<P> The introduction of 0800 / 0900 numbers in the Netherlands in 1986 has led to significant growth of call centres and an increase in outsourcing . </P> <P> Originally, free telephone numbers in the Netherlands started with either the 06 - 0, 06 - 4 or 06 - 3000 prefix . This was changed to 0800 in the 1990s to comply with European standards . Most 0800 - numbers cannot be called from abroad, and only few can be called from the Caribbean Netherlands (by dialing 0031800). 088 - numbers are shared - cost; from landlines, the caller pays only the costs for a local call, whereas the receiver pays the rest . </P> <P> In the United Kingdom, toll - free telephone numbers are generally known as "freephone" numbers (British Telecom numbers are officially Freefone) and begin with the prefixes 0800, 0808 or the Cable & Wireless Freecall prefix 0500 . The most commonly used prefix is 0800, first used in November 1985 . Additionally, numbers in the range 0808 80x xxxx are reserved for not - for - profit helplines . </P> <P> Since 1 July 2015, all 0800 and 0808 numbers have been free to call from landlines and mobile phones alike . Most mobile phone operators had charged for such calls previously, with Orange being the final major network to introduce such charges during December 2005 . Certain helplines, such as those in the 0808 80x xxxx series had remained free from most networks on a voluntary basis and some niche operators, such as Giffgaff always offered freephone calls at no charge . </P>

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