London to gain new dialling code and 10 million extra phone numbers

London is to get an additional 10 million phone numbers starting with a new ‘(020) 4’ dialling code.

The capital already has 30 million phone numbers allocated across its existing (020) 3, 7 and 8 ranges but population growth means fewer than a million of these are currently unused and the rate of new connections means they’re likely to all be allocated within a year.

Telecoms regulator Ofcom says the new pool of numbers, which will be available by the end of this year, will ensure phone providers can continue to serve their customers.

Liz Greenberg, Head of Numbering at Ofcom, said: “We’re seeing growing need for 020 numbers, as London expands and new homes and offices are built. These 10 million new numbers will allow us to meet demand and help keep the capital connected.”

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