Range: 0870, BT nat tariff (formerly known as "National Rate")
(dmClub numbers begin 0870-446)

Cost to call: Should be the same as calling a landline (inclusive in most call packages).

Image: Indicates a fairly big (possibly national) company who is not desperate for call traffic. Slightly unfashionable these days (as before August 1st 2009 0870s used to be expensive to call) - although now they're cheaper they may lose some of the stigma!

Cost of ownership: The owner pays setup and regular rental fees. Call fees will apply on top, but may be very low for UK landline or VOIP termination.
dmClub 0870 numbers cost between 1.0 and 1.25 {GLOS:ppm} to divert to UK landlines. Fowarding to VOIP is done without charge resulting in a fixed cost service.

International accessibility: Good.

Regulatory issues: No special issues.

Mobile accessibility: Very good post August 2009.

Typical Applications: Now that they're cheap to call, we may see a return to their original purpose - i.e. a way to present a company without having a regional bias. Could be a general customer services number, or a switchboard for organisations that have national presence.

Choose a gold number to add to the professional feel for a fairly modest additional one-off cost. As 0870 is unfashionable, the gold number premium is usually smaller and you may pick up a bargain!

0800 numbers may be more appropriate if you're fighting for business as they're cheaper to call (except from mobiles) and more familiar.

0845 numbers are familiar as being 'not too expensive to call' but have similar ownership costs. Could be a good option (although they are scheduled for re-tariffing, probably some time in the next 2-3 years)

UK Local or 020-7 numbers are the same price to own and call, have superior international accessibility, and are generally more accepted by the public.

This information is intended to be generally relevant to 0870 numbers from whoever they are purchased. Highlighted points are specific to dmClub.