0116 Area Code
The dialling code for Leicester: what 0116 numbers are, who holds them, and what to do about a call you don't recognise.
What Is the 0116 Area Code?
Leicester landline number. 0116 is the dialling code for Leicester. Numbers starting 0116 are landline numbers for that area. Internet phone services can use them too, so a caller is not necessarily in Leicester.
Who was the range allocated to?
Ofcom has allocated 0116 numbers to 134 providers. The largest holders are BT, Virgin Media Limited and Vodafone Ltd (C&W).
Numbers can be moved (ported) between networks, so the network a caller uses today may not be the one Ofcom allocated the block to. The allocation does not identify the person or business using a number.
Had a call from a 0116 number you don't recognise?
We can't tell you who called: an area code only shows the type of number and the provider Ofcom allocated the range to.
- Don't call back in a hurry, even if a message says it's urgent. Never give bank details or security codes on a call you didn't expect.
- Block the number from your phone's recent calls list.
- Forward scam texts free to 7726. Report unwanted marketing calls to the ICO, and see Ofcom's advice on scam calls.
- Register your number with the Telephone Preference Service to opt out of sales calls.
About the 0116 Range
| Number type | Leicester landline number |
|---|---|
| Area | Leicester |
| Number format | 0116 XXX XXXX |
| Allocated by Ofcom | 27% of the range, to 134 providers |
| First allocation on record | 15 July 1994 |
| Most recent allocation | 17 March 2026 |
Largest holders of 0116 numbers
| Provider (as allocated by Ofcom) | Share of range | First allocated |
|---|---|---|
| BT | 6% | 15 July 1994 |
| Virgin Media Limited | 2% | 15 July 1994 |
| Vodafone Ltd (C&W) | 2% | 18 June 2013 |
| Gamma Telecom Holdings Limited | 1% | 5 April 2004 |
| GCI Network Solutions Limited | under 1% | 20 April 2017 |
| TalkTalk Communications Limited | under 1% | 25 May 2005 |
128 more providers hold smaller blocks.
Allocation data: Ofcom numbering data, as published 28 October 2026.
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Common Questions About 0116 Numbers
Where is the 0116 area code?
0116 is the dialling code for Leicester. Numbers starting 0116 are landline numbers for that area. Internet phone services can use them too, so a caller is not necessarily in Leicester.
Is 0116 a mobile number?
No. 0116 is a landline (geographic) area code for Leicester. UK mobile numbers start with 07.
Who does the 0116 range belong to?
Ofcom has allocated 0116 numbers to 134 providers. The largest holders are BT, Virgin Media Limited and Vodafone Ltd (C&W). Numbers can be moved (ported) between networks, so the network a caller uses today may not be the one Ofcom allocated the block to. The allocation does not identify the person or business using a number.
Who called me from a 0116 number?
We can't tell you who called. An area code only shows the type of number and which provider Ofcom allocated the range to. If you don't recognise a 0116 number, don't call back in a hurry, and never give out bank details or security codes on a call you didn't expect.
Block the number from your phone's recent calls list. Forward scam texts free to 7726, report unwanted marketing calls to the ICO, and see Ofcom's advice on scam calls.