We all applaud 03xx numbers and the strict regulations about charging the same as 01 and 02 numbers. This from a recent post by loddon:
Ofcom set stringent regulations concerning the charging for ALL 03..... numbers --- that the cost of 03 numbers must be the same as calls to geographic numbers. Stated here :---
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2007/02/nr_20070213b 03 numbers are being introduced as an alternative to chargeable 08 numbers like 0870. Calls to 03 numbers will cost the same as calls to geographic numbers (starting 01 or 02), and be included as part of any inclusive call minutes or discount schemes in the same way as geographic calls.
Revenue sharing – where the dialled party can receive a share of what the consumer pays to make a call – will not be permitted on calls to 03 numbers.
Ofcom intends these requirements to apply to calls from all types of line, including mobiles and payphones, Ofcom Chief Executive, Ed Richards said: “Consumers will be able to dial 03 numbers with confidence about the cost of their call. We expect public services and many others to view 03 numbers as a real alternative to higher cost 08 numbers.”
So you should have no concerns about costs when calling 03 numbers.
But there always seems to be a cloud with every silver lining. At least one UK phone company (Talktalk) has re-introduced separate pricing for local and national calls on some tariffs. This was something we thought was dead and buried except for some specialist BT legacy tariffs. What happens to 03xx numbers here? It also raises the spectre of "costs no more than a local call" becoming a valid part of an advertisement, again something we thought was dying out.