01496 Area Code
The dialling code for Port Ellen: what 01496 numbers are, who holds them, and what to do about a call you don't recognise.
What Is the 01496 Area Code?
Port Ellen landline number. 01496 is the dialling code for Port Ellen. Numbers starting 01496 are landline numbers for that area. Internet phone services can use them too, so a caller is not necessarily in Port Ellen.
Who was the range allocated to?
Ofcom has allocated 01496 numbers to 79 providers. The largest holders are BT, Digital Space Group Limited and (Aq) 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 01496 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 01496 Range
| Number type | Port Ellen landline number |
|---|---|
| Area | Port Ellen |
| Number format | 01496 XXXXXX |
| Allocated by Ofcom | 36% of the range, to 79 providers |
| First allocation on record | 15 July 1994 |
| Most recent allocation | 26 January 2026 |
Largest holders of 01496 numbers
| Provider (as allocated by Ofcom) | Share of range | First allocated |
|---|---|---|
| BT | 6% | 15 July 1994 |
| Digital Space Group Limited | 1% | 1 May 2008 |
| (Aq) Limited | 1% | 19 October 2011 |
| AQL Wholesale Ltd | 1% | 23 June 2006 |
| Andrews & Arnold (Numbers) Ltd | 1% | 11 March 2009 |
| Barritel Limited | 1% | 22 November 2006 |
73 more providers hold smaller blocks.
Allocation data: Ofcom numbering data, as published 28 October 2026.
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Common Questions About 01496 Numbers
Where is the 01496 area code?
01496 is the dialling code for Port Ellen. Numbers starting 01496 are landline numbers for that area. Internet phone services can use them too, so a caller is not necessarily in Port Ellen.
Is 01496 a mobile number?
No. 01496 is a landline (geographic) area code for Port Ellen. UK mobile numbers start with 07.
Who does the 01496 range belong to?
Ofcom has allocated 01496 numbers to 79 providers. The largest holders are BT, Digital Space Group Limited and (Aq) 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 01496 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 01496 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.