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0191
0191 is located in the United Kingdom
0191
0191
United Kingdom area code for Newcastle upon Tyne/Tyneside/Durham/Sunderland
National calling0191
International calling+44 191
ConservationNo
Active since16 April 1995
Previous code091
Earlier code0385, 0632, 0783, 0894
Number format0191 xxx xxxx
Coverage
Area servedChester-le-Street
Durham
Seaham
Peterlee
Sunderland
Newcastle upon Tyne
List of United Kingdom codes

0191 is the UK telephone dialling code used by Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham, Sunderland and other nearby areas in the north east of England.[1]

Areas covered

[edit]

Numbering in the 0191 area is officially divided into three distinct areas, each with their own batches of local subscriber numbers:

Number range Official designation[2] Notes
0191 2xx xxxx Tyneside Mainly North Tyneside, Newcastle upon Tyne and parts of southern Northumberland that border northern Tyneside.
0191 3xx xxxx Durham Also Chester-le-Street
0191 4xx xxxx Tyneside Originally exclusive to South Tyneside, Washington, Gateshead.
0191 5xx xxxx Sunderland Also East Durham.
0191 6xx xxxx Tyneside Primarily VOIP, virtual operators and overflow from 2xx xxxx range for Newcastle city centre.
0191 7xx xxxx Sunderland Extra capacity assigned in 2010, following consultation.[3]
0191 8xx xxxx Tyneside Extra capacity assigned in 2010, following consultation.[3]
0191 9xx xxxx Durham Extra capacity assigned in 2010, following consultation.[3]

In practice, some of the distinction between these areas has been lost due to differing levels of demand in each area and the need to find sufficient blocks of numbers for the many competing telephone companies that now exist. In particular, the original distinction between north Tyneside (2xx xxxx) and south Tyneside (4xx xxxx) has been obscured as the former range reached full capacity and recent allocations north of the Tyne have made use of spare capacity in the 4xx xxxx range. Further anomalies include Durham prefixes such as (0191) 350 being used by Cable & Wireless in Newcastle city centre[4] and (0191) 275 being used by BT in South Shields, an area traditionally (0191) 4XX.[5] New connections with Talk Talk have the prefix 447 or 340 no matter where in the 0191 area they reside and all new Sky telephone lines have the prefix 659, 660, 670 or 711 within the 0191 area, regardless of location.

Local dialling omitting the area code and using only the seven digit subscriber number is possible throughout the area, regardless of location or service provider.[3]

2010 Numbering Consultation

[edit]

The release of local numbers starting 7, 8 and 9 followed consultation by Ofcom,[3][6] in which the regulator stated its plans to issue remaining unused numbers in the 0191 area code in a way that preserves three distinct geographical groupings. Ofcom's initial proposal included allocating the 7xx xxxx range to Tyneside and the 8xx xxxx range to Sunderland. These assignments were reversed following consultation feedback from individuals and BT.[7]

History of the code

[edit]

The original 091 area code was introduced in 1982 and phased in over a period of approximately five years. It was the newest two-figure STD code since the STD system was introduced into the UK, prior to London being split into two STD codes (071 and 081). It was later changed to 0191 as a part of PhONEday. Although it had no letter mnemonic officially ascribed to the 9 (due to the code being introduced years after All Figure Dialling, which saw existing letter mnemonics being converted to their corresponding numbers), it was believed that the number was chosen because it could stand for the 'Y' in Tyneside or the 'W' in Wear, despite the code also being used in Durham, which previously used 0DU5 (0385).[8]

0632 → Became (091) 2 and (091) 4
0385 → Became (091) 3
0894 → Became (091) 4
0783 → Became (091) 5

The first area to be converted was Newcastle upon Tyne (0632)[9] and the change over took about 20 months starting in 1982. Newcastle City Centre five-digit numbers in 0632 all began with 2, so 18 months before the scheme started, their numbers were prefixed with 3; that would allow the number 2 to be utilised for the North Tyne numbering part of the scheme. The first exchanges to convert to 7-digit dialling were Blaydon, Birtley, and Washington. Their local 6-digit numbers already began with 4 and were situated south of the River Tyne; to alleviate misdialling and confusion they were the first localities to convert. The main problem was that Blaydon numbers already began with 44 so misdialling in that exchange was inevitable.

To prevent misdialling between (0632) 44XXXX and (091) 444 XXXX, a plan was devised to change all South Tyne numbers beginning with the digit 4 to 7 digits by inserting 1 between the first two digits, making them (091) 41X XXXX instead. No similar problems occurred in North Tyneside as number 2 was no longer in use, 5 was not in use in Sunderland, and 3 was never used in Durham. Local numbers were changed as follows: from Birtley 40 to 410, Blaydon 44 to 414 and Washington 46 to 416. At the same time, Ryton, the only exchange in the Newcastle area with 4-figure numbers, was prefixed with 413. Ryton was still utilising the old 089,422 code for Newcastle Ring until its conversion to 091. Ryton was never upgraded to 0632 prior to seven-digit dialling.

All other numbers were prefixed with 2 north of the River Tyne and 4 south of it. Sunderland followed with the prefix 5 after the Tyneside scheme was completed, and Durham, again shortly after, with 3. Unlike Tyneside, whose changeover occurred in stages, the entire Durham and the entire Sunderland changeover occurred simultaneously overnight.

Five-digit numbers in Sunderland were prefixed with 51 or 56; e.g., Sunderland (0783)[10] 72000 became (091) 567 2000, and (0783) 43077 became (091) 514 3077.

Five-digit numbers in Durham were prefixed with 38; e.g., Durham (0385) 64411 became (091) 386 4411.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

0191

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
0191 is a geographic telephone dialling code in the , assigned to the region encompassing , Durham, and . This code serves a densely populated area including major cities such as , , and Durham, as well as surrounding towns and villages like , , Washington, , , , , , and . The 0191 code was introduced on 16 April 1995 during , a nationwide renumbering initiative by the 's regulator to address the exhaustion of numbers and standardize formats across the country; it replaced the previous 091 code that had been in use for the same region. Prior to this change, the area relied on shorter codes as part of the evolving (STD) system established in the and expanded through subsequent reforms. numbers under 0191 follow a standard geographic format: the four-digit area code (0191) followed by a seven-digit local number, resulting in a total of ten digits for national dialling. To manage capacity and reflect sub-regional distinctions, allocates specific numeric ranges within the code: numbers starting with 2, 4, 6, or 8 are primarily for (including Newcastle and ), 3 or 9 for the Durham area, and 5 or 7 for . This structure accommodates the region's mix of urban centers, industrial heritage sites, and residential communities in and . When dialling internationally, the code is prefixed with the country code +44, dropping the leading 0 to become +44 191 followed by the seven-digit number.

Introduction

Overview

The 0191 is the geographic telephone dialling code assigned to , covering , , Durham, and surrounding areas. It serves as the primary code for telephone connections in this region, facilitating local and national calls within the UK's fixed . Activated on 16 April 1995 as part of the changes to expand numbering capacity, 0191 replaced the prior 091 code used in the same area. The code follows a standard format of 0191 followed by a seven-digit subscriber number, resulting in a full national number of ten digits when including the trunk prefix 0. This dialling code connects approximately 1.4 million people (including 1.18 million in Tyne and Wear and parts of County Durham) as of 2024, supporting communication for residential, business, and public services in one of England's most densely populated industrial regions.

Regional significance

The 0191 area code serves as a vital link for major urban centers in North East England, including Newcastle upon Tyne, which functions as a prominent economic hub supported by leading universities and diverse business sectors, and Sunderland, recognized for its strategic port operations and industrial heritage. This shared numbering system enhances regional connectivity by enabling seamless communication across these interconnected localities, promoting collaboration in commerce and community activities. Economically, the 0191 code underpins a population of approximately 1.3 million across its coverage as of 2021, facilitating key industries such as higher education and maritime trade. Newcastle University, for instance, contributed over £1.1 billion annually to the local and national economy as of 2017 through research, employment, and innovation, while the Port of Sunderland drives exports and logistics, handling significant cargo volumes that bolster the region's manufacturing and supply chain activities. Many businesses, including call centers in Newcastle and , leverage 0191 numbers to instill customer trust and familiarity, as local geographic codes are perceived as more credible and approachable, thereby supporting sectors reliant on direct consumer engagement. Socially, the code reinforces a sense of regional identity, particularly in core areas like and , where it symbolizes the interconnected communities of . Post-2000s advancements in have integrated 0191 numbers with widespread usage, with 95% of residents aged 16 and over owning smartphones as of , enabling efficient hybrid landline-mobile communication that sustains social and networks in the .

Coverage

Geographic areas

The 0191 dialling code primarily covers the urban conurbations of central , , and southern in , encompassing major cities such as , , and Durham city. This area includes the densely populated metropolitan core of , where serves as the central hub, alongside Sunderland on the coast and the historic city of Durham with its surrounding southern Durham localities. Surrounding districts and towns served by the code extend across (including , , , and ), (such as , , and ), , Washington, , , , , , and additional locales like , Ryton, Whickham, Esh Winning, Ushaw Moor, and . These areas reflect a mix of industrial heritage towns, coastal settlements, and suburban extensions, with the code allocating numbers based on local telephone exchanges that align closely with these communities. Geographically, the 0191 code covers an area from northern (e.g., ) to southern (e.g., ), along the coast, and west to the Tyne valley edges near Ryton and ; it notably excludes northern areas covered by the 01665 and 01670 codes. Administratively, it aligns primarily with the and portions of , where population density is highest in the urban corridor due to concentrated residential and commercial development in Newcastle, , and North/South .

Number ranges by locality

The 0191 area code encompasses a unified numbering plan for the , , and parts of Durham regions, where local 7-digit numbers are prefixed by the first three digits to denote specific sub-localities or exchanges. These ranges are allocated by under the National Telephone Numbering Plan to reflect geographic and service-based distributions, with initial blocks (2-5xx) established pre-2000 and later expansions (6-9xx) introduced following the 2010 consultation to address capacity needs. As of 2025, the allocations remain consistent with post-2010 expansions, supporting over 3 million lines without further major changes. Ranges beginning with 2xx primarily serve and central , covering urban and suburban areas such as , , , , and the city center. For instance, 201-299 includes exchanges like (NEWB, e.g., 251-253) and (NENS, e.g., 257-259), while 232 is associated with (NEJ). These allocations support dense residential and commercial zones along the northern riverbank and inner city. The 3xx xxxx block is designated for western areas including Durham city and , focusing on localities with historical and administrative significance. Examples include 374 for central Durham (Durham ATE exchange, covering the city center and university areas) and 387-389 for ( ATE). This range accommodates rural and semi-urban extensions, such as Beamish (370) and (371). South Tyneside and fall under the 4xx xxxx ranges, serving industrial and commuter towns like , , Birtley, and the Gateshead borough. Specific assignments include 410 for (NEJW) and 469 for (often via Felling exchange, NEF), with 477-490 covering town center (NEGHD) and Low Fell (NELF, e.g., 482). These support cross-river connectivity between valleys. and eastern Durham areas utilize 5xx xxxx numbers, encompassing the city of Sunderland and coastal towns toward . Key examples are 510 for city center (NESU) and 567 for (NESHM, though overlapping with 581). Additional coverage includes (512, NEHLS) and (518, NEPTE), reflecting Wearside's urban core and East Durham's colliery heritage. The 6xx xxxx ranges, part of post-2010 expansions, are allocated to various providers for additional capacity across the 0191 area, including VoIP services. Post-2010 expansions allocated 7xx xxxx for supplementary Sunderland coverage (e.g., 700-799, extending NESU and NESUN exchanges), 8xx xxxx for Tyneside growth (e.g., 800-899, bolstering and via new blocks), and 9xx xxxx for Durham extensions (e.g., 900-999, including overflow at NEPTE). These were implemented to provide over 3 million additional numbers region-wide.

History

Early codes and pre-consolidation

Before the introduction of Subscriber Trunk Dialling (STD) in 1958, telephone services in North East England operated through manual exchanges where operators connected calls by plugging cords into switchboards. The region's first telephone exchange opened in Sunderland in 1880, marking the start of local telephony there, with calls limited to short distances and requiring operator intervention for any connections beyond immediate localities. In Newcastle upon Tyne, the Central exchange was established in the early 1880s as one of the area's primary manual facilities, handling intra-city calls without standardized numbering beyond exchange-specific assignments. Durham similarly relied on manual exchanges from the late 19th century, where subscribers requested connections verbally to operators for both local and trunk calls, as no national or regional area codes existed. The rollout of STD in 1958 revolutionized calling by allowing direct dialling of trunk calls without operators, beginning with a national network of assigned codes based on alphanumeric mnemonics derived from place names. received the four-digit code 0632, corresponding to "NE2" (N=6, E=3, with 2 for distinction). was allocated 0783, from "SU3" (S=7, U=8, 3), while Durham got 0385, based on "DU5" (D=3, U=8, 5). For the broader area, encompassing parts of , the code 0894 was introduced, derived from "TY4" (T=8, Y=9, 4). These early codes addressed the fragmented nature of pre-STD but faced challenges from growing demand, as manual exchanges initially supported only four-digit local numbers, limiting capacity to a few thousand lines per exchange. By the , as automatic dialling expanded under all-figure numbering schemes, local numbers in the region lengthened to five or six digits to support more subscribers and integrate with STD. This evolution set the stage for later code consolidations in the 1970s to manage increasing traffic.

Introduction of 091

The consolidation of telephone area codes in North East England during the 1980s addressed mounting number shortages driven by rising subscriber demand, leading to the implementation of the Extended Linked Numbering Scheme (ELNS). This scheme merged the existing codes for Newcastle (0632), Sunderland (0783), Durham (0385), and Tyneside (0894) into a unified 091 code, enabling more efficient allocation of telephone numbers across the region and simplifying inter-exchange dialing without separate area codes for adjacent areas. Formally introduced in as one of the earliest two-figure Subscriber Trunk Dialling (STD) codes—following the division of London's original code—the 091 encompassed the entirety of and southern Durham, forming a large-area numbering zone. The rollout occurred progressively between 1982 and , allowing for a phased transition that minimized disruption to existing subscribers. Under the ELNS framework, local numbers initially preserved their 4- or 5-digit lengths before standardizing to 6 digits to support expanded capacity. The 091 prefix served dual purposes: facilitating local calls within the unified zone by dialing just the subscriber number and enabling trunk calls across the area with the full , thereby streamlining connectivity in a densely interconnected industrial region. This restructuring not only alleviated immediate capacity constraints but also released numeric resources for emerging non-geographic services, accommodating the sustained growth in telephony amid the area's economic development.

PhONEday transition to 0191

PhONEday, occurring on 16 April 1995, represented a pivotal national reform in the United Kingdom's telephone numbering plan, orchestrated by British Telecom (BT) to address an impending shortage of unique numbers in the existing dialling system. This overhaul involved inserting a '1' immediately after the initial '0' in all geographic area codes except those in London, thereby expanding the total addressable numbers from approximately 900 million to over 9 billion and reserving new ranges such as 07 for mobile services, 08 for special tariff lines, and 09 for premium rate services. The change was implemented over a bank holiday weekend to minimize impact, with the international access code also shifting from 010 to 00 on the same date. In the North East of England, the reform specifically transformed the longstanding 091 area code—previously covering , , Durham, and surrounding localities—into 0191 overnight, while preserving the seven-digit format for local subscriber numbers and requiring the prefix '0' for national dialling. This adjustment aligned the region with the new national structure without altering local dialling practices within the area, where callers continued to use just the seven-digit number. The pre-PhONEday 091 code had already consolidated multiple smaller exchanges into a single large zone in the . Preparation for the transition spanned over four years, with BT investing £16 million in a comprehensive public awareness campaign themed "It’s One to Remember," featuring extensive television, press, and print advertisements over two years to educate consumers and businesses. A dedicated managed around 500,000 inquiries from April 1994 to April 1995, achieving 100% awareness among businesses and 90% among the general public by March 1995. To facilitate a smooth shift, BT operated a dual-running period from 1 August 1994 to 16 April 1995, during which both old and new codes were accepted, allowing time for updating stationery, equipment, and directories; billing systems continued processing old-format calls until the cutoff. and services remained unaffected throughout. Immediate effects in the North East were marked by minimal disruption, consistent with national outcomes where misdialled calls peaked at around 20% but declined rapidly thereafter, and 90% of attempts to old codes were redirected to recorded announcements by breakfast on the . No widespread chaos materialized despite pre-event media concerns, with issues like unreprogrammed call forwarding resolved through manual interventions. The transition standardized 0191 as one of the United Kingdom's largest geographic codes by population served, encompassing over 1.5 million residents across and parts of , and created capacity for future growth in local numbering without necessitating an immediate code split.

2010 expansions

By the late 2000s, the existing number ranges under the 0191 code—specifically the 2xx xxxx, 3xx xxxx, 4xx xxxx, 5xx xxxx, and 6xx xxxx blocks—were approaching exhaustion due to sustained population growth in the region, expansion of local businesses requiring additional lines, and the increasing adoption of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services that accelerated demand for fixed geographic numbers. Ofcom's forecasts indicated that without intervention, the 0191 area, serving , , and Durham, risked number shortages within the subsequent decade, prompting regulatory action to ensure continued availability. In response, launched a consultation process in , initially proposing the release of the unused 7xx xxxx, 8xx xxxx, and 9xx xxxx ranges under 0191 exclusively for geographic allocation to prevent exhaustion, rather than repurposing them for non-geographic services. Feedback from stakeholders, including BT and public respondents, highlighted concerns over dialling patterns and historical numbering conventions; notably, BT recommended swapping the initial assignments of 7xx xxxx to and 8xx xxxx to to maintain an even-digit sequence (2, 4, 6, 8) for Tyneside consistency. approved these adjustments in its December statement, confirming the ranges' designation with location-specific significance within the National Telephone Numbering Plan. The expansions were implemented progressively starting in late 2010, with 0191 7xx xxxx allocated to (in addition to its existing 5xx xxxx range), 0191 8xx xxxx to (adding to 2xx xxxx, 4xx xxxx, and 6xx xxxx), and 0191 9xx xxxx to Durham (supplementing 3xx xxxx), distributed in blocks to communications providers to minimize disruption and confusion during rollout. This phased approach allowed for orderly integration without requiring changes to existing numbers or dialling procedures. The additions provided approximately three million new geographic numbers, significantly extending capacity and averting immediate shortages in the region. As of 2025, no further major expansions have been necessary for 0191, though continues to monitor usage amid evolving digital communication trends such as further VoIP proliferation and potential shifts to non-geographic numbering.

Numbering and dialling

Number format

The 0191 geographic telephone numbers adhere to the UK's standard format for large-area codes, comprising the 0, the three-digit area identifier 191, and a six-digit subscriber number, forming a ten-digit National Significant Number (NSN) such as 0191 XXX XXX. When presented nationally, the full dialed form is 0191 XXX XXX (ten digits including the 0). Allocation of these numbers is overseen by , the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications sector, ensuring they remain geographically fixed to the , Durham, and region. Since the 1995 reforms, ranges have been conserved by excluding leading zeros in subscriber numbers, thereby doubling potential capacity in applicable areas without altering dialing procedures. This format supports both traditional landline services and (VoIP) implementations, allowing portability across technologies while maintaining geographic association. The original capacity encompassed approximately 6 million lines via subscriber ranges starting with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 9 (each range offering 1 million numbers), later expanded in 2010 to roughly 8 million by incorporating ranges 7 and 8, with exclusions for premium-rate and non-geographic services to prevent overlap. Conservation status, applied since 1995, prohibits further area code splits, aligning with the UK's predominant 4+6 digit structure (four-digit code including 0 plus six local digits) for major urban zones to promote long-term stability and efficient resource use.

Dialling procedures

Within the 0191 geographic area, which is designated as an all-calls area, callers can dial local numbers using only the 6-digit subscriber number without the 0191 prefix, a practice established since the 1995 changes to the 's numbering system. This allows seamless internal connectivity across the , Durham, and localities without needing the area code for intra-zone calls. From other parts of the , national dialing requires the full 10-digit number in the format 0191 XXX XXX, including the trunk prefix 0, whether calling from a or mobile. For international calls to 0191 numbers, the trunk 0 is omitted, and the format is +44 191 XXX XXX, where +44 is the . Special rules apply within the 0191 zone, where no distinct charge bands exist for calls between local numbers, treating all intra-area connections as standard local rate calls. Emergency services are accessed UK-wide via 999 or 112, independent of the area code.

References

  1. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/268141/national-numbering-plan.pdf
  2. https://www.geopunk.co.uk/phone-area-codes/0191-newcastle
  3. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/consultations/uncategorised/8246-telephone-numbering/statement/summary/main.pdf?v=320333
  4. https://www.ringcentral.com/gb/en/local-numbers/newcastle-1914-areacode.html
  5. https://www.calilio.com/virtual-phone-number/uk/newcastle
  6. https://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/tyneandwear/
  7. https://focusgroup.co.uk/products-and-services/telecoms/business-phone-numbers/0191-newcastle-area-code/
  8. https://www.ringcentral.com/gb/en/local-numbers/sunderland-1915-areacode.html
  9. https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/14435/Sunderland-Economic-Masterplan-pdf
  10. https://www.ringover.co.uk/0191-uk-area-code
  11. https://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/archive/2017/02/economicimpact/
  12. https://www.dialpad.com/uk/features/local-phone-numbers/
  13. https://www.finder.com/uk/banking/mobile-internet-statistics
  14. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/36070/numbering_plan_july2015.pdf
  15. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/phones-telecoms-and-internet/information-for-industry/numbering/other/national-numbering-plan.pdf
  16. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/consultations/uncategorised/8246-telephone-numbering/statement/numbering-statement.pdf
  17. https://telephone-exchanges.org.uk/exchanges/tyneside-exchanges/
  18. https://www.ukphoneinfo.com/0191-code-allocations
  19. https://outsideecho.com/DGT-BIO_files/PDFs/DGT129.pdf
  20. https://brianpearsblog.wordpress.com/telephone-rowlands-gill-1/
  21. https://www.britishtelephones.com/histuk.htm
  22. http://www.samhallas.co.uk/repository/documents/std_equivalents.pdf
  23. https://rhaworth.net/phreak/sigtelstd_ed.htm
  24. https://www.1900s.org.uk/1940s50s-phone-numbers.htm
  25. https://www.davros.org/phones/charging.html
  26. https://blog.ttnc.co.uk/a-brief-history-of-local-numbers-in-the-uk/
  27. https://www.ringcentral.com/gb/en/local-numbers/durham-1913-areacode.html
  28. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199899/cmselect/cmtrdind/139/13909.htm
  29. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/bt-braced-for-wrong-number-barrage-on-phoneday-1615636.html
  30. http://www.samhallas.co.uk/repository/journals/BTEJ/BTEJ%20Vol%2013%20Part%204%20Jan%201995.pdf
  31. http://www.samhallas.co.uk/repository/journals/BTEJ/BTEJ%20Vol%2014%20Part%203%20Oct%201995.pdf
  32. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/consultations/uncategorised/8223-geographic-numbers/summary/geographic.pdf?v=322109
  33. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/consultations/uncategorised/8246-telephone-numbering/statement/numbering-statement.pdf?v=322112
  34. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/phone-numbers/numbering
  35. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/phone-numbers/conserve
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