Non-Geographic Numbers

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 The 1850, 1890, 076 ranges have been withdrawn.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:

Consumer news, “Calls to 1850, 1890 and 0818 and 076 Numbers”, 4 December 2020
National press ad, Irish Times, 24 September 2020
Irish language consumer infographic “Cad atá ag tarlú do NGNanna?”, July 2020
Animation, September 2020
Animation September 2020
Consumer infographic July 2020. See Irish Language version here.
Organisation infographic July 2020

2019:

Animation, December 2019
Media release, “Lowering the cost of calling Non-Geographic Numbers”, 29 November 2019
Consumer news, “Changes to the cost of calling 1800, 1850, 1890, 0818 and 076 numbers”, 29 November 2019
Dedicated NGN webpages go live 19 November 2019
Implementation of Decision D15/18 on Non-Geographic Numbers (NGNs) – Implementation and Communications Plan – Information Notice 19/65
Analysys Mason document Implementation and Communications Plan – Report ComReg 19/65a
Implementing the New NGN Platform January 2019 – Information Notice 19/01

2018 NGN Response to Consultation and related documentation:

ComReg 18/106: Response to Consultation 18/65
ComReg 18/106s: Submissions to Consultation 18/65
Media release, “ComReg introduces measures to address consumer confusion and high costs of using Non-Geographic Numbers”, 3 December 2018
Animation, December 2018
Infographic, “ComReg’s review of Non Geographic Numbers”, 6 December 2018
ComReg 18/65: Response to Consultation 17/70
ComReg 18/65a: DotEcon Response to Consultation 17/70
ComReg 18/65s: Submissions to Consultation 17/70
Media release, “Review of Non-Geographic Numbers – Response to Consultation and Draft Decision – ComReg 18/65”, July 2018