Frequently Asked Questions about Free Call (0800)
Free Call numbers begin with 0800 and, like Free Dial (0120), bill the call to the receiving company so the caller pays nothing. The 0800 range was introduced as the 0120 pool started to run out, and multiple Japanese carriers including KDDI and SoftBank offer 0800 services.
FAQ (5 items)
What is Free Call (0800)?
Free Call is an inbound-billed phone service whose numbers begin with 0800. As with Free Dial (0120), calls are free for the caller.
- Numbering format: 0800 + 7 digits, for 11 digits in total.
- Providers: KDDI, SoftBank, NTT Communications, and others.
- Background: introduced in the 2000s to relieve pressure on the shrinking 0120 pool.
Functionally it works much like Free Dial, but "Free Call" is a generic term rather than a single carrier's trademark.
Are calls to 0800 numbers free?
Calls to 0800 numbers are free for the caller. All charges go to the subscriber on the receiving end.
A few exceptions are worth knowing.
- International calls: many 0800 services do not accept calls from outside Japan.
- Some IP phones: connections may fail depending on the carrier.
- Mobile calls: the subscriber may have disabled mobile access.
Which is more trustworthy, 0800 or 0120?
There is no inherent difference in trust between the two ranges. Both are obtained through official subscriptions by businesses.
- 0120: has been around longer and is more widely recognized, which can feel more reassuring to consumers.
- 0800: is newer, but its adoption among major companies continues to grow.
Rather than judging trust solely by the number range, focus on identifying who is calling. Look up suspicious calls on this site.
How should I handle a call from an 0800 number?
Calls from 0800 numbers usually come from businesses. A safe approach looks like this.
- Search the number on this site to identify the caller and read user reports.
- If you recognize the company, call back free of charge.
- If anything seems off, find the official contact number on the company's website instead.
- For unwanted sales calls, add the number to your phone's block list.
Why do some companies choose Free Call (0800) over Free Dial (0120)?
Companies pick 0800 over 0120 for several practical reasons.
- Number availability: the 0120 pool is shrinking, so a desired vanity number may not be available.
- Larger pool: 0800 numbers are 11 digits compared with 10 for 0120, allowing many more combinations.
- Cost: some carriers offer lower monthly fees on 0800 plans.
- Choice of provider: 0800 service is offered by multiple carriers, while Free Dial is NTT Communications only.
From the caller's perspective, the experience is essentially the same: both are free of charge.