Geographic numbers

Area codes starting 023

Ofcom’s numbering data lists 2,601 number ranges starting 023, allocated to 140 providers. The largest holder is BT, with 4% of them.

Number type
Geographic numbers
01 / 02
Area
Various
Area code 023
Ofcom ranges
2,601
457 allocated
First allocated
1999
140 providers

Who were 023 ranges given to?

Providers Ofcom allocated these number ranges to.

  • Not allocated to a provider2,144 ranges
  • BT114 ranges
  • Virgin Media Limited29 ranges
  • Vodafone Ltd (C&W)19 ranges
  • Gamma Telecom Holdings Limited17 ranges
  • Sky UK Limited9 ranges
  • TalkTalk Communications Limited7 ranges
  • Digital Space Group Limited6 ranges
  • IOVOX Limited6 ranges
  • GCI Network Solutions Limited6 ranges
  • Fuse 2 Communications Ltd4 ranges
  • Colt Technology Services4 ranges

+ 129 more

Range status

How Ofcom lists the ranges starting 023.

Protected · 2,128 Allocated · 457 Free · 12 Quarantined · 4

Allocations by year

19992026

What do these statuses mean?

Explore by the next digit

Each block below starts 023. Pick one to narrow it down.

0230
1,000 ranges
0231
1,000 ranges
0238
Southampton
0239
Portsmouth

Area codes starting 023

What a 023 number tells you

What it is

Ordinary landline numbers tied to a place. The area code tells you which dialling area the number was issued for – 0161 is Manchester, 020 is London, 01388 is Bishop Auckland.

What it costs

Charged as a normal UK call and usually included in landline and mobile allowances.

Watch out for

A local-looking number feels familiar, which is exactly why scammers spoof them. A local area code is not proof the caller is local.

The range holder isn’t necessarily the caller. Ofcom gives numbers to providers in blocks, and people and businesses can take their number with them when they switch. To find out who actually called, check the full number.
Questions

023 numbers: common questions

Who owns 023 numbers?

Ofcom allocated the ranges starting 023 to BT, Virgin Media Limited, Vodafone Ltd (C&W) and others. Numbers can be moved between providers, so this shows who the range was originally given to – not who is using a particular number today.

How do I call a 023 number from abroad?

Replace the leading 0 with +44. For example, a number starting 023 becomes +44 23 followed by the rest of the number.

How much does it cost to call a 023 number?

Charged as a normal UK call and usually included in landline and mobile allowances.

Is a call from a 023 number a scam?

A local-looking number feels familiar, which is exactly why scammers spoof them. A local area code is not proof the caller is local. Check the full number on Who’s Calling to see if it belongs to a verified business and what other people have reported.

Did a 023 number call you?

Check the full number to see if it belongs to a verified UK business and what other people have reported.

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