The ‘03’ number allocation process

Introduction

1.1 Ofcom set out in July 2006 its plans to make available telephone numbers beginning with 03 . At that point Ofcom consulted on an application form for 03 numbers and the way in which 03 numbers would be described in the Numbering Plan (‘the Plan’).

1.2 Ofcom has now published a statement (‘the statement’) that confirms the Plan description and application form for 03 numbers . Ofcom will shortly begin to allocate those numbers.

1.3 This document sets out how Ofcom will make 03 numbers available to communications providers (‘CPs’). Various 03 sub-ranges will be available and the system will vary between different ranges.

Service description for 03 numbers

1.4 The statement explains the final Plan service description for 03 numbers, which will be called ‘UK-wide’ numbers. Potential applicants for 03 numbers may wish to note the following changes to our July 2006 proposals:

• The definition of ‘UK-wide number’ now excludes the following elements:
  ‘(iii) number translation to a Geographic Number is involved; and
  (iv) the service is not a Mobile Service.’
• The proposed sub-range for the use by public sector and other not-for-profit bodies has increased in capacity and, as a consequence, another sub-range will be used for other services (see below); and
• The range of end users eligible for numbers in the public services and not-for-profit sub-range, as covered in Ofcom’s guidance, now includes some further types of organisation. These are GPs’ practices and urgent care providers; schools, universities and colleges; and Arms Length Management Organisations and other bodies working with local councils.

1.5 Also note that 03 numbers can be used as presentation CLI numbers.

Further information

1.6 If you have any questions about the processes set out in this document, you can contact Ofcom at numbering.applications@ofcom.org.uk or by calling our switchboard on 020 7981 3000 and asking for the Numbering Team.