01206 Area Code
The dialling code for Colchester: what 01206 numbers are, who holds them, and what to do about a call you don't recognise.
What Is the 01206 Area Code?
Colchester landline number. 01206 is the dialling code for Colchester. Numbers starting 01206 are landline numbers for that area. Internet phone services can use them too, so a caller is not necessarily in Colchester.
Who was the range allocated to?
Ofcom has allocated 01206 numbers to 84 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 01206 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 01206 Range
| Number type | Colchester landline number |
|---|---|
| Area | Colchester |
| Number format | 01206 XXXXXX |
| Allocated by Ofcom | 55% of the range, to 84 providers |
| First allocation on record | 15 July 1994 |
| Most recent allocation | 8 April 2026 |
Largest holders of 01206 numbers
| Provider (as allocated by Ofcom) | Share of range | First allocated |
|---|---|---|
| BT | 27% | 15 July 1994 |
| Virgin Media Limited | 4% | 15 July 1994 |
| Vodafone Ltd (C&W) | 3% | 20 June 2013 |
| Gamma Telecom Holdings Limited | 3% | 11 March 2005 |
| Sky UK Limited | 2% | 12 June 2013 |
| AQL Wholesale Ltd | 1% | 29 October 2004 |
78 more providers hold smaller blocks.
Allocation data: Ofcom numbering data, as published 28 October 2026.
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Common Questions About 01206 Numbers
Where is the 01206 area code?
01206 is the dialling code for Colchester. Numbers starting 01206 are landline numbers for that area. Internet phone services can use them too, so a caller is not necessarily in Colchester.
Is 01206 a mobile number?
No. 01206 is a landline (geographic) area code for Colchester. UK mobile numbers start with 07.
Who does the 01206 range belong to?
Ofcom has allocated 01206 numbers to 84 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 01206 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 01206 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.