What Is a 09 Number? UK Premium Rate Numbers Explained
A 09 number is a UK premium rate number. Calls cost a service charge set by the line, plus an access charge set by your phone company. They are used for adult chat, competitions, psychic lines and some TV voting, and are regulated by Ofcom.
What are 09 numbers used for?
09 numbers are reserved for premium rate services: services that cost more than a normal call because part of the charge pays for the service itself. In the UK they’re used for adult chat lines, some competition and TV vote lines, psychic and tarot lines, and other paid information services.
How is the price worked out?
Since 2015 the price of calls to 09 numbers has been split into two parts:
- Service charge: set by the service and shown next to the number, for example “35p per minute”.
- Access charge: set by your phone company and the same for all 09, 08 and 118 numbers on your tariff.
Add the two together to get the real cost per minute. The gov.uk page on call charges explains the system.
Different 09 ranges
You will see 09 numbers starting 0909, 0982, 0983 and others. The first digits after 09 are part of how numbers are allocated, but they don’t reliably tell you the price. Always check the price printed next to the number.
Who regulates them?
Premium rate services are regulated by Ofcom. Services must make their prices clear, give contact details and follow rules on age and consent where relevant.
How to block 09 numbers
If you want to stop 09 calls from your phone, for yourself or for someone else in the house, most providers can bar premium rate numbers on request, often free of charge. Contact your phone company or check their account settings.