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{{short description|Telephone numbers for calls that are charged at a higher than normal rate}}
{{Redirect|900 number|the mathematical entity|900 (number)}}
{{Redirect-multi|2|900 number|976 number|other uses|900 (disambiguation)|and|976 (disambiguation)}}
{{Refimprove|date=March 2011}}


{{Multiple issues|
'''Premium-rate telephone numbers''' are [[telephone number]]s for [[telephone call]]s during which certain services are provided, and for which prices higher than normal are charged. Unlike a normal call, part of the call charge is paid to the service provider, thus enabling businesses to be funded via the calls. While the [[Bill (payment)|bill]]ing is different, calls are usually [[Routing|route]]d the same way they are for a [[toll-free telephone number]], being anywhere despite the [[area code]] used. These telephone numbers are usually allocated from a national [[telephone numbering plan]] in such a way that they are easily distinguished from other numbers. [[Telephone company|Telephone companies]] typically offer blocking services to allow telephone customers to prevent access to these number ranges from their telephones. In some jurisdictions, telephone companies are required by law to offer such blocking.
{{More citations needed|date=March 2011}}
{{Overly detailed|date=June 2023}}
}}
'''Premium-rate telephone numbers''' are [[telephone number]]s that charge callers higher price rates for select services, including information and entertainment. A portion of the call fees is paid to the service provider, allowing premium calls to be an additional source of revenue for businesses. Tech support, psychic hotlines, and adult chat lines (e.g. dating and [[phone sex]]) are among the most popular kinds of premium-rate phone services. Other services include [[Directory assistance|directory enquiries]], [[weather forecast]]s, [[competition]]s and ratings [[televoting]] (especially relating to [[television show]]s). Some businesses, e.g. [[low-cost airlines]], and [[diplomatic mission|diplomatic missions]], such as the [[Embassy of the United States, London|US Embassy in London]] or the [[Embassy of the United Kingdom, Washington, D.C.|UK Embassy in Washington]], have also used premium-rate phone numbers for calls from the general public.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}


Premium calls are typically independent of the caller's [[area code]]. These telephone numbers are usually allocated based on a national [[telephone numbering plan]] that makes them easily distinguishable from non-premium numbers; [[Telephone company|telephone companies]] often offer their customers the option to block calls from these number ranges, and in some jurisdictions, are required by law to offer blocking services.
Adult chat lines ([[phone sex]]) and [[tech support]] are a very common use of premium-rate numbers. Other services include [[Directory assistance|directory enquiries]], [[weather forecast]]s, [[competition]]s and [[voting]] (especially relating to [[television show]]s). [[diplomatic mission|Diplomatic services]], such as the US [[embassy]] in [[London]] or the UK Embassy in Washington, have also charged premium rates for calls from the general public.


[[SMS]] (texting) also has a feature for premium rate services, however instead of standard telephone numbers, premium-rate texting uses so-called [[Short code|shortcodes]], which are 4–6 digit numbers that work only for SMS.
In many European countries, for example France, Germany and the United Kingdom, it is common for organisations to operate customer service lines on premium-rate numbers using prefixes that fall outside the scope of the country's premium-rate number regulations. Therefore, in contrast to North America where customer service numbers are typically free of charge to the caller, consumers in Europe often pay a premium above the cost of a normal telephone call.


==Africa==
Computer criminals have used premium-rate numbers to defraud unsuspecting Internet users. One scheme involved inducing users to download a program known as a [[dialer]] that surreptitiously dialed a premium-rate number, accumulating charges on the user's phone bill without their knowledge. Another now-uncommon premium-rate scam involves television programming that induces young children to dial the number, banking on the notion that they will be unaware of the charges that will be incurred. One variant, targeted at children too young to dial a number, enticed children to hold the phone up to the television set while the [[DTMF]] tones of the number were played. This type of scam was especially popular in the late '80s to early '90s in the United States before tougher regulations on the 900 number business forced many of these businesses to close.<ref name="stern">{{cite book | first1=Jane | last1=Stern | first2=Michael | last2=Stern | title=Jane & Michael Stern's Encyclopedia of Pop Culture: An A to Z Guide to Who's Who and What's What, from Aerobics and Bubble Gum to Valley of the Dolls | year=1992 | publisher= | isbn= <!-- reference should be confirmed, I don't have the book at hand --> }}</ref>


==North America==
=== Egypt ===
In [[Telephone numbers in Egypt|Egypt]], premium rate numbers begin with the prefix '''0900''', and for mobile services it uses short numbers to call or to send [[SMS]] to(4 digits only).


===United States and Canada===
=== South Africa ===
In [[Telephone numbers in South Africa|South Africa]], premium rate SMS short codes are four or five digits long, starting with either '3' or '4'. Premium rate telephone services are regulated by The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and ranges from 0862 through 0869(increasing rates relating to the next digit after 086).
A 1-900 telephone number, in the [[North American Numbering Plan]], has the form 1-900-###-####, and is often called a '''900 number''' or a '''1-900 number''' ("one-nine-hundred"). Area Code 900 went in to service January 1, 1971,<ref name="nanpa">{{cite web |url=http://www.nanpa.com/enas/npa_query.do |title=Enter Area Code to Query |publisher=NANPA}}</ref> but the first known to have been used in the United States for the "Ask President Carter" program in March 1977, for incoming calls to a nationwide [[talk radio]] broadcast featuring the newly elected [[President of the United States|President]] [[Jimmy Carter]], hosted by [[anchorperson|anchorman]] [[Walter Cronkite]].<ref name="ucsb">{{cite web |url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=7119 |title="Ask President Carter" - Remarks During a Telephone Call-in Program on the CBS Radio Network |date=1977-03-05 |first=Gerhard |last=Peters |work=The American Presidency Project |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130714125320/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=7119 |archivedate=2013-07-14 |deadurl=no }}</ref> At that time, the intent for area code 900 was as a [[choke exchange]]—a code that blocked large numbers of simultaneous callers from jamming up the long distance network. Numbers with the 900 area code were those which were expected to have a huge number of potential callers, and the 900 area code was screened at the local level to allow only a certain number of the callers in each area to access the nationwide long distance network for reaching the destination number. Also, the early incarnation of 900 was not billed at premium-rate charges, but rather at regular long distance charges based on the time of day and day of week that the call was placed. The number used for the radio program was one that was specially arranged by [[AT&T Corporation]], [[CBS Radio]], and the White House, to be free to the calling party.<ref name="ucsb" /> However, by 1980,{{citation needed|date=December 2010}} the 900 area code was completely restructured by AT&T to be the premium-rate special area code which it remains today. At that time, many evening news agencies conducted "pulse polls" for $.50 per call charges and displayed results on television. One early use was by ''Saturday Night Live'' producers for the sketch "[[Larry the Lobster (Saturday Night Live)|Larry the Lobster]]", featuring Eddie Murphy. The comedy sketch drew nearly 500,000 calls. AT&T and the producers of SNL split the profits of nearly $250,000.{{citation needed|date=September 2013}}


==Asia==
Earlier, '''976 numbers''' used 976 as a local prefix (970 or 540 in some markets like New York state), though it was not assigned to a specific [[telephone exchange]] like other prefixes. These numbers were dialed as any other number, such as 976-1234.
===Armenia===
In [[Armenia]], premium numbers start with 900, followed by six digits.


===Indonesia===
A call to either one of these numbers can result in a high per-minute or per-call charge. For example, a "[[psychic]] [[hotline]]" type of 1-900 number may charge $2.99 for the first minute and 99 cents for each additional minute.
In [[Telephone numbers in Indonesia|Indonesia]], premium numbers begin with 0809 and are marketed by [[Telkom Indonesia|Telkom]] as '''Japati''', an acronym for Jaringan Pintar Nasional (''National Smart Network''). Due to the number's association with adult services (Telkom's dial-up Internet service, Telkomnet Instan at 080989999 being a major exception) premium-rate phone services have come under public scrutiny and regulatory crackdown, most notably in May 2015 following rash of spam text messages enticing mobile phone users to dial them.<ref>{{cite web |title=Evaluasi Penyelenggaraan Jasa Nilai Tambah Teleponi Panggilan Premium (Premium Call) |url=https://kominfo.go.id/index.php/content/detail/4997/Siaran-Pers-No-32-PIH-KOMINFO-5-2015-tentang-Evaluasi-Penyelenggaraan-Jasa-Nilai-Tambah-Teleponi-Panggilan-Premium--Premium-Call---/0/siaran_pers |website=Kementerian Komunikasi dan Informatika (in Indonesian) |access-date=2019-02-07}}</ref>


===Japan===
Initially, consumers had no choice regarding the accessibility to 900/976 numbers on their phones. However, in 1987, after a child had accumulated a bill of $17,000{{Citation needed|date=May 2007}}, the [[California Public Utilities Commission]] subsequently required phone companies to give customers an option to prevent the dialing of 900/976 numbers.<ref name="leginfo">{{cite web |url=http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=puc&group=02001-03000&file=2881-2890.2 |title=Public Utilities Code Section 2881-2890.2 |work=California Legislative Information |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090809093113/http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=puc&group=02001-03000&file=2881-2890.2 |archivedate=2009-08-09 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
In [[Telephone numbers in Japan|Japan]], premium rate telephone number service was currently known as "Navi-dial" and began with the prefix 0570 followed by six digits. <!--"DIAL Q<sup>2</sup>" and began with the prefix 0990 followed by six digits. The digit following determined the service class. The prefix 0990-3 was for adult services. The prefixes 0990-5 and 0990-6 were used for other services. To prevent unintentional charges, subscribers may optionally register a four-digit password which is then required when accessing a premium rate service.--> The "DIAL Q<sup>2</sup>" service that's number had the prefix 0990 was ended operations in early 2013.


===South Korea===
From the early 1980s through the early 1990s, it was common to see commercials promoting 1-900 numbers to children featuring such things as characters famous from [[Saturday morning cartoons]] to [[Santa Claus]]. Due to complaints from parent groups about kids not knowing the dangers and high cost of such calls, the [[Federal Trade Commission|FTC]] enacted new rules and such commercials ceased to air on television as of the mid-1990s.<ref name="ftc">{{cite web |url=http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/telemarketing/tel04.shtm |title=900 Numbers: FTC Rule Helps Consumers |work=Facts for Consumers |publisher=[[Federal Trade Commission]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125134731/http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0183-mystery-charges-your-phone-bill |archivedate=2013-01-25 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
In [[Telephone numbers in South Korea|South Korea]], premium rate numbers start with the prefix 060 followed by 7 or 8 digits. Some consumers do not know that numbers starting with 060 are premium rate numbers because 060 is mistaken for one of long-distance area codes in Korea (there are 062, 061 and 063). They call back when they find that they miss a call to their mobile phones from a 060 number ending up paying for just making a call.


1588-#### and 1577-#### are not premium rate numbers per se. They are used by banks, insurance companies, nationwide restaurant chains, consumer electronics companies, online shopping malls and others for customer service and delivery order. In many cases, customers calling them are charged at a long-distance rate without knowing that they are making a long-distance call.
Using 900 numbers for adult entertainment lines was a prevalent practice in the early years of the industry. This practice continues, along with the use of these numbers for things such as software technical support, banking access, and stock tips. Adult entertainment 900 numbers have been largely absent from AT&T and [[MCI]] since 1991.{{citation needed|date=December 2010}} The industry still suffers from the stigma attached to the early days of the industry when adult entertainment lines were heavily advertised on late-night television commercials.


===Vietnam===
AT&T has confirmed that the [[Hulk Hogan]] Hotline was the most lucrative 900 line in the United States from 1991 through 1993.{{citation needed|date=May 2009}} Other early leaders in amassing huge volumes of revenue were the [[New Kids on the Block]] and [[Dionne Warwick]]'s [[Psychic Friends Network]].
In [[Telephone numbers in Vietnam|Vietnam]], premium rate numbers start with 1900; premium rate SMS have 4 digits starting with 4,5,6,7,8 and the 2nd digit decides the price (except 1400 - 1409 with variable prices from 3000-18000 VND per sms, reserved for charity and 156, 5656, 1414 which are free).


===Taiwan===
Consumers in the US have specific rights regarding 900 number calls, as laid down by the [[Federal Trade Commission]], such as the right to a disclaimer at the beginning of the call and a subsequent 3 second hang-up grace period, the ability to contest billing errors, a prohibition on marketing to children, and a requirement that telecommunication companies must allow the consumer to block dialing to 900 numbers. US telephone companies are prohibited from disconnecting local service as a means to force payment for 1-900 calls.<ref name="ftc" /> Various attempts have been made by vendors to circumvent these protections by using [[809 scam|Caribbean or other international numbers]] outside [[Federal Communications Commission]] jurisdiction to bill US telephone subscribers;<ref name="att_809scam">{{cite web |url=http://www.att.net/smartcontrols-809AreaCode |title=AT&T Smart Controls: 809 Area Code Scam |publisher=AT&T |date=1985-01-01 |accessdate=2014-02-26 }}</ref> the former +1-809 countries were popular as their [[North American Numbering Plan]] format numbers look domestic but are not.<ref name="fcc_809scam">{{cite web |url=http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/809.html |title="809" Phone Scam - Beware |work=Consumer and Government Affairs Bureau |publisher=FCC |date= |deadurl=yes |archivedate=2007-04-05 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070405195607/http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/809.html }}</ref> The 101XXXX [[dial-around prefix]]es were also briefly the target of abuse by premium number providers posing as [[Inter-Exchange Carrier|inter-exchange carriers]], a practice which has now been stopped. A loophole which allowed US (but not Canadian) providers in toll-free [[area code 800]] to bill for calls by claiming the subscriber agreed to the charges has also been largely closed by more stringent regulation.<ref name="fcc_900info">{{cite web |url=https://www.fcc.gov/guides/900-pay-call-and-other-information-services |title=900 Pay-Per-Call and Other Information Services |work=Consumer and Government Affairs Bureau |publisher=FCC |date= |deadurl=no |archivedate=2011-07-09 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709154116/http://www.fcc.gov/guides/900-pay-call-and-other-information-services }}</ref><ref name="ftc_900rule">{{cite web |url=http://www.business.ftc.gov/documents/bus06-complying-900-number-rule |title=Complying with the 900 Number Rule |work=BCP Business Center |publisher=FTC |date=November 1993 |deadurl=no |archivedate=2010-09-24 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924015415/http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bus06-complying-900-number-rule }}</ref>
In [[Telephone numbers in Taiwan|Taiwan]], premium rate numbers start with 0203, 0204 and 0209.


===Mongolia===
[[SMS]] also has a feature for premium rate services. They generally do not use 900 numbers, but instead use [[short code|five-digit and six-digit numbers, shorter than a telephone number]].
In [[Telephone numbers in Mongolia|Mongolia]], premium rate numbers start with 1900.

===[[Telephone numbers in Mexico|Mexico]]===
Premium rate numbers in Mexico are served by [[Telmex]] and start with the dialling prefix 01-900, where 01 is the domestic long distance prefix and 900 is the premium-rate area code. These numbers are usually used for the same purposes as in the United States.

==South America==

===[[Argentine telephone numbering plan|Argentina]]===
Telephone numbers of the form 0600-xxx-xxxx and 0609-xxx-xxxx are premium rate numbers. The 0609 series is for entertainment (fixed rate), while 0600 is for services (the rate depends on the particular number).

===[[Brazilian telephone numbering plan|Brazil]]===
In Brazil, there is only one premium prefix: 0500, and this number is used by Brazilian Internal Revenue Service (Receita Federal) to file for the Annual Federal Income Tax exemption, or by organizations receiving donations (it's a premium rate per call and not per minute).

A long time ago 0900 was available, but now is no longer allowed. As there are no longer premium numbers, TV shows now use mobile numbers to receive calls and generate revenue to their program.

There is also the 0300 prefix, which is for companies which don't offer a 0800 number. This call is charged roughly as a long distance call, but without the benefits of super reduced rates outside the business hours.


==Europe==
==Europe==
{{Expand section|date=April 2010}}


In many European countries, such as France, Germany and the United Kingdom, it was common for organisations to operate customer service lines on premium-rate numbers using prefixes that fall outside the scope of the country's premium-rate number regulations. Therefore, in contrast to North America where customer service numbers are typically free of charge to the caller, consumers in Europe often used to pay a premium above the cost of a normal telephone call. The EU Consumer Rights Directive 2011/EU/83, which came into force on 13 June 2014, was intended to eliminate this pricing model, but the law's implementation and success varies widely from country to country.
===[[Telephone numbers in Armenia|Armenia]]===
In [[Armenia]], premium numbers start with 900, followed by six digits.


===[[Telephone numbers in Austria|Austria]]===
===Austria===
The 0900 prefix is used for premium rate numbers that charge per minute and the 0901 prefix is used for premium rate numbers that charge by call. For adult content the prefix is 0930 for per minute tariffs and 0931 for event based tariffs.
In [[Telephone numbers in Austria|Austria]], the 0900 prefix is used for premium rate numbers that charge per minute and the 0901 prefix is used for premium rate numbers that charge by call. For adult content the prefix is 0930 for per minute tariffs and 0931 for event based tariffs.


===[[Telephone numbers in Belgium|Belgium]]===
===Belgium===
Premium rate numbers in Belgium have the area codes 090x.
In [[Telephone numbers in Belgium|Belgium]], premium rate numbers in Belgium have the area codes 090x.
* 0900, 0902, 0903, 0904 (per minute – from 0.25 to 2.00 EUR)
* 0900, 0902, 0903, 0904 (per minute – from 0.25 to 2.00 EUR)
* 0906, 0907 (adult services – per minute – from 0.25 to 2.00 EUR)
* 0906, 0907 (adult services – per minute – from 0.25 to 2.00 EUR)
Line 62: Line 58:
Call limited to 10 mins.
Call limited to 10 mins.


===[[Telephone numbers in Croatia|Croatia]]===
===Croatia===
The 060 prefix is used for premium rate numbers in Croatia for non-erotic and 064 prefix is used for erotic services.
In [[Telephone numbers in Croatia|Croatia]], the 060 prefix is used for premium rate numbers for non-erotic and 064 prefix is used for erotic services.


===[[Telephone numbers in the Czech Republic|Czech Republic]]===
===Czech Republic===
Numbers starting with 900, 906, 909 and 976 are premium rate numbers. Other numbers beginning with "9" are allocated to certain organizations, such as 972 (Czech railways), 973 (Ministry of Defense), 974 (Ministry of Interior), 95x (other Ministries, government organizations, certain commercial subjects).
In the [[Telephone numbers in the Czech Republic|Czech Republic]], numbers starting with 900, 906, 909 and 976 are premium rate numbers. Other numbers beginning with "9" are allocated to certain organizations, such as 972 (Czech railways), 973 (Ministry of Defense), 974 (Ministry of Interior), 95x (other Ministries, government organizations, certain commercial subjects), 910 (VoIP nongeographic nomadic numbers).


===[[Telephone numbers in Denmark|Denmark]]===
===Denmark===
Premium rate numbers in Denmark have the area codes 9013, 9050 and 9055/9056. The 9013 is for [[helpline]]s and [[conversation|chat]] services, the 9050 (paid per call) is for TV [[Call-in]] Shows and the 9055/9056 codes are for [[charitable organization]]s.
In [[Telephone numbers in Denmark|Denmark]], premium rate numbers have the area codes 9013, 9050 and 9055/9056. The 9013 is for [[helpline]]s and [[conversation|chat]] services, the 9050 (paid per call) is for TV [[Call-in]] Shows and the 9055/9056 codes are for [[charitable organization]]s.


However, the regulation is very strict. [http://www.tdc.dk TDC] is the only carrier offering these numbers, with [http://www.mcxess.com/ MCXess] and [http://www.kwak-telecom.com/what-we-do/domestic-premium-rate-numbers/price-list-domestic.html?country=denmark kwak Telecom] offering numbers internationally. The regulator can be found at http://www.itst.dk/, a shortened English regulation is available here: [http://www.kwak-telecom.com/fileadmin/downloads/countries/denmark/DenmarkRegulation.pdf Short Denmark Regulation].
However, the regulation is very strict. [[TDC Holding A/S]] is the only carrier offering these numbers, with [[MCXess]] and [[kwak Telecom]] offering numbers internationally. The regulator<ref>{{cite web |URL=http://www.itst.dk/ |title=ITST }}</ref> offers a shortened English regulation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821050448/http://www.kwak-telecom.com/fileadmin/downloads/countries/denmark/DenmarkRegulation.pdf |title=Regulation}}</ref>


===[[Telephone numbers in Finland|Finland]]===
===Finland===
Numbers starting with 0100, 0200, 0202, 0209, 0300, 0600, 0700, 0750, 0751, 0752, 0753, 0757, 0759, 100, 106 and 107 are premium rate numbers. The 0700 series is for entertainment, while 0600 is for services. Several other premium codes exist, sometimes confusing consumers, who may not know if they are calling a premium number or not.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.viestintavirasto.fi/internetpuhelin/puhelinnumerot/palvelunumerot.html | title=Viestintävirasto - Palvelunumerot | publisher=Viestintävirasto | date=2013-06-05 | accessdate=2014-07-12}}</ref>
In [[Telephone numbers in Finland|Finland]], numbers starting with 0100, 0200, 0202, 0209, 0300, 0600, 0700, 0750, 0751, 0752, 0753, 0757, 0759, 100, 106 and 107 are premium rate numbers. The 0700 series is for entertainment, while 0600 is for services. Several other premium codes exist, sometimes confusing consumers, who may not know if they are calling a premium number or not.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.viestintavirasto.fi/internetpuhelin/puhelinnumerot/palvelunumerot.html |title=Viestintävirasto - Palvelunumerot |publisher=Viestintävirasto |date=2013-06-05 |access-date=2014-07-12 }}</ref>


The Finnish Consumers’ Association has repeatedly denounced the use of premium rate numbers.<ref name="anta">{{cite journal | url=http://blog.anta.net/2008/04/25/consumer-watchdog-dreams-up-another-free-lunch/ | title=Consumer watchdog dreams up another free lunch | journal=blog.anta.net | date=2008-04-25 | issn=1797-1993 | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726135114/http://blog.anta.net/2008/04/25/consumer-watchdog-dreams-up-another-free-lunch/ | archivedate=2011-07-26 | deadurl=no }}</ref>
The Finnish Consumers' Association has repeatedly denounced the use of premium rate numbers.<ref name="anta">{{cite journal |url=http://blog.anta.net/2008/04/25/consumer-watchdog-dreams-up-another-free-lunch/ |title=Consumer watchdog dreams up another free lunch |website=blog.anta.net |date=2008-04-25 |issn=1797-1993 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726135114/http://blog.anta.net/2008/04/25/consumer-watchdog-dreams-up-another-free-lunch/ |archive-date=2011-07-26 |url-status=dead |access-date=2008-04-25 }}</ref>


===[[Telephone numbers in France|France]]===
===France===


Numbers starting with 08xx (International : +338(...)) are special rate numbers. They range from toll free numbers (080x) to premium numbers (089x) (called Audiotel by France Telecom). There are also various moderately priced numbers (from about 0.03 to 0.15 €/minute) in the 081x and 082x ranges. Most of these numbers are not reachable from outside France.
In [[Telephone numbers in France|France]], numbers starting with 08xx (International : +33 8(...)) are special rate numbers. They range from toll free numbers (080x) to premium numbers (08Rx) (R from 1 to 9) (called Audiotel by France Telecom). There are also various moderately priced numbers (from about 0.03 to 0.15 €/minute) in the 081x and 082x ranges. Most of these numbers are not reachable from outside France.


There are also special 4 digits numbers in the form of 3xxx, for which billing rules can be the ones from any 08xx number, to the provider's choice.
There are also special 4 digits numbers (national speed dial) in the form of 3xxx, for which billing rules can be the ones from any 08xx number, to the provider's choice.


The split rule between different premium rate numbers is not clearly defined (premium rate information numbers and premium rate entertainment numbers).
The split rule between different premium rate numbers is not clearly defined (premium rate information numbers and premium rate entertainment numbers).
Line 88: Line 84:
The regulator (ARCEP, previously ART) had issued a range for Telephony over xDSL in the 087x range, which might confuse consumers, as calls to these numbers are billed as local calls nationwide. Starting 20 December 2005, these have been changed to 09xx numbers, which are dedicated to VoIP. All 087x numbers have been converted to 09xx numbers by 15 December 2008.
The regulator (ARCEP, previously ART) had issued a range for Telephony over xDSL in the 087x range, which might confuse consumers, as calls to these numbers are billed as local calls nationwide. Starting 20 December 2005, these have been changed to 09xx numbers, which are dedicated to VoIP. All 087x numbers have been converted to 09xx numbers by 15 December 2008.


===[[Telephone numbers in Germany|Germany]]===
===Germany===
Dedicated premium-rate lines nowadays begin with the prefix 0900, the infamous 0190 prefix having been terminated on December 31, 2005. However, some premium services also use lines with the prefix 0137, which is supposedly reserved for planned simultaneous call-in events, such as [[televoting]].
In [[Telephone numbers in Germany|Germany]], Dedicated premium-rate lines nowadays begin with the prefix 0900, the infamous 0190 prefix having been terminated on December 31, 2005. However, some premium services also use lines with the prefix 0137, which is supposedly reserved for planned simultaneous call-in events, such as [[televoting]].


The digit after 0900 decides the kind of service offered, unlike 0190, where it determined the pricing. This is called offline billing and causes problems for coin telephones (where they are restricted entirely) or prepaid services. These are -1 for information, -3 for entertainment and -5 for "miscellaneous" (mostly adult entertainment). 0900-9 is reserved for dialers, which are heavily regulated, or to do payments by phone.
===[[Telephone numbers in Greece|Greece]]===
Premium numbers in [[Greece]] start with 901 (general purpose) and 909 (adult-only services), followed by seven digits.


===Greece===
===[[Telephone numbers in Hungary|Hungary]]===
In [[Telephone numbers in Greece|Greece]], Premium numbers start with 901 (general purpose) and 909 (adult-only services), followed by seven digits.
In Hungary, 06-81, 06-90 and 06-91 followed by six digits are common premium-rate numbers. [[SMS]]-based services can also use short numbers such as 1781 and 17632.


===Hungary===
===[[Telephone numbers in the Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]===
In [[Telephone numbers in Hungary|Hungary]], 06-90 and 06-91 followed by six digits are common premium-rate numbers. [[SMS]]-based services can also use short numbers such as 1781 and 17632.
Premium rate numbers begin with the prefix 15. These numbers provide a range of services from weather forecasting to adult dating. Adult type services shall only be provided using the access codes 1598 or 1599, with adult services of a sexual nature being restricted to the latter. Adult authentication is required from your network operator to access these numbers.

===Ireland===
In [[Telephone numbers in the Republic of Ireland|Ireland]], premium rate numbers begin with the prefix 15. These numbers provide a range of services from weather forecasting to adult dating. Adult type services shall only be provided using the access codes 1598 or 1599, with adult services of a sexual nature being restricted to the latter. Adult authentication is required from your network operator to access these numbers.


All 15x numbers have officially quoted rates, set by the prefix, although telecom providers can charge an additional fee for carrying the call. 151x numbers are charged on a per-call basis, all others on a per-minute basis. In general the prices increase as the prefix number increases, within the call type range.
All 15x numbers have officially quoted rates, set by the prefix, although telecom providers can charge an additional fee for carrying the call. 151x numbers are charged on a per-call basis, all others on a per-minute basis. In general the prices increase as the prefix number increases, within the call type range.


[http://www.comreg.ie/ Comreg] is a body which monitors the premium rate services industry in Ireland. Although an independent body, it can impose sanctions, ban advertisements and ban services offered by providers. It is funded by a levy on providers.
[[Comreg]] is a body which monitors the premium rate services industry in Ireland. Although an independent body, it can impose sanctions, ban advertisements and ban services offered by providers. It is funded by a levy on providers.


===[[Telephone numbers in Italy|Italy]]===
===Italy===
There are many premium rate numbers, including 144 (disabled by default), 166, 892, 899, using different fares. 0878 is also a premium-rate number, reserved for [[Opinion poll|poll]]s run via telephone.
In [[Telephone numbers in Italy|Italy]], There are many premium rate numbers, including anything starting with 89 using different fares. 0878 is also a premium-rate number, reserved for [[Opinion poll|poll]]s run via telephone.


===[[Telephone numbers in Latvia|Latvia]]===
===Latvia===
Premium numbers are with prefix (+371) 90
In [[Telephone numbers in Latvia|Latvia]], premium numbers are with prefix (+371) 90


===[[Telephone numbers in the Netherlands|Netherlands]]===
===Netherlands===
Premium numbers in The Netherlands start with 0900 (general purpose), 0906 (erotic entertainment) and 0909 (games and lotteries) followed by four or seven digits. When one dials such a ''nulnegenhonderd nummer'' it is enforced by law that the caller gets informed about the per minute rate. The [[Onafhankelijke Post en Telecommunicatie Autoriteit|Opta]] is the governing body that regulates premium rate services in the Netherlands.
In the [[Telephone numbers in the Netherlands|Netherlands]], premium numbers start with 0900 (general purpose), 0906 (erotic entertainment) and 0909 (games and lotteries) followed by four or seven digits. When one dials such a ''nulnegenhonderdnummer'' it is enforced by law that the caller gets informed about the per minute rate. The [[Onafhankelijke Post en Telecommunicatie Autoriteit|Opta]] is the governing body that regulates premium rate services in the Netherlands.
Starting June 2014 any 0900 number used for customer service purposes is regulated at a maximum surcharge per call of €1 on top of the normal tariff for calling.<ref name="nl_0900">{{cite web |url=http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/telefonie/regels-voor-0900-nummers |title=Regels voor 0900-nummers |language=Dutch |trans_title=Rules for 0900 numbers |publisher=Rijksoverheid [(Dutch) Government] |deadurl=no |archivedate=2014-03-24 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324141330/http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/telefonie/regels-voor-0900-nummers }}</ref>
Starting June 2014 any 0900 number used for customer service purposes is regulated so that it is free to the caller, for if they buy the product, they also buy the right to contact consumer service.<ref name="nl_0900">{{cite web |url=http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/telefonie/regels-voor-0900-nummers |title=Regels voor 0900-nummers |language=nl |trans-title=Rules for 0900 numbers |publisher=Rijksoverheid [(Dutch) Government] |url-status=live |archive-date=2014-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324141330/http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/telefonie/regels-voor-0900-nummers }}</ref>


===[[Telephone numbers in Norway|Norway]]===
===Norway===
Any telephone number starting with 82 (mostly 820/829) is charged at premium rates (82x xx xxx).
In [[Telephone numbers in Norway|Norway]], any telephone number starting with 82 (mostly 820/829) is charged at premium rates (82x xx xxx).


===[[Telephone numbers in Portugal|Portugal]]===
===Portugal===
* 607 - Pull opinion, 9 tariffs up to 3,28 Eur per minute (premium rates)
* 607 - Pull opinion,{{clarification needed|date=August 2022}} 9 tariffs up to 3.28 Eur per minute (premium rates)
* 707 – Entertainment and some business (approximate cost of €0,25 / minute in 2009)
* 707 – Entertainment and some business (€0.25 + VAT / minute)
* 760 - Fixed tariff for all calls (€0,7380 per call)
* 760 - Fixed tariff for all calls (€0.60 + VAT per call)
* 761 - Entertainment (€1 + VAT per call)
* 808 – Business and marketing (cost of a local land-line call)
* 808 – Business and marketing (cost of a local land-line call)


In [[Telephone numbers in Portugal|Portugal]], the VAT for calls is 23%, except in Madeira, where it is 22%, and in Azores, where it is 18%.
===[[Telephone numbers in Poland|Poland]]===

Numbers starting with 70, 30 and 40 are reserved for premium-rate services. 700, 701, 707 and 300 are "general" premium-rate services (usually charged per minute), 707 and 400 are assigned for tele-voting, mass-calls and so on (usually charged per call). Other numbers (702-706, 709, 301-309, 401-409) are reserved for future assignments. There are some other numbers in "shared costs" or "dial-up services" ranges, which are charged at a quite high rates (comparable with lower cost premium rates): 8015, 8016, 207, 208.
===Poland===
In [[Telephone numbers in Poland|Poland]], numbers starting with 70, 30 and 40 are reserved for premium-rate services. 700, 701, 707 and 300 are "general" premium-rate services (usually charged per minute), 707 and 400 are assigned for tele-voting, mass-calls and so on (usually charged per call). Other numbers (702-706, 709, 301–309, 401-409) are reserved for future assignments. There are some other numbers in "shared costs" or "dial-up services" ranges, which are charged at a quite high rates (comparable with lower cost premium rates): 8015, 8016, 207, 208.


Effective on December 1, 2008, 300 and 400 numbers are changed into 703 and 704 respectively, freeing up the whole 30x and 40x range for the future assignments (non-premium rate). This change will allow to accumulate all the premium rate services in the 700-709 range of numbers.
Effective on December 1, 2008, 300 and 400 numbers are changed into 703 and 704 respectively, freeing up the whole 30x and 40x range for the future assignments (non-premium rate). This change will allow to accumulate all the premium rate services in the 700-709 range of numbers.


===[[Telephone numbers in Romania|Romania]]===
===Romania===
Premium numbers are in the 090xxxxxx-098xxxxxx range. Currently, only the 0900 block is used. [http://www.anrc.ro/admin/Portal/LinkClick.aspx?tabid=230&table=Links&field=ItemID&id=95&link=decizie+2002_140.doc]. Prior to 2002, all numbers starting with 89 were premium rate numbers. Some of those number remain as local premium numbers, and the 02xx89xxxxx block remains reserved.
In [[Telephone numbers in Romania|Romania]], premium numbers are in the 090xxxxxx-098xxxxxx range. Currently, only the 0900 block is used.<ref>{{cite web |URL=http://www.anrc.ro/admin/Portal/LinkClick.aspx?tabid=230&table=Links&field=ItemID&id=95&link=decizie+2002_140.doc |title=0900 block }}</ref>{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. Prior to 2002, all numbers starting with 89 were premium rate numbers. Some of those number remain as local premium numbers, and the 02xx89xxxxx block remains reserved.


===[[Telephone numbers in Russia|Russia]]===
===Russia===
In [[Telephone numbers in Russia|Russia]], 809 and 803 (paid per call, less generally used) are premium prefix. Note that usually in Russia one needs [[Trunk code#Russia and Kazakhstan|to dial 8]] before the area code, so premium numbers are usually written as 8-(803/809)-xxx-xxxx.
{{Refimprove section|probably|date=December 2007}}
809 is probably the only premium prefix. Note that usually in Russia one needs [[Trunk code#Russia and Kazakhstan|to dial 8]] before the area code, so premium numbers are usually written as 8-809-xxx-xxxx


===Slovakia===
===[[Telephone numbers in Slovenia|Slovenia]]===
The 090 prefix is used for premium rate numbers in Slovenia.
In [[Telephone numbers in Slovakia|Slovakia]], the 0900 prefix is used for premium rate numbers.


===Slovenia===
===[[Telephone numbers in Spain|Spain]]===
In [[Telephone numbers in Slovenia|Slovenia]], The 090 prefix is used for premium rate numbers.
In Spain, the charged-at-premium numbers begins with 80 or 90 (except the 800, 900 and 909, which are free, the 901 which is shared cost, the 902 which is like a provincial call and the 908 which is like a metropolitan call). The most popular prefixes are 803 (porn hot-lines) and 806 (services), also are used 807 and 905. Previously all the numbers starting with 90x (except 900, 901 and 902) were charged at premium rates but the 906 had been moved to 803, 806 and 807 and the 908 and 909 prefixes were created for Internet dialup services. All those numbers have 9 digits. In Spain both pay per minute and pay per call billing options are available across the 8 and 9 series range of numbers.

===Spain===
In [[Telephone numbers in Spain|Spain]], the charged-at-premium numbers begins with 80 or 90 (except the 800, 900 and 909, which are free, the 901 which is shared cost, the 902 which is like a provincial call and the 908 which is like a metropolitan call). The most popular prefixes are 803 (porn hot-lines) and 806 (services), also are used 807 and 905. Previously all the numbers starting with 90x (except 900, 901 and 902) were charged at premium rates but the 906 had been moved to 803, 806 and 807 and the 908 and 909 prefixes were created for Internet dialup services. All those numbers have 9 digits. In Spain both pay per minute and pay per call billing options are available across the 8 and 9 series range of numbers.


Also there are other range for information services (weather, white pages, etc...), there are all the numbers starting with 118, they can have 5 or 6 digits with a variable cost per number. 11818 is free from Telefónica's telephone cabins. Previously 11818 was 1003.
Also there are other range for information services (weather, white pages, etc...), there are all the numbers starting with 118, they can have 5 or 6 digits with a variable cost per number. 11818 is free from Telefónica's telephone cabins. Previously 11818 was 1003.
The phone numbering system is Spain in confusing, because 8xx prefix is not reserved for free or cut-price calls and 9xx for premium calls.


===[[Telephone numbers in Sweden|Sweden]]===
===Sweden===
Numbers starting with 0900, 0939 and 0944 are premium rate numbers. Also numbers beginning on 118 are premium rate numbers for companies that provide phonebook lookup services.
In [[Telephone numbers in Sweden|Sweden]], numbers starting with 0900, 0939 and 0944 are premium rate numbers. Also numbers beginning on 118 are premium rate numbers for companies that provide phonebook lookup services.


===[[Telephone numbers in Switzerland|Switzerland]]===
===Switzerland===
Numbers starting with 0900, 0901 and 0906 are premium rate numbers.
In [[Telephone numbers in Switzerland|Switzerland]], numbers starting with 0900, 0901 and 0906 are premium rate numbers.
* 0900 – Business & Marketing
* 0900 – Business & Marketing
* 0901 – Entertainment
* 0901 – Entertainment
Line 155: Line 157:
Dialers (computer programs) are banned from these lines.
Dialers (computer programs) are banned from these lines.


See also [http://www.bakom.admin.ch/dienstleistungen/info/00542/00543/00561/index.html Bundesamt für Kommunikation]
These are regulated by the {{lang|de|Bundesamt für Kommunikation}}.<ref>{{cite web |URL=https://web.archive.org/web/20070125055340/http://www.bakom.admin.ch/dienstleistungen/info/00542/00543/00561/index.html |title=Bakom }}</ref>


===[[Telephone numbers in Ukraine|Ukraine]]===
===Ukraine===
Numbers starting with 0703 and 0900 are premium rate numbers.
In [[Telephone numbers in Ukraine|Ukraine]], numbers starting with 0703 and 0900 are premium rate numbers.


===[[Telephone numbers in the United Kingdom|United Kingdom]]===
===United Kingdom===
{{Main|Non-geographic telephone numbers in the United Kingdom}}
{{Main|Non-geographic telephone numbers in the United Kingdom}}


Premium rate numbers in the United Kingdom have a two-part call charge, following regulatory reform in July 2015.<ref>http://www.ukcalling.info/whats-happening</ref> The cost of calling such numbers is always a total of the following elements:
In the [[Telephone numbers in the United Kingdom|United Kingdom]], premium rate numbers starting 084, 087, 090, 091, 098 or 118 are officially designated as ''service numbers''. These have a two-part call charge, following regulatory reform in July 2015.<ref name="ofcom_ukcalling">{{cite web |url=http://www.ukcalling.info/whats-happening |title=UK Calling - What's Happening |publisher=Ofcom |date=2014-09-16 }}</ref> The cost of calling such numbers is always a total of the following elements:<ref name="ni-direct_03-08">{{cite web |url=https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/contacting-08-and-03-numbers |title=Contacting 08 and 03 numbers |date=2016-09-21 |publisher=NI Direct |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921125624/https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/contacting-08-and-03-numbers |archive-date=2016-09-21 }}</ref>
* An 'Access Charge' which is set by the caller's own telephone company, and is set at the same rate for all service numbers. This rate varies considerably by telephone company, from 2p to 27p per minute from landlines or 4p to 89p per minute from mobile phones.<ref name="areacodes_charges">{{cite web |url=http://www.area-codes.org.uk/service-and-access-charges.php#access |title=Access and Service Charges |publisher=areacodes.org.uk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922151224/http://www.area-codes.org.uk/more/service-charges-and-access-charges.php |archive-date=2016-09-22 }}</ref><ref name="saynoto0870_costofcalling">{{cite web |url=http://www.saynoto0870.com/costofcalling.php |title=Guide to Call Costs |publisher=Saynoto0870 |date=2016-09-05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906222907/http://www.saynoto0870.com/costofcalling.php |archive-date=2016-09-06 }}</ref>
* A 'Service Charge' that benefits the organisation being called (and/or its telecoms supplier). The same charge applies from all consumer landlines and mobile phones, with the organisation in question being responsible for informing callers of the applicable rate.
* A 'Service Charge' which is set by and benefits the organisation being called and/or its telecoms supplier. For any particular number, the same premium charge rate applies from all consumer landlines and mobile phones, with the organisation in question being responsible for informing callers of the applicable rate everywhere the number is displayed.<ref name="ofcom_business">{{cite web |url=http://ask.ofcom.org.uk/help/telephone/businesscalling |title=How does UK Calling affect businesses? |publisher=Ofcom |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716190408/http://ask.ofcom.org.uk/help/telephone/businesscalling |archive-date=2016-07-16 }}</ref><ref name="cap_non-geographic">{{cite web |url=https://www.cap.org.uk/Advice-Training-on-the-rules/Advice-Online-Database/Chargeable-08-numbers-General.aspx |title=Non-geographic call charges |publisher=CAP |date=2015-07-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715110159/https://www.cap.org.uk/Advice-Training-on-the-rules/Advice-Online-Database/Chargeable-08-numbers-General.aspx |archive-date=2015-07-15 |access-date=2016-09-22 }}</ref><ref name="ofcom_num_cond_bind_nonprov">{{cite web |url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/phones-telecoms-and-internet/information-for-industry/general-authorisation-regime/non-provide-numbering-condition.pdf?v=323368 |title=Numbering Condition Binding Non-providers |publisher=Ofcom |date=2013-12-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730032117/https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/phones-telecoms-and-internet/information-for-industry/general-authorisation-regime/non-provide-numbering-condition.pdf?v=323368 |archive-date=2024-07-30 }}</ref>
* An 'Access Charge' which is set by the caller's own telephone company. This varies considerably by company, from 7p-12p per minute from landlines up to as much as 45p per minute from mobile phones.<ref>http://www.area-codes.org.uk/service-and-access-charges.php#access</ref>


Such numbers are officially designated as 'service numbers' and fall into the following ranges:
Service numbers fall into the following ranges:
* 084x xxx xxxx - service charge of up to 7p per minute and/or 7p per call
* 084x xxx xxxx - Service Charge of up to 7p per call and/or up to 7p per minute
* 087x xxx xxxx - service charge of up to 13p per minute and/or 13p per call
* 087x xxx xxxx - Service Charge of up to 13p per call and/or up to 13p per minute
* 09xx xxx xxxx - Service Charge of up to £6.00 per call and/or up to £3.60 per minute<ref name="Ofcom prices">{{cite web |url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/how-much-does-a-phone-call-really-cost |title=Call costs guide |date=2021-06-16 }}</ref>
* 09xx xxx xxxx - service charge of up to £3.60 per minute and/or £6.00 per call
* 118 xxx - Service Charge of up to £3.65 per call and/or up to £2.50 per minute, with an overall cap of £3.65 per 90 seconds of a call.<ref name="ofcom_prices_118">{{cite web |url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/directory-enquiries-118-review |title=Statement: Directory Enquiries (118) Review |publisher=[[Ofcom]] |date=2018-11-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130152816/https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/directory-enquiries-118-review |archive-date=2018-11-30 |url-status=live }}</ref>


Numbers starting 098, along with legacy numbers starting 0908 and 0909 are reserved for 'adult' services with sexual content.
Numbers starting 098, along with legacy numbers starting 0908 and 0909 are reserved for 'adult' services with sexual content. Numbers starting 118 are reserved for directory enquiries services.


Various services can also be accessed via five-, six-, or seven-digit mobile voice and text shortcodes beginning with a 6, 7, or 8. Calls to these numbers may be free, or charged on either a per-call basis or at a per-minute rate. The same charge will apply irrespective of which UK mobile provider is used to make the call, and the service provider must state the charge wherever the number is advertised or promoted. Text messages sent to mobile shortcodes may be free, or charged per message sent. The charge may be a fixed rate, or may be a premium rate (such as when donating to charity or entering a competition) plus "one standard rate text message charge". Receiving text messages from mobile shortcodes may be free or charged per message, and some services may incur an automatic recurring charge on a daily, weekly, monthly or other basis. The service provider must state these charges in advance.
The regulatory body [[PhonepayPlus]] monitors and enforces specific community standards in terms of content and price for higher-charge numbers, defined as all numbers starting 09 and any 087 numbers with a service fee of more than 7p per minute.


Numbers starting 69 and 89 are reserved for 'adult' services with sexual content, numbers starting 70 are reserved for charity donations, and numbers starting 72 are reserved for society lotteries.<ref name="sc">{{cite web|url=http://www.short-codes.com/ |title=Short-Codes.com |publisher=Short-Codes.com |access-date=2024-12-05 }}</ref>
The 09 and 08 ranges originate from telephone numbering reform in the late 1990s. Originally 09 numbers were designated as premium rate, with 084 and 087 numbers <ref>http://www.uk-contact-numbers.com/</ref> charged at rates that mirrored the cost of standard local and national phone calls respectively. Prior to this, a wide mix of prefixes was in use, from the well-recognized 0891 and 0898 prefixes to others such as 0331 and 0660.


A subset of service numbers, a subset of mobile short codes, some other numbers charged above a specific price threshold, along with several specific types of service, are defined as Controlled Premium Rate Services (CPRS) in Ofcom's ''PRS Condition''.<ref name="ofcom_prs_cond_2015">{{cite web |url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/phones-telecoms-and-internet/information-for-industry/general-authorisation-regime/prs-condition.pdf |title=Premium Rate Services Condition |date=2018-07-26 |publisher=Ofcom |url-status=live |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20241116081125/https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/phones-telecoms-and-internet/information-for-industry/general-authorisation-regime/prs-condition.pdf |archive-date=2024-11-16 }}</ref><ref name="ofcom_prs_cond_2018">{{cite web |url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/consultations/category-2-6-weeks/116576-icss-services-rules/associated-documents/statement-review-of-the-premium-rate-services-condition.pdf |title=Review of the Premium Rate Services Condition |publisher=Ofcom |date=2018-09-21 |pages=36-39 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240614001909/https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/consultations/category-2-6-weeks/116576-icss-services-rules/associated-documents/statement-review-of-the-premium-rate-services-condition.pdf |archive-date=2024-06-14 }}</ref> These are subject to additional regulation detailed in the ''Regulation of Premium Rate Services Order 2024''.<ref name="ofcom_prs_order_2024">{{cite web |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2024/1046/pdfs/uksi_20241046_en.pdf |title=SI:2024/1046 - The Regulation of Premium Rate Services Order 2024 |publisher=Ofcom |date=2024-10-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113231408/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2024/1046/pdfs/uksi_20241046_en.pdf |archive-date=2024-11-13 }}</ref> These include:
==Asia==
* 087, 09 and 118 numbers with a Service Charge of more than 7p per minute or per call<ref name="psa_ranges">{{cite web |url=http://psauthority.org.uk/-/media/Files/PSA/For-Businesses/Your-phone-paid-service/Code-of-Practice/Number-Ranges-Regulated-fact-sheet.ashx?la=en |title=Regulated ranges |publisher=Phone-paid Services Authority |date=2016-11-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125160334/http://psauthority.org.uk/-/media/Files/PSA/For-Businesses/Your-phone-paid-service/Code-of-Practice/Number-Ranges-Regulated-fact-sheet.ashx?la=en |archive-date=2016-11-25 }}</ref>
* mobile shortcodes and any other numbers where the benefit passed on is more than 10p per call or per minute<ref name="psa_ranges" />
* all chatlines, all information, connection and/or signposting services (ICSS),<ref name="psa_ICSS_news">{{cite web |url=https://psauthority.org.uk/news/news/2018/december/all-icss-to-be-subject-to-psa-regulation-from-16-january-2019 |title=All ICSS to be subject to PSA regulation from 16 January 2019 |publisher=Phone-paid Services Authority |date=2018-12-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221000000/https://psauthority.org.uk/news/news/2018/december/all-icss-to-be-subject-to-psa-regulation-from-16-january-2019 |archive-date=2018-12-21 }}</ref> and all sexual entertainment services irrespective of call cost or prefix<ref name="psa_ranges" />
* numbers starting 070 were also regulated as CPRS until Ofcom lowered the termination rate for this number range on 1 October 2019<ref name="ofcom_prices_070">{{cite web |url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/review-070-number-range |title=Final statement: Personal numbering – Review of the 070 number range |publisher=[[Ofcom]] |date=2018-10-01 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/20241114090558/https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/phone-numbers/review-070-number-range |archive-date=2024-11-14 }}</ref>
* all internet dialler-operated services irrespective of call cost or prefix are also regulated as CPRS until Ofcom proposed this regulation ends<ref name="ofcom_dialler">{{cite web |url= https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/consultations/category-2-6-weeks/-271626-the-future-regulation-of-phone-paid-services/associated-documents/prs-regulation-statement.pdf |title=The future regulation of phone-paid services |publisher=Ofcom |date=2024-10-21 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113225805/https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/consultations/category-2-6-weeks/-271626-the-future-regulation-of-phone-paid-services/associated-documents/prs-regulation-statement.pdf |archive-date=2024-11-13 |page=17 |quote="... removing services using internet dialler software ..." }}</ref> on 1 February 2025.<ref name="ofcom_prs_order">{{cite web |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2024/1046/pdfs/uksi_20241046_en.pdf |title=SI:2024/1046 - The Regulation of Premium Rate Services Order 2024 |publisher=Ofcom |date=2024-10-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113231408/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2024/1046/pdfs/uksi_20241046_en.pdf |archive-date=2024-11-13 |page=1 |quote="Coming into force ... 1st February 2025." }}</ref>


The various 08 and 09 ranges originate from telephone numbering reform in the late 1990s. This was when 09 numbers were designated as premium rate, with 0845 and 0870 numbers charged from landlines at rates that mirrored the cost of standard local and national phone calls respectively. Later, revenue share numbers starting 0844, 0871, 0843 and 0872 also came into use. Prior to all of this, when numbers were one digit shorter than they are today, a wide mix of prefixes were in use, from the well-recognized 0891 and 0898 prefixes to others such as 0331, 0345, 0645 and 0660.
===[[Telephone numbers in Japan|Japan]]===
In Japan, premium rate telephone number service is known as "DIAL Q<sup>2</sup>" and begin with the prefix 0990 followed by six digits. The digit following determines the service class. The prefix 0990-3 is for adult services. The prefixes 0990-5 and 0990-6 are used for other services. To prevent unintentional charges, subscribers may optionally register a four digit password which is then required when accessing a premium rate service.


Day to day regulation of premium rate services passes from the Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) back to Ofcom from 1 February 2025.<ref name="ofcom_psa">{{cite web |url=https://psauthority.org.uk/news/news/2024/october/supporting-the-orderly-transfer-of-regulation |title=Supporting the orderly transfer of regulation |publisher=Phone-paid Services Authority |date=2024-10-31 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241114101010/https://psauthority.org.uk/news/news/2024/october/supporting-the-orderly-transfer-of-regulation |archive-date=2024-11-14 }}</ref>
Effective March 1, 2013, premium rate telephone services in Japan will be discontinued{{citation needed|date=February 2016}}.


==Middle East==
===[[Telephone numbers in Korea|Korea, South]]===
Premium rate numbers start with the prefix 060 followed by 7 or 8 digits. Some consumers do not know that numbers starting with 060 are premium rate numbers because 060 is mistaken for one of long-distance area codes in Korea (there are 062, 061 and 063). They call back when they find that they miss a call to their mobile phones from a 060 number ending up paying for just making a call.


===Iran===
1588-#### and 1577-#### are not premium rate numbers per se. They are used by banks, insurance companies, nationwide restaurant chains, consumer electronics companies, online shopping malls and others for customer service and delivery order. In many cases, customers calling them are charged at a long distance rate without knowing that they are making a long distance call.
In [[Iran]], premium rate numbers start with the prefix 909 followed by 7 digits. (909 xxx xxxx). Can only be reached via landline, 7020 and 7070xxxx can be used by anything.


===Israel===
===[[Telephone numbers in Vietnam|Vietnam]]===
Premium rate numbers start with 1900, they usually serves call-in customers but in some cases they will also receive premium rate SMS.
In [[Telephone numbers in Israel|Israel]], Numbers starting with 1–900, 1–901, 1–919, 1-956 and 1-957 are premium rate numbers.
* '''1-900''' – Regular landline call rate + 50 [[Israeli agora|Agorot]] (0.5 [[Israeli new shekel|Shekel]]) (≈$0.14) per [[minute]]
* '''1-901''' – Regular landline call rate + 250 Agorot (2.5 Shekels) (≈$0.7) per [[Telephone call|call]]
* '''1-919''' – Erotic services
* '''1-956''' – Entertainment services: up to 40 Agorot more than a regular landline rate + destination service provider fee
* '''1-957''' – Information services: regular landline rate + destination service provider fee


The prefix 1-900 belongs to services with cost addition of 0.5 [[New Israeli Shekel|NIS]] for minute. Usually, used in radio stations and dates services. the next two digits tells the company: 2X for Bezeq, 50 for Pelephone, 52 for Cellcom (052-999XXXX in the origin), 54 for Partner (054-400XXXX in the origin) and 72 for Smile.
===[[Telephone numbers in Taiwan|Taiwan]]===
Premium rate numbers start with 0203, 0204 & 0209


More optional premium call prefix:
==Oceania==
*012-409 or 018-XXX: Are used by Smile and Xphone. Cost 9.90 NIS for minute, usually for mysticism services.
*013-44: Is used by Netvision. Costs 6 NIS for minute, usually for TV game.


===Lebanon===
===[[Telephone numbers in Australia|Australia]]===
In [[Telephone numbers in Lebanon|Lebanon]], some four digit numbers are premium rate numbers. These numbers can only be reached with a mobile phone and are mainly used for contests and sweepstakes.
In Australia, premium rate numbers generally begin with the prefix '''19''',<ref name="comlaw">{{cite web | publisher=[[Australian Communications and Media Authority]] | title=Telecommunications Numbering Plan | year=1997 | url=http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/F2005B00940 | archivedate=2011-03-20 | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110320035322/http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/F2005B00940 | deadurl=no}}</ref> with premium-rate voice services using the prefix '''190x'''. Of these 1900 was the initial prefix and is the most common; since then 1901 and 1902 have also been allocated. The 1901 prefix is specifically reserved for "restricted services", where a user must register with the provider of the service on that number - these can include services of a sexual nature, although this is not the only definition of "restricted". The prefix '''1906''' is reserved for premium-rate [[pager|paging]] services.


===Saudi Arabia===
Other numbers beginning with '''19''' are generally used for premium rate [[short message service]] (SMS) services on mobile phones. These were originally trialled using the '''188''' prefix.
In [[Telephone numbers in Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabia]], these numbers start with 700. They are mostly for competitions and winning prizes—adult entertainment ventures are considered immodest and thus illegal in Saudi Arabia.


==North America==
Previously (before the introduction of eight digit numbering), the prefix '''0055''' was used for this purpose, and as a result 190x numbers are occasionally referred to colloquially as ''0055 numbers'' (pronounced double-oh, double-five).
===Canada, United States, and other NANP countries===
{{main|Area code 900}}
In the [[North American Numbering Plan]] (NANP), [[area code 900]] is reserved for premium rate telephone services, which are also known as '''900 numbers''' (''one-nine-hundred''). The full dialing specification is 1-900-XXX-XXXX.


===Mexico===
The first digit of 1900 numbers is mainly '''9'''; such numbers were converted from the 0055 prefix (for example, 0055 55 123 would become 1900 955 123.
In [[Telephone numbers in Mexico|Mexico]], premium rate numbers in Mexico are served by [[Telmex]] and start with the dialling prefix 01-900, where 01 is the domestic long-distance prefix and 900 is the premium-rate area code. These numbers are usually used for the same purposes as in the United States.


==Oceania==
===[[Telephone numbers in New Zealand|New Zealand]]===
In New Zealand, premium-rate telephone numbers begin with 0900. The service is used by [[phone sex]] companies, phone support services and for donations to [[charitable organization]]s.


==Africa==
===Australia===
In [[Telephone numbers in Australia|Australia]], premium rate numbers generally begin with the prefix '''19''',<ref name="comlaw">{{cite web |publisher=[[Australian Communications and Media Authority]] |title=Telecommunications Numbering Plan |year=1997 |url=http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/F2005B00940 |archive-date=2011-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110320035322/http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Series/F2005B00940 |url-status=live}}</ref> with premium-rate voice services using the prefix '''190x'''. Of these 1900 was the initial prefix and is the most common; since then 1901 and 1902 have also been allocated. The 1901 prefix is specifically reserved for "restricted services", where a user must register with the provider of the service on that number - these can include services of a sexual nature, although this is not the only definition of "restricted". The prefix '''1906''' is reserved for premium-rate [[pager|paging]] services.


Other numbers beginning with '''19''' are generally used for premium rate [[short message service]] (SMS) services on mobile phones. These were originally trialled using the '''188''' prefix.
===[[Telephone numbers in Egypt|Egypt]]===
In Egypt, premium rate numbers begin with the prefix '''0900''', and for mobile services it uses short numbers to call or to send [[SMS]] to(4 digits only).


Previously (before the introduction of eight digit numbering), the prefix '''0055''' was used for this purpose, and as a result 190x numbers are occasionally referred to colloquially as ''0055 numbers'' (pronounced double-oh, double-five).
===[[Telephone numbers in South Africa|South Africa]]===
In South Africa, premium rate SMS short codes are four or five digits long, starting with either '3' or '4'. Premium rate telephone services are regulated by The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA)


The first digit of 1900 numbers is mainly '''9'''; such numbers were converted from the 0055 prefix (for example, 0055 55 123 would become 1900 955 123.
==Middle East==


===New Zealand===
===[[Telephone numbers in Israel|Israel]]===
In [[Telephone numbers in New Zealand|New Zealand]], premium-rate telephone numbers begin with 0900. The service is used by [[phone sex]] companies, phone support services and for donations to [[charitable organization]]s.
Numbers starting with 1-900, 1-901, 1-919, 1-956 and 1-957 are premium rate numbers.
* '''1-900''' – Regular landline call rate + 50 [[Israeli agora|Agorot]] (0.5 [[Israeli new shekel|Shekel]]) (≈$0.14) per [[minute]]
* '''1-901''' – Regular landline call rate + 250 Agorot (2.5 Shekels) (≈$0.7) per [[Telephone call|call]]
* '''1-919''' – Erotic services
* '''1-956''' – Entertainment services: up to 40 Agorot more than a regular landline rate + destination service provider fee
* '''1-957''' – Information services: regular landline rate + destination service provider fee


==South America==
The prefix 1-900 belongs to services with cost addition of 0.5 [[New Israeli Shekel|NIS]] for minute. Usually, used in radio stations and dates services. the next two digits tells the company: 2X for Bezeq, 50 for Pelephone, 52 for Cellcom (052-999XXXX in the origin), 54 for Partner (054-400XXXX in the origin) and 72 for Smile.


===Argentina===
More optional premium call prefix:
In [[Argentine telephone numbering plan|Argentina]], telephone numbers of the form 0600-xxx-xxxx and 0609-xxx-xxxx are premium rate numbers. The 0609 series is for entertainment (fixed rate), while 0600 is for services (the rate depends on the particular number).
*012-409 or 018-XXX: Are used by Smile and Xphone. Cost 9.90 NIS for minute, usually for mysticism services.
*013-44: Is used by Netvision. Costs 6 NIS for minute, usually for TV game.


===Brazil===
===[[Telephone numbers in Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabia]]===
In [[Brazilian telephone numbering plan|Brazil]], there is only one premium prefix: 0500, and this number is used by organizations receiving donations (it's a premium rate per call and not per minute).
The numbers starting with 700. They are mostly for competitions and winning prizes- adult entertainment ventures are considered immodest and thus illegal in Saudi Arabia.


In the 1990s, numbers starting with 900 were used for that purpose and later numbers starting with 0900 was available, but now is no longer allowed. As there are no longer premium numbers, TV shows now use mobile numbers to receive calls and generate revenue to their program.
===[[Telephone numbers in Lebanon|Lebanon]]===
Some four digit numbers are premium rate numbers. These numbers can only be reached with a mobile phone and are mainly used for contests and sweepstakes.


For the same premium rate purpose, it is used of numbers destined to mobile phones with unusual code of selection of carriers for the purpose of charging a premium rate per minute. Ex: 0 91 41 98401–0101.
== Using international-rate calls as premium-rate numbers ==
As an alternative to official premium-rate numbers, service operators have been known to use [[bribery|kickback]]s from high-rate international call [[tariffs]] to charge for their services. In these cases, the calls may never leave the country of origin, even though the number has a [[country calling code]] (or an NANP [[area code]]) specifying a country with high incoming call rates.


== Illicit use ==
A recent practice known as [[traffic pumping]] involves service operators partnering with small telephone companies who are allowed to charge high [[call termination]] fees for incoming long distance calls, per government regulations which mark the serving area of the small phone company as rural/high cost. Since most if not all long distance in the USA is a single rate regardless of terminating exchange for customers (but not for long distance companies, as each [[interconnection]] agreement is different), these services are "free" for the calling customers.<ref name="gigaom">{{cite web | url=http://gigaom.com/2007/04/18/fcc-att-iowa-free-calling/ | title='Free Calling' Fight now at the FCC | last=Kapustka | first=Paul | date=2007-04-18 | publisher=gigaom.com | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070420205012/http://gigaom.com/2007/04/18/fcc-att-iowa-free-calling/ | archivedate=2007-04-20 | deadurl=no}}</ref>


Computer criminals have historically used premium-rate numbers to defraud unsuspecting Internet users. One scheme involved inducing computer users who used now-uncommon [[dial-up Internet access]] to download a program known as a [[dialer]] that surreptitiously dialed a premium-rate number, accumulating charges on the user's phone bill without their knowledge. Another now-uncommon premium-rate scam involved television programming that induced young children to dial the number, banking on the notion that they will be unaware of the charges that will be incurred. One variant, targeted at children too young to dial a number, enticed children to hold a [[landline]] telephone up to the television set while the [[DTMF]] tones of the number were played. This type of scam was especially popular in the late 1980s to early 1990s in the United States before tougher regulations on the 900 number business forced many of these businesses to close.<ref name="stern">{{cite book |first1=Jane |last1=Stern |first2=Michael |last2=Stern |title=Jane & Michael Stern's Encyclopedia of Pop Culture: An A to Z Guide to Who's Who and What's What, from Aerobics and Bubble Gum to Valley of the Dolls |url=https://archive.org/details/janemichaelstern00ster |url-access=registration |year=1992 |isbn= <!-- reference should be confirmed, I don't have the book at hand --> }}</ref>
Since these kinds of numbers have confused international [[jurisdiction]], they are also sometimes used for [[fraud]].


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Telephones}}
* [[Telecommunications tariffs]]
* [[Telecommunications tariffs]]
* [[Premium SMS]]
* [[Premium SMS]]

Latest revision as of 15:57, 6 December 2024

"900 number" and "976 number" redirect here. For other uses, see 900 (disambiguation) and 976 (disambiguation).

Premium-rate telephone numbers are telephone numbers that charge callers higher price rates for select services, including information and entertainment. A portion of the call fees is paid to the service provider, allowing premium calls to be an additional source of revenue for businesses. Tech support, psychic hotlines, and adult chat lines (e.g. dating and phone sex) are among the most popular kinds of premium-rate phone services. Other services include directory enquiries, weather forecasts, competitions and ratings televoting (especially relating to television shows). Some businesses, e.g. low-cost airlines, and diplomatic missions, such as the US Embassy in London or the UK Embassy in Washington, have also used premium-rate phone numbers for calls from the general public.[citation needed]

Premium calls are typically independent of the caller's area code. These telephone numbers are usually allocated based on a national telephone numbering plan that makes them easily distinguishable from non-premium numbers; telephone companies often offer their customers the option to block calls from these number ranges, and in some jurisdictions, are required by law to offer blocking services.

SMS (texting) also has a feature for premium rate services, however instead of standard telephone numbers, premium-rate texting uses so-called shortcodes, which are 4–6 digit numbers that work only for SMS.

Africa

[edit]

Egypt

[edit]

In Egypt, premium rate numbers begin with the prefix 0900, and for mobile services it uses short numbers to call or to send SMS to(4 digits only).

South Africa

[edit]

In South Africa, premium rate SMS short codes are four or five digits long, starting with either '3' or '4'. Premium rate telephone services are regulated by The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and ranges from 0862 through 0869(increasing rates relating to the next digit after 086).

Asia

[edit]

Armenia

[edit]

In Armenia, premium numbers start with 900, followed by six digits.

Indonesia

[edit]

In Indonesia, premium numbers begin with 0809 and are marketed by Telkom as Japati, an acronym for Jaringan Pintar Nasional (National Smart Network). Due to the number's association with adult services (Telkom's dial-up Internet service, Telkomnet Instan at 080989999 being a major exception) premium-rate phone services have come under public scrutiny and regulatory crackdown, most notably in May 2015 following rash of spam text messages enticing mobile phone users to dial them.[1]

Japan

[edit]

In Japan, premium rate telephone number service was currently known as "Navi-dial" and began with the prefix 0570 followed by six digits. The "DIAL Q2" service that's number had the prefix 0990 was ended operations in early 2013.

South Korea

[edit]

In South Korea, premium rate numbers start with the prefix 060 followed by 7 or 8 digits. Some consumers do not know that numbers starting with 060 are premium rate numbers because 060 is mistaken for one of long-distance area codes in Korea (there are 062, 061 and 063). They call back when they find that they miss a call to their mobile phones from a 060 number ending up paying for just making a call.

1588-#### and 1577-#### are not premium rate numbers per se. They are used by banks, insurance companies, nationwide restaurant chains, consumer electronics companies, online shopping malls and others for customer service and delivery order. In many cases, customers calling them are charged at a long-distance rate without knowing that they are making a long-distance call.

Vietnam

[edit]

In Vietnam, premium rate numbers start with 1900; premium rate SMS have 4 digits starting with 4,5,6,7,8 and the 2nd digit decides the price (except 1400 - 1409 with variable prices from 3000-18000 VND per sms, reserved for charity and 156, 5656, 1414 which are free).

Taiwan

[edit]

In Taiwan, premium rate numbers start with 0203, 0204 and 0209.

Mongolia

[edit]

In Mongolia, premium rate numbers start with 1900.

Europe

[edit]

In many European countries, such as France, Germany and the United Kingdom, it was common for organisations to operate customer service lines on premium-rate numbers using prefixes that fall outside the scope of the country's premium-rate number regulations. Therefore, in contrast to North America where customer service numbers are typically free of charge to the caller, consumers in Europe often used to pay a premium above the cost of a normal telephone call. The EU Consumer Rights Directive 2011/EU/83, which came into force on 13 June 2014, was intended to eliminate this pricing model, but the law's implementation and success varies widely from country to country.

Austria

[edit]

In Austria, the 0900 prefix is used for premium rate numbers that charge per minute and the 0901 prefix is used for premium rate numbers that charge by call. For adult content the prefix is 0930 for per minute tariffs and 0931 for event based tariffs.

Belgium

[edit]

In Belgium, premium rate numbers in Belgium have the area codes 090x.

  • 0900, 0902, 0903, 0904 (per minute – from 0.25 to 2.00 EUR)
  • 0906, 0907 (adult services – per minute – from 0.25 to 2.00 EUR)
  • 0905, 0909 (per call – from 0.25 to 31.00 EUR)

Call limited to 10 mins.

Croatia

[edit]

In Croatia, the 060 prefix is used for premium rate numbers for non-erotic and 064 prefix is used for erotic services.

Czech Republic

[edit]

In the Czech Republic, numbers starting with 900, 906, 909 and 976 are premium rate numbers. Other numbers beginning with "9" are allocated to certain organizations, such as 972 (Czech railways), 973 (Ministry of Defense), 974 (Ministry of Interior), 95x (other Ministries, government organizations, certain commercial subjects), 910 (VoIP nongeographic nomadic numbers).

Denmark

[edit]

In Denmark, premium rate numbers have the area codes 9013, 9050 and 9055/9056. The 9013 is for helplines and chat services, the 9050 (paid per call) is for TV Call-in Shows and the 9055/9056 codes are for charitable organizations.

However, the regulation is very strict. TDC Holding A/S is the only carrier offering these numbers, with MCXess and kwak Telecom offering numbers internationally. The regulator[2] offers a shortened English regulation.[3]

Finland

[edit]

In Finland, numbers starting with 0100, 0200, 0202, 0209, 0300, 0600, 0700, 0750, 0751, 0752, 0753, 0757, 0759, 100, 106 and 107 are premium rate numbers. The 0700 series is for entertainment, while 0600 is for services. Several other premium codes exist, sometimes confusing consumers, who may not know if they are calling a premium number or not.[4]

The Finnish Consumers' Association has repeatedly denounced the use of premium rate numbers.[5]

France

[edit]

In France, numbers starting with 08xx (International : +33 8(...)) are special rate numbers. They range from toll free numbers (080x) to premium numbers (08Rx) (R from 1 to 9) (called Audiotel by France Telecom). There are also various moderately priced numbers (from about 0.03 to 0.15 €/minute) in the 081x and 082x ranges. Most of these numbers are not reachable from outside France.

There are also special 4 digits numbers (national speed dial) in the form of 3xxx, for which billing rules can be the ones from any 08xx number, to the provider's choice.

The split rule between different premium rate numbers is not clearly defined (premium rate information numbers and premium rate entertainment numbers).

The regulator (ARCEP, previously ART) had issued a range for Telephony over xDSL in the 087x range, which might confuse consumers, as calls to these numbers are billed as local calls nationwide. Starting 20 December 2005, these have been changed to 09xx numbers, which are dedicated to VoIP. All 087x numbers have been converted to 09xx numbers by 15 December 2008.

Germany

[edit]

In Germany, Dedicated premium-rate lines nowadays begin with the prefix 0900, the infamous 0190 prefix having been terminated on December 31, 2005. However, some premium services also use lines with the prefix 0137, which is supposedly reserved for planned simultaneous call-in events, such as televoting.

The digit after 0900 decides the kind of service offered, unlike 0190, where it determined the pricing. This is called offline billing and causes problems for coin telephones (where they are restricted entirely) or prepaid services. These are -1 for information, -3 for entertainment and -5 for "miscellaneous" (mostly adult entertainment). 0900-9 is reserved for dialers, which are heavily regulated, or to do payments by phone.

Greece

[edit]

In Greece, Premium numbers start with 901 (general purpose) and 909 (adult-only services), followed by seven digits.

Hungary

[edit]

In Hungary, 06-90 and 06-91 followed by six digits are common premium-rate numbers. SMS-based services can also use short numbers such as 1781 and 17632.

Ireland

[edit]

In Ireland, premium rate numbers begin with the prefix 15. These numbers provide a range of services from weather forecasting to adult dating. Adult type services shall only be provided using the access codes 1598 or 1599, with adult services of a sexual nature being restricted to the latter. Adult authentication is required from your network operator to access these numbers.

All 15x numbers have officially quoted rates, set by the prefix, although telecom providers can charge an additional fee for carrying the call. 151x numbers are charged on a per-call basis, all others on a per-minute basis. In general the prices increase as the prefix number increases, within the call type range.

Comreg is a body which monitors the premium rate services industry in Ireland. Although an independent body, it can impose sanctions, ban advertisements and ban services offered by providers. It is funded by a levy on providers.

Italy

[edit]

In Italy, There are many premium rate numbers, including anything starting with 89 using different fares. 0878 is also a premium-rate number, reserved for polls run via telephone.

Latvia

[edit]

In Latvia, premium numbers are with prefix (+371) 90

Netherlands

[edit]

In the Netherlands, premium numbers start with 0900 (general purpose), 0906 (erotic entertainment) and 0909 (games and lotteries) followed by four or seven digits. When one dials such a nulnegenhonderdnummer it is enforced by law that the caller gets informed about the per minute rate. The Opta is the governing body that regulates premium rate services in the Netherlands. Starting June 2014 any 0900 number used for customer service purposes is regulated so that it is free to the caller, for if they buy the product, they also buy the right to contact consumer service.[6]

Norway

[edit]

In Norway, any telephone number starting with 82 (mostly 820/829) is charged at premium rates (82x xx xxx).

Portugal

[edit]
  • 607 - Pull opinion,[clarification needed] 9 tariffs up to 3.28 Eur per minute (premium rates)
  • 707 – Entertainment and some business (€0.25 + VAT / minute)
  • 760 - Fixed tariff for all calls (€0.60 + VAT per call)
  • 761 - Entertainment (€1 + VAT per call)
  • 808 – Business and marketing (cost of a local land-line call)

In Portugal, the VAT for calls is 23%, except in Madeira, where it is 22%, and in Azores, where it is 18%.

Poland

[edit]

In Poland, numbers starting with 70, 30 and 40 are reserved for premium-rate services. 700, 701, 707 and 300 are "general" premium-rate services (usually charged per minute), 707 and 400 are assigned for tele-voting, mass-calls and so on (usually charged per call). Other numbers (702-706, 709, 301–309, 401-409) are reserved for future assignments. There are some other numbers in "shared costs" or "dial-up services" ranges, which are charged at a quite high rates (comparable with lower cost premium rates): 8015, 8016, 207, 208.

Effective on December 1, 2008, 300 and 400 numbers are changed into 703 and 704 respectively, freeing up the whole 30x and 40x range for the future assignments (non-premium rate). This change will allow to accumulate all the premium rate services in the 700-709 range of numbers.

Romania

[edit]

In Romania, premium numbers are in the 090xxxxxx-098xxxxxx range. Currently, only the 0900 block is used.[7][permanent dead link‍]. Prior to 2002, all numbers starting with 89 were premium rate numbers. Some of those number remain as local premium numbers, and the 02xx89xxxxx block remains reserved.

Russia

[edit]

In Russia, 809 and 803 (paid per call, less generally used) are premium prefix. Note that usually in Russia one needs to dial 8 before the area code, so premium numbers are usually written as 8-(803/809)-xxx-xxxx.

Slovakia

[edit]

In Slovakia, the 0900 prefix is used for premium rate numbers.

Slovenia

[edit]

In Slovenia, The 090 prefix is used for premium rate numbers.

Spain

[edit]

In Spain, the charged-at-premium numbers begins with 80 or 90 (except the 800, 900 and 909, which are free, the 901 which is shared cost, the 902 which is like a provincial call and the 908 which is like a metropolitan call). The most popular prefixes are 803 (porn hot-lines) and 806 (services), also are used 807 and 905. Previously all the numbers starting with 90x (except 900, 901 and 902) were charged at premium rates but the 906 had been moved to 803, 806 and 807 and the 908 and 909 prefixes were created for Internet dialup services. All those numbers have 9 digits. In Spain both pay per minute and pay per call billing options are available across the 8 and 9 series range of numbers.

Also there are other range for information services (weather, white pages, etc...), there are all the numbers starting with 118, they can have 5 or 6 digits with a variable cost per number. 11818 is free from Telefónica's telephone cabins. Previously 11818 was 1003.

Sweden

[edit]

In Sweden, numbers starting with 0900, 0939 and 0944 are premium rate numbers. Also numbers beginning on 118 are premium rate numbers for companies that provide phonebook lookup services.

Switzerland

[edit]

In Switzerland, numbers starting with 0900, 0901 and 0906 are premium rate numbers.

  • 0900 – Business & Marketing
  • 0901 – Entertainment
  • 0906 – Erotic services

Dialers (computer programs) are banned from these lines.

These are regulated by the Bundesamt für Kommunikation.[8]

Ukraine

[edit]

In Ukraine, numbers starting with 0703 and 0900 are premium rate numbers.

United Kingdom

[edit]
Main article: Non-geographic telephone numbers in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, premium rate numbers starting 084, 087, 090, 091, 098 or 118 are officially designated as service numbers. These have a two-part call charge, following regulatory reform in July 2015.[9] The cost of calling such numbers is always a total of the following elements:[10]

  • An 'Access Charge' which is set by the caller's own telephone company, and is set at the same rate for all service numbers. This rate varies considerably by telephone company, from 2p to 27p per minute from landlines or 4p to 89p per minute from mobile phones.[11][12]
  • A 'Service Charge' which is set by and benefits the organisation being called and/or its telecoms supplier. For any particular number, the same premium charge rate applies from all consumer landlines and mobile phones, with the organisation in question being responsible for informing callers of the applicable rate everywhere the number is displayed.[13][14][15]

Service numbers fall into the following ranges:

  • 084x xxx xxxx - Service Charge of up to 7p per call and/or up to 7p per minute
  • 087x xxx xxxx - Service Charge of up to 13p per call and/or up to 13p per minute
  • 09xx xxx xxxx - Service Charge of up to £6.00 per call and/or up to £3.60 per minute[16]
  • 118 xxx - Service Charge of up to £3.65 per call and/or up to £2.50 per minute, with an overall cap of £3.65 per 90 seconds of a call.[17]

Numbers starting 098, along with legacy numbers starting 0908 and 0909 are reserved for 'adult' services with sexual content. Numbers starting 118 are reserved for directory enquiries services.

Various services can also be accessed via five-, six-, or seven-digit mobile voice and text shortcodes beginning with a 6, 7, or 8. Calls to these numbers may be free, or charged on either a per-call basis or at a per-minute rate. The same charge will apply irrespective of which UK mobile provider is used to make the call, and the service provider must state the charge wherever the number is advertised or promoted. Text messages sent to mobile shortcodes may be free, or charged per message sent. The charge may be a fixed rate, or may be a premium rate (such as when donating to charity or entering a competition) plus "one standard rate text message charge". Receiving text messages from mobile shortcodes may be free or charged per message, and some services may incur an automatic recurring charge on a daily, weekly, monthly or other basis. The service provider must state these charges in advance.

Numbers starting 69 and 89 are reserved for 'adult' services with sexual content, numbers starting 70 are reserved for charity donations, and numbers starting 72 are reserved for society lotteries.[18]

A subset of service numbers, a subset of mobile short codes, some other numbers charged above a specific price threshold, along with several specific types of service, are defined as Controlled Premium Rate Services (CPRS) in Ofcom's PRS Condition.[19][20] These are subject to additional regulation detailed in the Regulation of Premium Rate Services Order 2024.[21] These include:

  • 087, 09 and 118 numbers with a Service Charge of more than 7p per minute or per call[22]
  • mobile shortcodes and any other numbers where the benefit passed on is more than 10p per call or per minute[22]
  • all chatlines, all information, connection and/or signposting services (ICSS),[23] and all sexual entertainment services irrespective of call cost or prefix[22]
  • numbers starting 070 were also regulated as CPRS until Ofcom lowered the termination rate for this number range on 1 October 2019[24]
  • all internet dialler-operated services irrespective of call cost or prefix are also regulated as CPRS until Ofcom proposed this regulation ends[25] on 1 February 2025.[26]

The various 08 and 09 ranges originate from telephone numbering reform in the late 1990s. This was when 09 numbers were designated as premium rate, with 0845 and 0870 numbers charged from landlines at rates that mirrored the cost of standard local and national phone calls respectively. Later, revenue share numbers starting 0844, 0871, 0843 and 0872 also came into use. Prior to all of this, when numbers were one digit shorter than they are today, a wide mix of prefixes were in use, from the well-recognized 0891 and 0898 prefixes to others such as 0331, 0345, 0645 and 0660.

Day to day regulation of premium rate services passes from the Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) back to Ofcom from 1 February 2025.[27]

Middle East

[edit]

Iran

[edit]

In Iran, premium rate numbers start with the prefix 909 followed by 7 digits. (909 xxx xxxx). Can only be reached via landline, 7020 and 7070xxxx can be used by anything.

Israel

[edit]

In Israel, Numbers starting with 1–900, 1–901, 1–919, 1-956 and 1-957 are premium rate numbers.

  • 1-900 – Regular landline call rate + 50 Agorot (0.5 Shekel) (≈$0.14) per minute
  • 1-901 – Regular landline call rate + 250 Agorot (2.5 Shekels) (≈$0.7) per call
  • 1-919 – Erotic services
  • 1-956 – Entertainment services: up to 40 Agorot more than a regular landline rate + destination service provider fee
  • 1-957 – Information services: regular landline rate + destination service provider fee

The prefix 1-900 belongs to services with cost addition of 0.5 NIS for minute. Usually, used in radio stations and dates services. the next two digits tells the company: 2X for Bezeq, 50 for Pelephone, 52 for Cellcom (052-999XXXX in the origin), 54 for Partner (054-400XXXX in the origin) and 72 for Smile.

More optional premium call prefix:

  • 012-409 or 018-XXX: Are used by Smile and Xphone. Cost 9.90 NIS for minute, usually for mysticism services.
  • 013-44: Is used by Netvision. Costs 6 NIS for minute, usually for TV game.

Lebanon

[edit]

In Lebanon, some four digit numbers are premium rate numbers. These numbers can only be reached with a mobile phone and are mainly used for contests and sweepstakes.

Saudi Arabia

[edit]

In Saudi Arabia, these numbers start with 700. They are mostly for competitions and winning prizes—adult entertainment ventures are considered immodest and thus illegal in Saudi Arabia.

North America

[edit]

Canada, United States, and other NANP countries

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Main article: Area code 900

In the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), area code 900 is reserved for premium rate telephone services, which are also known as 900 numbers (one-nine-hundred). The full dialing specification is 1-900-XXX-XXXX.

Mexico

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In Mexico, premium rate numbers in Mexico are served by Telmex and start with the dialling prefix 01-900, where 01 is the domestic long-distance prefix and 900 is the premium-rate area code. These numbers are usually used for the same purposes as in the United States.

Oceania

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Australia

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In Australia, premium rate numbers generally begin with the prefix 19,[28] with premium-rate voice services using the prefix 190x. Of these 1900 was the initial prefix and is the most common; since then 1901 and 1902 have also been allocated. The 1901 prefix is specifically reserved for "restricted services", where a user must register with the provider of the service on that number - these can include services of a sexual nature, although this is not the only definition of "restricted". The prefix 1906 is reserved for premium-rate paging services.

Other numbers beginning with 19 are generally used for premium rate short message service (SMS) services on mobile phones. These were originally trialled using the 188 prefix.

Previously (before the introduction of eight digit numbering), the prefix 0055 was used for this purpose, and as a result 190x numbers are occasionally referred to colloquially as 0055 numbers (pronounced double-oh, double-five).

The first digit of 1900 numbers is mainly 9; such numbers were converted from the 0055 prefix (for example, 0055 55 123 would become 1900 955 123.

New Zealand

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In New Zealand, premium-rate telephone numbers begin with 0900. The service is used by phone sex companies, phone support services and for donations to charitable organizations.

South America

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Argentina

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In Argentina, telephone numbers of the form 0600-xxx-xxxx and 0609-xxx-xxxx are premium rate numbers. The 0609 series is for entertainment (fixed rate), while 0600 is for services (the rate depends on the particular number).

Brazil

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In Brazil, there is only one premium prefix: 0500, and this number is used by organizations receiving donations (it's a premium rate per call and not per minute).

In the 1990s, numbers starting with 900 were used for that purpose and later numbers starting with 0900 was available, but now is no longer allowed. As there are no longer premium numbers, TV shows now use mobile numbers to receive calls and generate revenue to their program.

For the same premium rate purpose, it is used of numbers destined to mobile phones with unusual code of selection of carriers for the purpose of charging a premium rate per minute. Ex: 0 91 41 98401–0101.

Illicit use

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Computer criminals have historically used premium-rate numbers to defraud unsuspecting Internet users. One scheme involved inducing computer users who used now-uncommon dial-up Internet access to download a program known as a dialer that surreptitiously dialed a premium-rate number, accumulating charges on the user's phone bill without their knowledge. Another now-uncommon premium-rate scam involved television programming that induced young children to dial the number, banking on the notion that they will be unaware of the charges that will be incurred. One variant, targeted at children too young to dial a number, enticed children to hold a landline telephone up to the television set while the DTMF tones of the number were played. This type of scam was especially popular in the late 1980s to early 1990s in the United States before tougher regulations on the 900 number business forced many of these businesses to close.[29]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Evaluasi Penyelenggaraan Jasa Nilai Tambah Teleponi Panggilan Premium (Premium Call)". Kementerian Komunikasi dan Informatika (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2019-02-07.
  2. ^ "ITST".
  3. ^ "Regulation" (PDF).
  4. ^ "Viestintävirasto - Palvelunumerot". Viestintävirasto. 2013-06-05. Retrieved 2014-07-12.
  5. ^ "Consumer watchdog dreams up another free lunch". blog.anta.net. 2008-04-25. ISSN 1797-1993. Archived from the original on 2011-07-26. Retrieved 2008-04-25.
  6. ^ "Regels voor 0900-nummers" [Rules for 0900 numbers] (in Dutch). Rijksoverheid [(Dutch) Government]. Archived from the original on 2014-03-24.
  7. ^ "0900 block".
  8. ^ "Bakom".
  9. ^ "UK Calling - What's Happening". Ofcom. 2014-09-16.
  10. ^ "Contacting 08 and 03 numbers". NI Direct. 2016-09-21. Archived from the original on 2016-09-21.
  11. ^ "Access and Service Charges". areacodes.org.uk. Archived from the original on 2016-09-22.
  12. ^ "Guide to Call Costs". Saynoto0870. 2016-09-05. Archived from the original on 2016-09-06.
  13. ^ "How does UK Calling affect businesses?". Ofcom. Archived from the original on 2016-07-16.
  14. ^ "Non-geographic call charges". CAP. 2015-07-08. Archived from the original on 2015-07-15. Retrieved 2016-09-22.
  15. ^ "Numbering Condition Binding Non-providers" (PDF). Ofcom. 2013-12-12. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-07-30.
  16. ^ "Call costs guide". 2021-06-16.
  17. ^ "Statement: Directory Enquiries (118) Review". Ofcom. 2018-11-28. Archived from the original on 2018-11-30.
  18. ^ "Short-Codes.com". Short-Codes.com. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  19. ^ "Premium Rate Services Condition" (PDF). Ofcom. 2018-07-26. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-11-16.
  20. ^ "Review of the Premium Rate Services Condition" (PDF). Ofcom. 2018-09-21. pp. 36–39. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-06-14.
  21. ^ "SI:2024/1046 - The Regulation of Premium Rate Services Order 2024" (PDF). Ofcom. 2024-10-24. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-11-13.
  22. ^ a b c "Regulated ranges". Phone-paid Services Authority. 2016-11-01. Archived from the original on 2016-11-25.
  23. ^ "All ICSS to be subject to PSA regulation from 16 January 2019". Phone-paid Services Authority. 2018-12-19. Archived from the original on 2018-12-21.
  24. ^ "Final statement: Personal numbering – Review of the 070 number range". Ofcom. 2018-10-01. Archived from the original on 2024-11-14.
  25. ^ "The future regulation of phone-paid services" (PDF). Ofcom. 2024-10-21. p. 17. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-11-13. ... removing services using internet dialler software ...
  26. ^ "SI:2024/1046 - The Regulation of Premium Rate Services Order 2024" (PDF). Ofcom. 2024-10-24. p. 1. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-11-13. Coming into force ... 1st February 2025.
  27. ^ "Supporting the orderly transfer of regulation". Phone-paid Services Authority. 2024-10-31. Archived from the original on 2024-11-14.
  28. ^ "Telecommunications Numbering Plan". Australian Communications and Media Authority. 1997. Archived from the original on 2011-03-20.
  29. ^ Stern, Jane; Stern, Michael (1992). Jane & Michael Stern's Encyclopedia of Pop Culture: An A to Z Guide to Who's Who and What's What, from Aerobics and Bubble Gum to Valley of the Dolls.
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