Non-Geographic Numbers

Cartoon of woman with a phone with speech bubble saying "Non-Geographic Numbers are changing..."

 

Non-Geographic Numbers (NGNs) have changed:

There are now only two Non-Geographic Number (NGN) ranges, 1800 Freephone and 0818 Standard Rate.

The 1850, 1890, and 076 NGN ranges are no longer in service.

1800 Freephone and 0818 Standard Rate NGNs remain in operation.

Find more information on the changes here.

Find out how the changes to Ireland’s NGN platform impact consumers and organisations.

 

More information on the NGN Review Process:

In December 2018 ComReg published its final Response to Consultation and Decision D15/18 (Document 18/106) in relation to five classes of Non-Geographic Numbers – 1800, 1850, 1890, 0818 & 076.

ComReg introduced two measures to address the cost of using such numbers and to tackle confusion among consumers about the differences between the numbers. The changes being introduced are:

  • Geo-linking Condition: Since 1 December 2019, a call to an 1850, 1890, 0818 or 076 NGN costs no more than the cost of calling a landline number. This means that if landline calls are included in your “bundle of call minutes” then NGN calls are also “in bundle”. No separate charge applies for any NGN call (unless you have used up your bundle of call minutes).
  • NGN Consolidation: As of 1 January 2022, there are only two NGN ranges. The 1850, 1890, 076 ranges have been withdrawn. The 1800 Freephone and 0818 Standard Rate number ranges remain in operation.

ComReg’s communications materials and NGN documents:

Ongoing:

Since 2018 ComReg has consistently updated its social channels with graphics, infographics, and animated videos detailing the changes to Non-Geographic Numbers. This material is available to view via the links below.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/comreg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comreg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comregconnects/

 

Infographics:

English and Irish language infographics, aimed at consumers, have been published across ComReg’s website and social media channels, Facebook and Twitter.

 

Animations:

Three short animations have also been published across ComReg’s website and social media channels, Facebook and Twitter.

Animation 1: Non-Geographic Numbers have changed.

Animation 2: What’s the cost of calling Non-Geographic Numbers?

Animation 3: Where to find new numbers for services you need.

2023:

  • ComReg 23/68: Review of Utility Non-Geographic Numbers Extension – Response to Consultation 23/27 and Decision D05/23, 21 July 2023
  • ComReg 23/68s: Review of Utility Non-Geographic Numbers Extension – Submissions to Consultation 23/27, 21 July 2023
  • ComReg 23/27: Review of Utility Non-Geographic Numbers Extension Consultation, 22 March 2023
  • ComReg 23/27a: Research on Utility Non-Geographic Numbers, 22 March 2023

2021:

  • Media release, “Consumers urged to check new contact numbers for important services as 1850, 1890, and 076 phone numbers are withdrawn”, 17 December 2021
  • National radio ad on RTE Radio 1 and Newstalk, November 2021
  • National press ads in The Irish Times, Irish Independent and Irish Examiner, 4 November 2021
  • National press ads in The Irish Times, Irish Independent and Irish Examiner, 30 September 2021
  • National radio ad on RTE Radio 1 and Newstalk, September 2021
  • Media release, “Businesses to save money by switching non-geographic number now, says ComReg”, 23 Sept 2021
  • ComReg 21/89: Review of Extended Operation of Health Service Executive 1850/1890 Non-Geographic Numbers-Response to Consultation 21/75, 9 Sept 2021
  • ComReg 21/89s: Review of Extended Operation of Health Service Executive 1850/1890 Non-Geographic Numbers – Submissions to Consultation 21/75, 9 Sept 2021
  • ComReg 21/75: Review of the Numbering Conditions and Application Process – Response to Consultation, Decision and Further Consultation, 19 July 2022
  • ComReg 21/75s: Review of the Numbering Conditions and Application Process – Submissions to Consultation 21/28
  • ComReg 15/136R3: Numbering Conditions of Use and Application Process
  • Irish language organisation infographic, “Cúig rud nach mór duit a bheith ar an eolas fúthu faoi NGNanna”
  • Organisation infographic, “Five things you need to know about NGNs”, July 2021. See Irish Language version here.
  • Animation, June 2021
  • ComReg 21/28: Review of the Numbering Conditions of Use and Application Process – Consultation
  • ComReg 21/28a: Draft Numbering Conditions of Use and Application Process
  • Media release, “ComReg urges organisations using 1850, 1890, or 076 numbers to contact their telecoms operator now to switch number and save money”, 21 March 2021

2020:

2019:

2018 NGN Response to Consultation and related documentation:

 

2017 NGN Consultation Document and related documentation: