Two New 116 Numbers

Ofcom has released two new 116 helpline numbers which will be available in the UK as well as across Europe.

The first number is 116 006 and it will act as a helpline for crime victims. In their announcement Ofcom does not explain quite how easily it will be to remember 116 006 when you’re being mugged. But they do say that it will be a freephone service unless, rather worryingly, a pre-call announcement states that the call will in fact be charged.

Cynics might wonder the value of an emergency number which might include a pre-recorded announcement, when time is of the essence. But, says Ofcom, it’s all part of the European Commission’s ambition to allocate a series of numbers which are of a social value.

The second number is 116 117 and this will be reserved for a non-emergency medical on-call service. Ofcom point out that this number will always be free in the UK, whether the call is made from a public phone, via a mobile, or from a landline.

Ofcom has yet to choose the most appropriate service provider for the two new numbers, but says it will get help in the decision making process from an independent government advisory panel.

These are not the first 116 numbers of course. The first batch were allocated last October and Missing People got what could be described as the best configuration: 116 000. The Samaritans came a close second with 116 123 and the NSPCC got a fair whack with 116 111.

The 116 number is an initiative which has at its heart the idea of creating socially valuable numbers which will work, as a memorable contact point, across all Member States.

Maybe one of the best things about the two new numbers is that we won’t get those two hairy blokes on the television trying to make us remember the new 116 numbers. After all, what do they keep singing, 118 something?