Several reasons why the BBC has chosen 03 numbers

The BBC announced this year (2008) that it would be swapping all of its 0870 telephone numbers for the new 03 number equivalent: 0370.Some of its divisions have changed and you can find the new 03 numbers being advertised on Radio 1 and Radio 2 and across its regional television network, for example.Its flagship fundraising event, Children in Need also used an 03 number as its main donation line.  This is some great telecom news. Here are several facts why the BBC has chosen 03 numbers:

1. Different to 0845 numbers, 03 numbers charge the same to ring as standard 01/02 phone numbers even from a mobile phone (40% of all calls are now made from mobiles).

2. People believe in 03 numbers because of their transparent call costs. This is particularly relavent for the BBC which receives funding from license-fee payers. 03 numbers are caller friendly and as such not prone to bad publicity.

3. 03 equivalent numbers are available which lets organisations change their 08 numbers for 03. On the other hand, some very memorable 03 numbers (0333 or 0300 etc.) can be bought as the number series is still relatively new.

4. Like all non-geographic numbers, 03 numbers provide the BBC a national presence. This meant it can publish one specific memorable number all through the UK – which is not area focused. This is particularly essential for its countrywide TV and radio services.

5. The BBC can deal with enquirers more efficiently by adding call management systems to their 03 numbers.

6. Its various departments can control where they want to get their calls (particularly out of hours and in an urgent situation) easily via the web/phone.

7. They can see the location of callers, busy periods and the time taken to answer all calls with online call statistics packages.

8. It’s possible to save calls to 03 numbers without adding costly physical equipment.

9. Callers can be place in an enquiry line, which ensures that all important calls will be dealt with.

10. They can frequently be inexpensive to run if you seek out the provider with the most competitive offering in the market. It’s obvious that 03 numbers are fast becoming the telephone number of choice for many United Kingdom organisations. Im sure, the points above should offer a starting point to the reasons why the 03 number is so popular.