What is an 0201 Phone Number?

By Emma Lewis, bOnline

You may well have heard of 020 phone numbers, particularly if you’re located in or near London. The code was introduced in April 2000 as part of a substantial overhaul of London’s telephone numbering system. It replaced the older 0181 and 0171 codes. But what is an 0201 number specifically and what’s so unique about it? 

 

Understanding The 0201 Number

 

The 020 code spans the whole of Greater London, including central London as well as its outer boroughs. When you see a number starting with 020, you can be pretty sure that it’s based in the London area (unless it’s a virtual number).

The full format of a London phone number is 020 followed by a local number that’s eight digits long. So when you see something like 020 1234 5678, the “020” is the area code, and “1234 5678” is the local number. However, it can be confusing when people talk about numbers like 0201, which is not a complete area code but rather the beginning of a local number under the 020 umbrella.

To be clear, 0201 is not a separate area code but is instead part of the 020 area code. It’s simply the first digit of the local number that follows the area code. Therefore, a number that begins with 0201, like 020 1234 5678, is just another London number.

 

How Are 0201 Numbers Used?

 

Today, 0201 numbers and any numbers under the 020 area code are used by a wide range of people and businesses across London. There isn’t any particular significance to a number starting with 0201 compared to, say, one that starts with 0208. Both are just part of the pool of London numbers.

As the demand for phone numbers in London has increased, the assignment of new numbers has carried on growing. This expansion includes numbers starting with a range of numbers that follow the 020 code, such as 0203, 0204, 0207, 0208 etc. In simple terms, 0201 is just part of this mix.

Can I Get A London Number For My Business If It’s Based Elsewhere?

 

Of course – this is totally allowed! You can get a London number for your business even if you’re not actually located anywhere near the city. It’s actually a really effective way of expanding your reach and building up your customer base in London. By getting a virtual 020 London number, you can give your business a local feel without having a physical office. This can also be a huge advantage if you’re looking to cultivate a more established, professional image.

Setting up a virtual London number is generally straightforward and can be done through various VoIP digital phone providers.

 

How Do I Get A Virtual 0201 Number For My Small Business?

To get started, you’ll need to shop around for a virtual phone number provider that offers 0201 numbers as part of their service.

Many companies offer this online, allowing you to choose your preferred number and set up features like call forwarding, hold music, voicemail for example. Just sign up on their website, decide on an 0201 number that’s available, and follow the setup instructions. It generally takes a few minutes and shouldn’t need any engineer visits.

Once your virtual 0201 number is up and running, you can begin using it just like a normal phone line (with no worries about the landline shutdown). It’s worth knowing that calls made to your 0201 number can be forwarded to your mobile or tablet, which is great for working on the go.

Plus, many virtual number providers like bOnline offer additional features like call analytics and even integration with customer relationship management (CRM) tools, making it easier than ever to manage your business communications efficiently. It’s a great way of enhancing your small business’s credibility whilst connecting with customers in London, all without the expense of actually moving there.