Range: 0844 (dmClub numbers on G6 tariff begin 0844 478)

Cost to call: From 1ppm to 5ppm from BT landlines, more from mobiles (see below). dmClub 0844 numbers are charged at 5ppm enabling a greater range of inclusive diverts and payout.

Image: Indicates a fairly big (possibly national) company who is not desperate for call traffic.

Cost of ownership: The owner may pay setup and rental but not call fees (unless the call needs to be diverted to an expensive destination such as mobile or high-tariff international regions). Indeed there may be a payout when diverting to the cheaper locations. dmClub 0844 numbers will divert to landlines in the Big34 countries without charge. Most popular destinations will also result in a payout - up to 2.5ppm for UK landline or 3ppm for VOIP-trunk - that may make the number cash-generating.

International accessibility: Medium.

Regulatory issues: This range is largely replacing the 0845 and has a more certain future.

Mobile accessibility: All UK operators overcharge for calls to 0844 numbers

Typical Applications: Usually in a support situation where callers are not so cost-sensitive and the owner wishes to have fixed costs and perhaps defray some of the operating expense. This is widely regarded as 'the new 0845'

Choose a gold number to add to the professional feel for a fairly modest additional one-off cost. As 0844 is generally less salesy than (say) 0800, the gold number premium is usually smaller.

0844 numbers are often suitable for IVR services (eg. dmSwitchboard)

0800 numbers may be more appropriate if you're fighting for business as they're cheaper and more familiar.

0845 numbers are familiar as being 'not too expensive to call' but have similar ownership costs to 0844. 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 cheaper to call from mobiles and have superior international accessibility, but there's no payout

This information is intended to be generally relevant to 0844 numbers from whoever they are purchased. Highlighted points are specific to dmClub.