New 03 number for phones proposed

Costs of some calls could be made clearer

A new nationwide phone number range starting with the digits 03 could be created to help meet demand for new numbers, the telecoms regulator said.

Callers would be charged at the same rate as existing area codes which start with 01, or 02.

The 03 code could be used by organisations with branches across the UK instead of premium-rate numbers.

Ofcom is consulting until 4 May on several changes to the UK's telephone numbering plan to meet demand.

Cost clearer

Creating numbers beginning 06, to replace 070 numbers - sometimes confused with mobiles - is also being considered.

At the moment, companies such as Patientline use 070 numbers. There is no cap on caller charges.

Ofcom wants 070 and 06 numbers to have a price cap, and 07 numbers to be used exclusively for mobile phones.

Under plans, rates charged to people calling 08 phone lines would be made clearer by linking the cost of the call to the third digit. Numbers starting 080 would be free, while 082 would be cheaper than 089.

Premium rate charges would stay on 09 codes.

Ofcom chief executive Stephen Carter said: "Telephone numbers are at the heart of a well-functioning communications industry.

"From 01 to 09 we are proposing a planning framework that provides clearer consumer information and is future-proofed for growth." Area codes starting with 01 and 02 will stay the same.

The telephone regulator's consultation closes on 4 May.