WHAT’S AN NGN?


An NGN, short for ‘Non-Geographic Number’, is any phone number beginning with 1800 or 0818.

NGNs are used by Irish businesses, charities, and other organisations to deliver services like helplines, public services, and banking.

WHAT’S CHANGED?

THERE ARE NOW ONLY TWO NGN RANGES, 1800 FREEPHONE AND 0818 STANDARD RATE

1850, 1890, and 076 NGNs are no longer in service.

Many organisations that used 1850, 1890, and 076 numbers have now switched to 1800 or 0818 phone numbers.

Check online for new numbers for the services you need (e.g. organisation’s website or social media profiles).

 

LOWER-COST NGN CALLS

Calls to 0818 Standard Rate numbers are included in bundles that include calls to landlines.
Out of bundle, 0818 calls are charged at the “Standard Rate” which is no more than calling a landline.

Consumers should note that all calls to these NGNs are deducted from bundles on a per minute basis or, in the
absence of a bundle, charged on a per minute basis.

If you have any concerns in relation to your current price plan, check with your phone operator.

Calls to 1800 Freephone numbers remain free.

 

INFOGRAPHIC (2022)

English and Irish language  infographics have been created to detail how
NGNs have changed for the better.

 

INFOGRAPHIC (2020)

The infographic linked here in both the English and Irish languages outlined the changes being made to Non-Geographic
Numbers in 2020 and 2021 and how it impacted you, the consumer.

 

 

WHY THE CHANGES?


Making services easy to reach: By simplifying NGNs to just two easy to understand number ranges,
services are now easier to access.

Lower call costs: Calls to 0818 NGNs are either included in your call bundle or cost no more than
calling a landline. Calls to 1800 remain free regardless of your call package.

Reduced ‘bill shock’: With just two NGN ranges, you will know how much it costs to call NGNs,
reducing the risk of ‘bill shock’ from calling.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?

Calling a service you need? Make sure you have the new numbers for the services
you need by checking online or checking recent marketing materials such as leaflets and posters.  Many organisations
recently communicated their new numbers to customers by text message or email so check these as well.

 

Calling an NGN? If you already have a bundle of call minutes that includes calls
to landlines, you don’t have to do anything. Calls to 0818 numbers are included in your call bundle.  If do not have such a
bundle, you may wish to consider a plan with bundled call minutes.

 

Calls to 1800 numbers are always free.

Back to NGN homepage here.