Shared cost numbers split the call charge between the caller and the business. The caller pays a small per-minute rate — less than a standard call — and the business pays the remainder. This makes shared cost numbers a middle ground between free toll-free numbers and standard local rate calls. This guide explains when shared cost numbers make sense and how they work.
The short version: A shared cost number splits the call charge between caller and business. The caller pays a reduced rate (often the same as a local call), and the business pays the rest. It's a cost-sharing model that makes inbound calls more accessible without the full cost of toll-free.
1. What Is a Shared Cost Number?
A shared cost number is a type of non-geographic phone number where the cost of the call is shared between the caller and the business receiving the call. The caller pays a fixed per-minute rate — typically equivalent to a local call — and the business pays an additional per-minute termination charge.
Shared cost numbers are common in Europe. In the UK, numbers starting with 084X are shared cost numbers. In Germany, 0180X numbers operate on a shared cost model. In France, 08XX numbers follow similar principles.
2. Shared Cost vs Toll-Free vs Local Rate
Toll-free numbers
Caller pays nothing. Business pays 100% of the call cost. Maximum accessibility for callers but highest cost for the business.
Shared cost numbers
Caller pays a small per-minute rate (often local call equivalent). Business pays an additional per-minute charge. Balanced cost model — more accessible than standard calls, cheaper for the business than toll-free.
Local rate numbers
Caller pays standard local call rates. Business pays nothing for inbound calls (beyond the number rental). Lowest cost for the business but highest cost for the caller.
3. When to Use Shared Cost Numbers
Shared cost numbers work well when:
- You want to reduce caller friction without full toll-free cost — shared cost numbers are more accessible than standard rate numbers
- You're in a market where shared cost is the norm — in some European countries, customers expect to pay a small per-minute rate for business calls
- You want a non-geographic number — shared cost numbers don't reveal your business location
- You're managing call volume costs — sharing the cost with callers reduces your per-minute spend compared to toll-free
4. Shared Cost Number Formats by Country
- UK: 084X numbers — caller pays up to 7p/min from landlines, more from mobiles
- Germany: 0180X numbers — various shared cost tiers
- France: 08XX numbers — shared cost model
- Netherlands: 090X numbers
- Belgium: 070X numbers
Important note on UK shared cost numbers
UK 084X numbers have faced regulatory scrutiny because mobile callers can pay significantly more than landline callers. If you serve UK customers who primarily use mobile phones, consider a 03X number (charged at local rates) instead — it's more transparent and customer-friendly.
5. Shared Cost Numbers with CallOrbit
CallOrbit supports shared cost number provisioning in select European markets. Shared cost numbers route to your CallOrbit workspace and integrate with your IVR, queues, and routing configuration exactly like any other number type.
Browse available shared cost numbers on the buy numbers page.
6. Alternatives to Shared Cost Numbers
If you're evaluating shared cost numbers, also consider:
- National numbers (03X in UK) — charged at local rates, more transparent for callers
- Toll-free numbers — free for callers, you pay all costs
- Local DID numbers — standard local call rates, geographic presence