Numbering Plan and Allocation by Ofcom

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Ofcom maintains the National Telephone Numbering Plan, which dictates the structure and allocation of all UK telephone numbers. This plan assigns blocks of numbers to Communications Providers (CPs), which include traditional mobile network operators (MNOs) and fixed-line providers, as well as VoIP service providers. VoIP numbers can be issued with various prefixes, including geographical numbers (e.g., 01 or 02), non-geographic numbers (e.g., 03 or 08), and even specific ranges for "Location Independent Electronic Communications Services" (056 numbers) which are explicitly designated for VoIP. Therefore, while a VoIP number might look like a standard geographic or even a mobile number, its underlying service is delivered over the internet.

Distinction from "Mobile" Numbers in Databases
While VoIP numbers are part of the broader UK numbering scheme and are recorded in databases held by Ofcom and by the CPs to whom they are allocated, they japan mobile database are distinct from traditional "mobile" numbers. UK mobile numbers typically begin with 07 (specifically 071 to 075 and 077 to 079) and are associated with cellular networks. VoIP numbers, regardless of their appearance, are intrinsically linked to an internet connection rather than a mobile cellular network. Therefore, while a database might list a number and identify its service type (mobile, landline, VoIP), a VoIP number would not be categorized as a mobile number within a database specifically designed to differentiate between these service types.


Number Portability and Tracing
Number portability is a key aspect of the UK telecoms market, allowing users to keep their existing number when switching providers. This applies to both mobile and fixed-line numbers, and in many cases, VoIP numbers. When a number is ported, the central databases maintained by industry organizations (under Ofcom's oversight) are updated to reflect the new service provider for that number. This allows calls and messages to be routed correctly. While it's generally more complex to trace a VoIP call than a traditional mobile or landline call due to the internet-based routing and potential for anonymity or spoofing, authorities and specialized tools can indeed trace VoIP numbers by analyzing IP addresses, call metadata, and information from VoIP service providers. This indicates that VoIP numbers are recorded and trackable, even if not primarily associated with mobile databases.



Practical Implications for Mobile Data Consumption
From a consumer's perspective, a VoIP number used on a smartphone (e.g., via an app like WhatsApp, Zoom, or even a dedicated VoIP app like Vonage or Skype) consumes mobile data to make and receive calls, rather than traditional voice minutes. This usage is recorded as data consumption by the mobile network operator. So, while the VoIP number itself isn't a "mobile number" in the traditional sense, its operation on a mobile device directly contributes to mobile data usage. The databases tracking mobile data consumption would therefore reflect the data used by VoIP apps, rather than the VoIP number directly appearing in a "mobile number" registry as if it were a SIM-card associated mobile number.


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