0118 Area Code
The dialling code for Reading: what 0118 numbers are, who holds them, and what to do about a call you don't recognise.
What Is the 0118 Area Code?
Reading landline number. 0118 is the dialling code for Reading. Numbers starting 0118 are landline numbers for that area. Internet phone services can use them too, so a caller is not necessarily in Reading.
Who was the range allocated to?
Ofcom has allocated 0118 numbers to 140 providers. The largest holders are BT, Vodafone Ltd (C&W) and Virgin Media Limited.
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 0118 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 0118 Range
| Number type | Reading landline number |
|---|---|
| Area | Reading |
| Number format | 0118 XXX XXXX |
| Allocated by Ofcom | 29% of the range, to 140 providers |
| First allocation on record | 8 April 1996 |
| Most recent allocation | 26 June 2026 |
Largest holders of 0118 numbers
| Provider (as allocated by Ofcom) | Share of range | First allocated |
|---|---|---|
| BT | 8% | 8 April 1996 |
| Vodafone Ltd (C&W) | 2% | 18 June 2013 |
| Virgin Media Limited | 1% | 8 April 1996 |
| Gamma Telecom Holdings Limited | 1% | 16 February 2004 |
| GCI Network Solutions Limited | under 1% | 30 March 2017 |
| Colt Technology Services | under 1% | 28 September 1998 |
134 more providers hold smaller blocks.
Allocation data: Ofcom numbering data, as published 28 October 2026.
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Common Questions About 0118 Numbers
Where is the 0118 area code?
0118 is the dialling code for Reading. Numbers starting 0118 are landline numbers for that area. Internet phone services can use them too, so a caller is not necessarily in Reading.
Is 0118 a mobile number?
No. 0118 is a landline (geographic) area code for Reading. UK mobile numbers start with 07.
Who does the 0118 range belong to?
Ofcom has allocated 0118 numbers to 140 providers. The largest holders are BT, Vodafone Ltd (C&W) and Virgin Media Limited. 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 0118 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 0118 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.