01256 Area Code
The dialling code for Basingstoke: what 01256 numbers are, who holds them, and what to do about a call you don't recognise.
What Is the 01256 Area Code?
Basingstoke landline number. 01256 is the dialling code for Basingstoke. Numbers starting 01256 are landline numbers for that area. Internet phone services can use them too, so a caller is not necessarily in Basingstoke.
Who was the range allocated to?
Ofcom has allocated 01256 numbers to 109 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 01256 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 01256 Range
| Number type | Basingstoke landline number |
|---|---|
| Area | Basingstoke |
| Number format | 01256 XXXXXX |
| Allocated by Ofcom | 66% of the range, to 109 providers |
| First allocation on record | 15 July 1994 |
| Most recent allocation | 20 August 2026 |
Largest holders of 01256 numbers
| Provider (as allocated by Ofcom) | Share of range | First allocated |
|---|---|---|
| BT | 30% | 15 July 1994 |
| Vodafone Ltd (C&W) | 5% | 3 October 2013 |
| Virgin Media Limited | 5% | 17 October 1994 |
| Gamma Telecom Holdings Limited | 3% | 1 March 2004 |
| Sky UK Limited | 2% | 21 June 2013 |
| AQL Wholesale Ltd | 1% | 1 November 2004 |
103 more providers hold smaller blocks.
Allocation data: Ofcom numbering data, as published 28 October 2026.
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Common Questions About 01256 Numbers
Where is the 01256 area code?
01256 is the dialling code for Basingstoke. Numbers starting 01256 are landline numbers for that area. Internet phone services can use them too, so a caller is not necessarily in Basingstoke.
Is 01256 a mobile number?
No. 01256 is a landline (geographic) area code for Basingstoke. UK mobile numbers start with 07.
Who does the 01256 range belong to?
Ofcom has allocated 01256 numbers to 109 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 01256 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 01256 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.