10 million numbers released
Ofcom introduces new 020 4 number range for London.
Ofcom has today announced the release of 10 million new phone number for the London area.
London Numbers are expected to run out with the next 12 months, due to the size and population of London continually expanding. There are now fewer than 1 million London numbers available, and Ofcom is assigning around 30,000 London numbers per week to service providers.
The area code for London is 020, and there are currently 30 million phone numbers allocated across the existing ranges of 020 3, 020 7 and 020 8.
We’re seeing growing need for 020 numbers, as London expands and new homes and offices are built. These 10 million new numbers will allow us to meet demand and help keep the capital connected.
- Liz Greenberg, Head of Numbering at Ofcom
History of London phone numbers
The area code for London has been changed several times over the years:
- In 1958 the city was allocated the single code 01
- In 1990 it was replaced by two new codes; the 071 code for 'inner' London, and 081 for 'outer' London.
- In 1995 the London codes changed to 0171 and 0181 after every area code in the UK gained a 1 after the 0. This change was to make it clear that the phone number was a landline number.
- In 2000, London was given a single area code of 020, and the inner and outer London divide was removed.
- In 2005 Ofcom released 10 million more London phone numbers using a new code of 020 3.
Allocation of Numbers
Ofcom will start accepting applications for (020) 4 phone numbers from the 1st of October 2019. TTNC currently has enough capacity for London numbers so we won't be applying for a new range on the launch date.
