communications providers who then assign individual numbers to customers in the relevant area. The 02 range covers a handful of large conurbations, while 01 covers the rest of the country.
The link between the code and the place is the defining feature. A number beginning 0131 signals Edinburgh, 0117 signals Bristol, and 020 signals London, so the code tells a caller roughly where the line is based. This is what distinguishes geographic numbers from non-geographic ranges such as 03, 08 and 09, which are not tied to any location and can be routed anywhere.
The 01 prefix was introduced when the UK reorganised its dialling codes in the late 1990s, replacing an older 0 prefix and creating headroom for new numbers. The 02 range followed, consolidating several large urban areas under three-digit codes with longer local numbers. Both ranges remain under active management by Ofcom, which periodically reviews how blocks are allocated to providers and how local numbering is structured to keep pace with demand.
How geographic area coding works
UK geographic codes vary in length, which can be confusing. The largest cities use short two- or three-digit codes followed by longer local numbers, while smaller towns use longer area codes and shorter local numbers. London uses 020 followed by an eight-digit local number, major cities such as Edinburgh and Cardiff use four-digit codes like 0131 and 029, and many rural areas use five-digit codes. The total length of a full geographic number is generally consistent even though the split between code and local part differs.
Ofcom manages the supply of these numbers carefully because in some high-demand areas the available stock can run low. To conserve numbers, Ofcom has at times required full-number dialling and reorganised how local ranges are used. The table below summarises the structure and charging rules that apply across the geographic ranges.
| Feature | 01 numbers | 02 numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Area code length | Four to six digits | Three digits (for example 020, 029) |
| Typical coverage | Most of the UK | Large cities such as London |
| Charge level | No more than an 03 call | No more than an 03 call |
| Inclusive minutes | Included where minutes apply | Included where minutes apply |
| Tied to location | Yes | Yes |
The two ranges behave the same way for charging and inclusive minutes; the main difference is the length of the code and the size of area each covers.
What 01 and 02 numbers cost to call
For callers the headline point is simple: 01 and 02 numbers are inexpensive and predictable. Ofcom rules require that they be charged no more than an equivalent 03 number, and they are included in the inclusive call allowances that come with most landline and mobile tariffs. There is no service charge of the kind attached to 084, 087 or 09 numbers, so there is no second figure to add. From a landline the call typically falls within a bundled allowance or attracts a standard per-minute rate.
From a mobile the position is the same in principle: 01 and 02 calls come out of inclusive minutes where the tariff includes them, and where they do not, they are charged at the standard rate rather than a premium one. This consistency is one reason geographic numbers remain widely used: a caller can dial them with confidence that the cost is ordinary, and businesses can publish them knowing customers will not be deterred by an unclear charge.
Why businesses use geographic numbers
Many businesses keep an 01 or 02 number because it signals a genuine local presence, which can reassure customers who prefer to deal with a firm rooted in their area. A local code can also support local advertising and word-of-mouth, and for established businesses the number itself carries goodwill built up over years, printed on signage, stationery and vehicles. Changing it would mean updating all of that and risking lost calls.
There is also a practical reason linked to cost transparency. Because 01 and 02 numbers attract no service charge and are included in inclusive minutes, customers are not put off by the price of calling, unlike with some 084 or 087 numbers. Modern phone systems also let a business present a geographic number while routing the call wherever it needs to go, so keeping the familiar local number no longer ties the firm to a single physical exchange.
What the all-IP migration means for geographic numbers
The analogue public switched telephone network, the PSTN, is being retired as Openreach moves the country to all-IP digital voice, a programme completing across 2027. Under digital voice, a landline call travels over a broadband connection rather than the old copper voice path. The important reassurance for holders of 01 and 02 numbers is that the number itself does not change: geographic numbers are being carried over to the IP network, so a business or household keeps its familiar local number.
What changes is the underlying technology and some of the equipment. A phone may plug into a router rather than a wall socket, and devices that relied on the old line, such as some alarms and telecare units, may need checking or upgrading. The number, the area code and the way the call is charged remain as they are. Anyone moving to digital voice should confirm with their provider that any connected equipment will continue to work after the migration, but the geographic number stays with them.
For most households the change is largely invisible once the new equipment is in place: dialling, receiving calls and the familiar local number all continue as before. The main planning point is power resilience, because a digital voice line depends on the broadband connection and mains power, whereas the old analogue line drew power from the exchange. Providers are expected to offer a solution for vulnerable customers who rely on their landline, such as a back-up battery unit, so that a working phone remains available during a power cut. Checking these arrangements before the migration, while keeping the same 01 or 02 number, is the sensible way to approach the switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a geographic phone number?
A geographic phone number is a UK number beginning 01 or 02 whose area code identifies a town or region, such as 020 for London or 0131 for Edinburgh. They are administered by Ofcom under the National Telephone Numbering Plan. They contrast with non-geographic ranges like 03, 08 and 09, which are not tied to a place.
How much does it cost to call an 01 or 02 number?
Ofcom requires that 01 and 02 numbers cost no more than an equivalent 03 number, and they are included in landline and mobile inclusive call allowances. There is no separate service charge to add. From most tariffs the call comes out of your bundle or is charged at a standard rate.
Are 01 numbers included in mobile inclusive minutes?
Yes, where a mobile tariff includes inclusive minutes, calls to 01 and 02 numbers come out of that allowance in the same way as calls to other mobiles and to 03 numbers. They are not premium or service-charge numbers. Check your specific tariff to confirm the inclusive-minute terms.
Why do businesses keep geographic numbers?
A local 01 or 02 number signals a genuine presence in the area, carries goodwill built up over years on signage and stationery, and reassures customers that calls cost no more than a standard rate. Modern systems let a business keep the familiar number while routing calls flexibly, so there is little reason to change it.
Can I port a geographic number to VoIP?
In many cases yes, geographic numbers can be ported to a VoIP or digital voice service, which is part of how the all-IP migration works. The number is carried over to the IP network and stays the same. Confirm portability with the gaining provider, as some number ranges and circumstances have specific conditions.
