General information on Number Translation Service (NTS)

NTS (Number Translation Services) were introduced in the nineties to provide businesses with recognisable national telephone numbers. For the first time, businesses with multiple locations could offer their customers one direct telephone number providing access to all their services.

NTS calls are directed to chosen destinations and charged at a rate relating to the number dialled. NTS includes 0800 (free to the caller), 0844 (flexible call tariffs 1-5p per minute), 0845 (local rate), 0870 (national rate), 0871 (up to 10p per minute) and 09 (premium rate) numbers.*

In essence, NTS numbers make it easy for customers to contact businesses while organisations can explore different business telephony opportunities - from attracting new customers via freephone numbers to subsidising advanced network level services through revenue share (which would otherwise be charged via traditional direct payment methods).

Over the years NTS numbers have played a significant role in increasing the effectiveness of national marketing campaigns and improving the management of inbound call centre traffic, as well as opening up services such as pay-as-you-go internet access.

* Rates inclusive of VAT