NGN -Non Geographic Numbers 
Q. What are non-geographic numbers (NGN's)? 
Q. Why should I want an NGN? 
Q. How many types of NGN do you provide? 
Q. How long does it take to set up a NGN? 
Q. I already use 0800, 0845, 0870, 0906 numbers, what can you do for me? 
Q. What is 'Porting'?  
 
Q. What are non-geographic numbers (NGN's)? 
A. NGN's are used more and more frequently by companies to assist in the effective management of their inbound calls. NGN’s are so called because they do not relate to a particular geographical location, like normal telephone numbers do. An NGN does not replace your existing telephone number but rather sits in front of it and becomes the number that potential/existing customers see on advertising and promotional materials. 
 
Q. Why should I want an NGN? 
I want to attract customers with a freephone number 
I want to direct my calls to anywherte I choses at a moments notice, my office, my home my mobile 
If we move offices, I don't want to change my number 
If I want to work at home I want don't want my customers to realise there is a difference. 
We have so many calls we need them handled inteligently 
I want my company to look like it is a national concern, not just a local business 
 
Q. How many types of NGN are there? 
A. There are various types of NGN's are as follow: 
• 0800 - Caller pays nothing, number holder pays full cost of the call.  
• 0845 - Caller pays local rate, number holder pays the difference.  
• 0870 - Caller pays national rate, number holder receives out-payment.  
• 0871 – Caller pays fixed national rate of 10p per minute, number holder receives increased out-payment over 0870. • 0906 - Caller pays special tariff, number holder receives increased out-payment over 0871.  
 
Q. How long does it take to set up a NGN ? 
A. Depending on the NGN supplier that sets up your NGN sometimes as little as 20 minutes, but it is dependant on the carrier. The maximum lead time for setting up a NGN is 5 working days. We ask that you do not print any marketing materials with your new NGN on, until you receive confirmation from us that your NGN has been successfully set up. 
 
Q. I already use 0800, 0845, 0870, 0906 numbers, what can you do for me? 
A. BusinessSwitch.co.uk can transfer or ‘port’ most NGNs to a chosen network. All you have to do is agree to bring or 'port' your number to our service and we will mirror your existing service and make significant savings for you. 
 
Q. What is 'Porting'? 
A. Number Porting means that you can request the transfer of an existing NGN from the company that currently delivers your inbound calls, to an alternative supplier providing they have a porting agreement in place with your existing supplier. BusinessSwitch.co.uk is able port NGNs from over 10 different carriers. Contact us today to find out about porting your NGN to one of our panel of carriers. 
 
 
Prefix Cost info Typical usage 
 
080x Free from landline/variable cost from mobile. 
These are freephone numbers that are free to call from a landline. The numbers are typically for use by companies that want to attract callers by paying for your call. They are also able to manage the calls with inteligent software. 
 
084x, 087x Charged at BT standard local and national call rates.  
Used by, government departments and companies that want a 'National Presence' with inteligent call handling to manage calls. Callers pay no more than BT would charge for the call. 
 
0500 Free from landline/varies from mobile  
These are older freephone numbers, and are being deprecated in favour of 0800 or 0808 numbers. 
 
055, 056 The rates of calling these numbers are generally unknown, although they are charged by BT at around 5p/min. These numbers are generally used by companies that use a VoIP telephony service. 
 
070x Variable cost -rarely used 
These are premium rate numbers known as 'follow-me' or 'personal' numbers; formally, Personal Numbering Service (PNS). They are considered to be controversial as they can be confused for mobile numbers, and therefore the cost of calls to them may not be apparent to callers until they receive their bills. Ofcom is looking at moving this range to the 06x range to avoid such confusion. 
 
075xx, 077xx, 078xx, 079xx Variable cost 
These are mobile phone numbers. Different networks attrcat different costs, people understand that they pay a slight premium to call these numbers. 
 
09x Premium rate (varies) These numbers are premium rate and have many uses - competition lines, chat lines, technical support helplines and order lines. These can be very expensive and are used by companies to generate an income that not only covers the cost of the call but will pay for teh service behind the call ie: IT helplines 
 
03xx Geographic call rate These have been assigned by Ofcom to replace old 084x and 087x services which are not considered appropriate for revenue share.  
 
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