Guidance
Buying an 028 number instead of renting one
Every number listed on this site is a specific 028 number sold for one stated, VAT-inclusive purchase price. After purchase you use it with a compatible provider of your choice, which supplies the actual phone service. That is a different arrangement from renting a virtual number month to month, and the difference matters most when the number goes on vans, signage and print. Any later move between providers is subject to provider compatibility, so confirm with the provider you choose before relying on one.
| Consideration | Renting | Listed purchase |
|---|---|---|
| What you pay | A monthly rental fee to the supplier for as long as you use the number | One stated purchase price for a specific listed number; the price shown includes VAT |
| What the payment covers | Use of the number under that supplier's rental terms | The number itself. Phone service, call charges and any line rental stay with your chosen provider and are billed by them |
| If you change provider later | The supplier's rental terms determine whether the number can be retained or moved, so check those terms and portability before relying on the number long term | You can ask your new provider whether it can accept the number. Acceptance is the provider's decision and must be confirmed with them before you rely on it |
| Advertising the number | Print, signage and vehicle livery can outlive a rental contract | Suited to long-term print, signage and advertising, provided your provider arrangement stays in place |
| Ongoing costs | The rental fee continues for as long as you keep the number | No further payment to us for the number. Your provider's own service charges still apply |
Common questions about buying rather than renting
Is this a one-off purchase?
Yes. You pay the stated VAT-inclusive price once for the specific number listed. That payment does not include phone service: call charges, line rental and any service setup are billed separately by the provider you choose.
Do I own the number after buying?
You hold the right to use the number under the terms of the purchase, and we arrange for it to be set up with your chosen provider. Telephone numbers remain regulated by Ofcom, so no seller can grant absolute legal ownership of a number.
Can I move the number to another provider afterwards?
Possibly. Whether a number can move between providers depends on the providers involved and their processes. Confirm with the receiving provider that it can accept the number before you buy, and again before you print or advertise it.
Why not just rent a virtual number?
Rental suits short-term use. If the number will appear on vans, signage or print for years, the supplier's rental terms determine whether it can be retained or moved, so check those terms and portability before relying on the number long term. A purchase gives you a continuing arrangement that is not tied to a monthly rental contract with us.
Related reading: how buying a number works, frequently asked questions and the guide to choosing a memorable number.