0118
The Reading area code
0118 is the dialling code for Reading. Ofcom's allocation register lists 293 number blocks in this code, issued to 140 different phone companies. BT holds the most, with 84 of the 293 allocated blocks. Recorded allocations run from 8 April 1996 to 26 June 2026. Data retrieved 2026-09-06.
- Allocated blocks
- 293
- Operators
- 140
- Free or protected
- 704
- Share allocated
- 29%
Who called you from 0118?
A call from an 0118 number is a call from a number registered to the Reading area. That could be a local business, a GP surgery, a school, or a call centre that bought local numbers to look local. Ofcom's allocation data tells you which phone company issued the number, and that's the most anyone can tell you from the number alone.
Which companies hold 0118 numbers
Ofcom allocates numbers to phone companies in blocks. These are the operators holding the most 0118 blocks. The company that was issued a number often supplies it onward to a business or reseller, and UK numbers can be ported between networks, so read this as where the number started, and a strong hint rather than proof of who serves it today.
| Operator | Blocks held | Share of allocated |
|---|---|---|
| BT | 84 | 29% |
| Vodafone Ltd (C&W) | 17 | 6% |
| Virgin Media Limited | 14 | 5% |
| Gamma Telecom Holdings Limited | 11 | 4% |
| GCI Network Solutions Limited | 9 | 3% |
| Colt Technology Services | 6 | 2% |
| TalkTalk Communications Limited | 4 | 1% |
| Verizon UK Limited | 4 | 1% |
| Barritel Limited | 3 | 1% |
| Digital Space Group Limited | 3 | 1% |
| Sky UK Limited | 3 | 1% |
| Datazero Ltd | 2 | 1% |
Plus 128 further operators with smaller holdings.
What it costs to call 0118
Standard landline rate
Calls to this code cost the same as any UK landline call. On most landline and mobile plans they come out of your inclusive minutes, so a call usually costs you nothing extra.
Inclusive minutes: Yes, on almost every UK plan. See the full UK call charges guide.
Had a suspicious call from 0118?
- Hang up. If the caller claimed to be your bank or a government body, find the organisation's number yourself and call back on that.
- Forward the number and what was said to 7726, the free spam-reporting service on every UK network.
- If you lost money or gave away details, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (or Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland).
- Persistent marketing calls? Report them to the ICO and register with the TPS. Full walkthrough in our report a call guide.
Questions people ask about 0118
Where is the 0118 area code?
0118 is the UK dialling code for Reading. Numbers starting 0118 are geographic landline numbers registered to that area.
Who called me from an 0118 number?
The number belongs to one of 140 phone companies holding 0118 number blocks, with BT holding the most. The operator table on this page shows who issues 0118 numbers. The caller could be anyone using a number from that range, and caller ID can be spoofed, so an unexpected call asking for personal details deserves suspicion wherever it appears to come from.
How much does it cost to call 0118 numbers?
Standard landline rate. Full details in the cost section above.
Is a call from 0118 a scam?
The code alone can't tell you. Most calls from 0118 numbers are legitimate, but scammers can dial from, or pretend to dial from, any range. Never hand over passwords, PINs or remote computer access to an inbound caller. If in doubt, hang up and call the organisation back on the number printed on its website or your paperwork.
How do I report a nuisance or scam call?
Forward scam call details to 7726 (free, all UK networks), report fraud to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, and report persistent nuisance calls to the ICO. Our report a call guide walks through each route.
Source: Ofcom telephone numbering allocation data, retrieved 2026-09-06 and reproduced with acknowledgement under Ofcom's re-use terms. Figures describe number blocks, and a block being allocated to an operator says nothing about any individual caller. Last verified by a human on 2026-09-06.