FAQ’s for Non-Geographic Number Change

A Non-Geographic Number is a telephone number that begins with 1850, 1890, 1800, 0818 or 076

Comreg are making two significant changes to Non-Geographic Numbers (NGN) designed to address the cost of using such numbers and also to tackle any confusion among consumers about the different types of non-geographical numbers. Calls to non-geographic numbers (1850, 1890, 0818, 076) will become part of your business phone call bundle and the rate for out of bundle calls to 1850 will change.

By 1st of December 2019, a call to an 1850, 1890, 0818 or 076 NGN will cost 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 will also be in bundle. No separate charge will apply for any NGN call (unless you have used up your bundle of call minutes).

These changes will simplify the use of NGNs and give a better experience and peace of mind when using these numbers to call an organisation. This increased level of comfort and confidence should help drive more calls to these numbers in the future.

Whilst these changes are generally good news for all customers, calls to 1850 numbers may impact some users. The current cost of a call to an 1850 number is 7 cents per call and this will change to a per minute rate from the 1st of December 2019. If you do not have a Virgin Media Business Call pack, the cost of these calls may increase.

From the 1st of January 2022, the current five NGN numbers will be reduced to two. The 1850, 1890, 076 ranges will be withdrawn and the 1800 (Freephone) and 0818 range will remain.

This change will take effect on November 28th 2019.

If you are a user of NGN numbers, you do not need to do anything as these changes will happen automatically.

If you are a business that uses a 1850 or 1890 number to offer services you will need to migrate your current number to a new number before the 1st of January 2022.

You can migrate your number to a 1800 (Freephone) or 0818 NGN. You should let your customers know that from 28th November 2019 the call rates for contacting you will change and become more affordable for them to reach you in most cases.

There will be no cost from Virgin Media Business to migrate existing numbers. However, if you wish to procure additional numbers there will be a cost of €8 per number per month from 1st October 2019.

Although numbers will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis, migrating sooner rather than later should offer you a greater range of number options to move to. There will be a new Individual Number Allocation process put in place by the Regulator that will increase your chance of securing your preferred numbers.

You can find out more about these changes by visiting www.comreg.ie/ngn