What Does ‘Local Rate’ Mean When Calling a 0900 Number?

Belfabriek / 14 Oct 2024 / 3 min read

Since the publication of this article, the term ’local rate’ for 0900 numbers has been replaced with a specific rate. You can read more about this in this article.

Unlike an 0800 number, which is free, calling a number starting with 0900 is charged either per minute or per call. One of the per-minute rates you can set as a number owner is the ‘local rate.’ Since many consumers think calling 0900 numbers is expensive, you can reassure them by using this local rate.

What Does ‘Local Rate’ Mean for a 0900 Number?

We understand you might wonder about this. Additionally, callers may ask you to clarify the call rate. Callers can experience differences in rates depending on their phone provider and chosen subscription. This can be confusing for consumers, especially during longer calls. As the owner of a 0900 number, it’s important to provide clear call rates to customers so they know what they’re paying to connect to your information number.

0900 Numbers and Call Bundles

Phone companies offer various call bundles, each with its own rate for local calls. Subscribers can use these bundles to call fixed-line numbers for free or at a lower rate each month. In the past, calling a 0900 number was often excluded from these bundles, resulting in higher call costs. Since July 1, 2013, a regulation requires mobile providers to apply the standard rate when calling a fixed-line number via a 0900 number. This makes using a 0900 number more affordable for consumers.

‘What is My Local Rate?’

Due to technological developments, mergers, bankruptcies, and startups, the telephony market is constantly evolving. The same applies to the call rates charged by phone providers. Generally, these rates have been declining for years. On the website Bellen.com, you can find the most up-to-date off-peak and peak rates for fixed and mobile telephony within the region. You can also see the start rates charged by different providers.

0900 Costs: Difference with an 088 Number

At Belfabriek, you can also get an 088 service number. This type of information number is often offered as an alternative to a 0900 number, but there are some key differences. For example, an 088 number is not free, but the call never costs more than a local rate call.

An 088 number does not offer the benefits of other service numbers, such as an 0800 or 0900 number. For instance, an 0800 number is free for the caller, while a 0900 number gives the owner unlimited flexibility to adjust the rate, ranging from the local rate to a maximum of €0.90 per minute or €1.40 per call.

088 numbers are an ideal solution for businesses that need groups of phone numbers and want to be uniformly reachable at a fixed, low rate. The ANWB is an example of such a company.

The local rate refers to the standard call costs consumers pay when calling a local phone number. For 0900 numbers, this rate can vary and depends on the caller’s phone provider.

Since July 1, 2013, 0900 numbers are generally treated as fixed-line numbers, meaning providers must apply the standard call rate. However, some providers may exclude 0900 numbers from call bundles.

Yes, callers pay additional costs for a 0900 number depending on the rate set by the number owner. This rate can be charged per minute or per call.

The main difference is that an 088 number is always charged at the local rate, while a 0900 number has flexible rates ranging from the local rate to higher costs. An 088 number is ideal for businesses that want consumers to reach them at a fixed rate without surprises.