UK area code
01536 area code — Kettering
01536 is Ofcom’s Kettering numbering area, in Northamptonshire, East Midlands England. 106 phone companies hold its 200 allocated number blocks. Its numbers are written like 01536 234 567. The nearest other codes are 01933 Wellingborough (11 km) and 01604 Northampton (15 km).
01536 at a glance
- Ofcom area name
- Kettering
- County
- Northamptonshire
- Council area
- North Northamptonshire
- Region
- East Midlands England
- Number format
- 01536 234 567 (4+6)
- Local calls
- Full number recommended
- Current code since
- 1995 (previously 0536)
- Allocated blocks
- 200 of 415 (48%) across 106 providers
- Newest block
- 17 March 2026 (2 in the last 12 months)
Sources: Ofcom numbering data (weekly) and area-code list, Ofcom Numbering Plan, ONS geography.
If a 01536 number called you
No clear pattern in reports for these numbers yet. If a call worried you:
- 1
Call back on a number you trust
If a caller says they're your bank, HMRC, a courier or a council, hang up and ring the organisation on the number from its website or your statement, never the number that called you. Caller ID can be faked.
- 2
Forward it to 7726
On a mobile, copy the caller's number from your recent calls and text it to 7726 (it spells SPAM). Scam texts can be forwarded to 7726 as they are. It's free, and your network uses the reports to investigate and block numbers.
- 3
Stop sales calls
Register your landline and mobile free with the Telephone Preference Service (0345 070 0707). Legitimate UK marketers must check it; calls should drop within 28 days. It won't stop scammers.
- 4
If you lost money or shared details
Call your bank on the number on your card (or 159 to reach most UK banks safely), then report it to Report Fraud online or on 0300 123 2040. Report Fraud replaced Action Fraud on 4 December 2025 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland; in Scotland call Police Scotland on 101.
01536 history and number format
Number format: Numbers on 01536 use Ofcom's 4+6 format: the 5-digit code (including the leading 0) followed by a 6-digit local number — written like 01536 234 567.
Before 1995: 01536 took its current form at PhONEday on 16 April 1995, when a "1" was inserted into every UK geographic code — before that the area dialled 0536.
Local dialling: Traditionally not from another 01536 landline, but it now depends on your provider: Ofcom stopped requiring providers to offer local (code-free) dialling on 11 March 2022. Dialling 01536 first always works, and mobiles always need it.
Allocation record: the oldest number block still visible on 01536 was allocated on 15 July 1994, and the most recent on 17 March 2026. 2 blocks were allocated in the last 12 months — newly-activated ranges with no call history, which is worth knowing when an unfamiliar 01536 number rings (see the weekly numbering changelog for every new allocation.)
Phone companies holding 01536 numbers
Every Ofcom range holder with blocks on 01536, by allocated blocks. The holder is the company Ofcom allocated the block to; a number can since have been ported to another provider (see range holder vs current provider).
| Range holder | Allocated | All blocks | First block | Latest block |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT | 30 | 30 | 15 July 1994 | 20 March 2024 |
| Vodafone Ltd (C&W) | 16 | 16 | 5 September 2013 | 16 November 2021 |
| Sky UK Limited | 14 | 14 | 12 June 2013 | 2 October 2018 |
| Gamma Telecom Holdings Limited | 12 | 12 | 19 April 2004 | 6 March 2024 |
| TalkTalk Communications Limited | 8 | 8 | 7 August 2007 | 6 July 2017 |
| Colt Technology Services | 4 | 4 | 17 April 2015 | 22 April 2024 |
| GTT-EMEA LTD | 4 | 4 | 14 October 2021 | 14 October 2021 |
| GCI Network Solutions Limited | 3 | 3 | 25 April 2017 | 22 February 2024 |
| Lumen Technologies UK Limited | 3 | 3 | 9 September 1999 | 9 September 1999 |
| Resilient Limited | 3 | 3 | 18 May 2012 | 18 May 2012 |
| Virgin Media Limited | 3 | 3 | 15 July 1994 | 28 August 1998 |
| DRD Communications Limited | 2 | 2 | 5 October 2023 | 3 November 2023 |
| Digital Space Group Limited | 2 | 2 | 1 May 2008 | 15 March 2016 |
| Fuse 2 Communications Ltd | 2 | 2 | 3 July 2017 | 22 January 2024 |
| Media Hawk Ltd | 2 | 2 | 19 April 2013 | 24 April 2023 |
| TGL Services (UK) Ltd | 2 | 2 | 2 February 2015 | 2 February 2015 |
| (AQ) LIMITED | 1 | 1 | 19 October 2011 | 19 October 2011 |
| 24 Seven Cloud Communications Ltd | 1 | 1 | 17 January 2020 | 17 January 2020 |
| 8x8 Communications UK Limited | 1 | 1 | 30 March 2012 | 30 March 2012 |
| AQL Wholesale Ltd | 1 | 1 | 4 January 2008 | 4 January 2008 |
| Adepteo Limited | 1 | 1 | 21 December 2016 | 21 December 2016 |
| Alnitak GmbH | 1 | 1 | 31 August 2016 | 31 August 2016 |
| Andrews & Arnold (Numbers) Ltd | 1 | 1 | 19 March 2009 | 19 March 2009 |
| Atomstream Limited | 1 | 1 | 24 March 2010 | 24 March 2010 |
| Barritel Limited | 1 | 1 | 17 August 2006 | 17 August 2006 |
| Belgacom International Carrier Services SA | 1 | 1 | 6 February 2020 | 6 February 2020 |
| Bicom Systems EURL | 1 | 1 | 5 March 2012 | 5 March 2012 |
| Bink Networks Ltd | 1 | 1 | 3 April 2023 | 3 April 2023 |
| Buzz Networks Limited | 1 | 1 | 1 March 2010 | 1 March 2010 |
| CFL Communications Ltd | 1 | 1 | 13 July 2009 | 13 July 2009 |
Showing the 30 largest of 106 holders.
Openreach exchanges at Kettering
Exchanges Openreach lists at this location in its copper stop-sell programme, with the date new copper orders stop.
- Kettering (KZ) EMKTTERStop sell 19-Aug-25 · Tranche 17
All number blocks on 01536first 200 of 415, by prefix
| Prefix | Status | Range holder |
|---|---|---|
| +44 153600 | Protected | — |
| +44 153601 | Protected | — |
| +44 153602 | Protected | — |
| +44 153603 | Protected | — |
| +44 153604 | Protected | — |
| +44 153605 | Protected | — |
| +44 153606 | Allocated | NFON UK Ltd |
| +44 153607 | Protected | — |
| +44 153608 | Protected | — |
| +44 153609 | Protected | — |
| +44 153610 | Protected | — |
| +44 153611 | Protected | — |
| +44 153612 | Protected | — |
| +44 153613 | Protected | — |
| +44 153614 | Protected | — |
| +44 153615 | Protected | — |
| +44 153616 | Protected | — |
| +44 153617 | Protected | — |
| +44 153618 | Protected | — |
| +44 153619 | Protected | — |
| +44 153620 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 153621 | Allocated | Gamma Telecom Holdings Limited |
| +44 153622 | Allocated | Redcentric Solutions Limited |
| +44 1536230 | Allocated | Linear Telecoms Limited |
| +44 1536231 | Allocated | 8x8 Communications UK Limited |
| +44 1536232 | Allocated | ICC Networks Ltd |
| +44 1536233 | Allocated | Sky UK Limited |
| +44 1536234 | Allocated | Ziron Limited |
| +44 1536235 | Allocated | IOVOX Limited |
| +44 1536236 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536237 | Allocated | Sky UK Limited |
| +44 1536238 | Allocated | TalkTalk Communications Limited |
| +44 1536239 | Allocated | TalkTalk Communications Limited |
| +44 153624 | Protected | — |
| +44 153625 | Allocated | TGL Services (UK) Ltd |
| +44 153626 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 153627 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 1536280 | Allocated | GTT-EMEA LTD |
| +44 1536281 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536282 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536283 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536284 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536285 | Allocated | GTT-EMEA LTD |
| +44 1536286 | Allocated | GTT-EMEA LTD |
| +44 1536287 | Allocated | GTT-EMEA LTD |
| +44 1536288 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536289 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536290 | Allocated | Orange Business Holdings UK Limited |
| +44 1536291 | Allocated | TalkTalk Communications Limited |
| +44 1536292 | Allocated | IP Voice Networks Ltd |
| +44 1536293 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536294 | Allocated | Entanet International Ltd |
| +44 1536295 | Allocated | Gamma Telecom Holdings Limited |
| +44 1536296 | Allocated | Fuse 2 Communications Ltd |
| +44 1536297 | Allocated | Sky UK Limited |
| +44 1536298 | Allocated | EVE CONNECT LTD |
| +44 1536299 | Allocated | Number Services Ltd. |
| +44 1536300 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536301 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536302 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536303 | Allocated | Six Degrees Technology Group Limited |
| +44 1536304 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536305 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536306 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536307 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536308 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536309 | Protected | — |
| +44 153631 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 1536320 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536321 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536322 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536323 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536324 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536325 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536326 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536327 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536328 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536329 | Protected | — |
| +44 153633 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 153634 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 153635 | Allocated | Virgin Media Limited |
| +44 153636 | Allocated | Served Up Limited |
| +44 153637 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 153638 | Allocated | Vodafone Ltd (C&W) |
| +44 153639 | Allocated | Virgin Media Limited |
| +44 153640 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 153641 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 153642 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 153643 | Allocated | GCI Network Solutions Limited |
| +44 153644 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 153645 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 153646 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 153647 | Allocated | Syntec Limited |
| +44 153648 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 153649 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 153650 | Allocated | Virgin Media Limited |
| +44 153651 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 153652 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 153653 | Allocated | BT |
| +44 153654 | Allocated | GCI Network Solutions Limited |
| +44 153655 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536560 | Allocated | DRD Communications Limited |
| +44 1536561 | Allocated | DRD Communications Limited |
| +44 1536562 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536563 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536564 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536565 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536566 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536567 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536568 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536569 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536570 | Allocated | Vodafone Ltd (C&W) |
| +44 1536571 | Allocated | Vodafone Ltd (C&W) |
| +44 1536572 | Allocated | Vodafone Ltd (C&W) |
| +44 1536573 | Allocated | Vodafone Ltd (C&W) |
| +44 1536574 | Allocated | Vodafone Ltd (C&W) |
| +44 1536575 | Allocated | Vodafone Ltd (C&W) |
| +44 1536576 | Allocated | Vodafone Ltd (C&W) |
| +44 1536577 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536578 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536579 | Protected | — |
| +44 153658 | Allocated | Flextel Limited |
| +44 1536590 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536591 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536592 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536593 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536594 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536595 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536596 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536597 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536598 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536599 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536600 | Allocated | Localphone Limited |
| +44 1536601 | Allocated | TalkTalk Communications Limited |
| +44 1536602 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536603 | Allocated | (AQ) LIMITED |
| +44 1536604 | Allocated | Net-Work Internet Ltd |
| +44 1536605 | Allocated | Voiceflex Limited |
| +44 1536606 | Allocated | Nationwide Telephone Assistance Ltd |
| +44 1536607 | Allocated | VoIP-Un Limited |
| +44 1536608 | Allocated | Verizon UK Limited |
| +44 1536609 | Allocated | AQL Wholesale Ltd |
| +44 1536610 | Allocated | Digital Space Group Limited |
| +44 1536611 | Allocated | Vodafone Ltd (C&W) |
| +44 1536612 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536613 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536614 | Allocated | Voxbone SA |
| +44 1536615 | Allocated | Digital Space Group Limited |
| +44 1536616 | Allocated | Telecom2 Limited |
| +44 1536617 | Allocated | Nodemax Limited |
| +44 1536618 | Allocated | TalkTalk Communications Limited |
| +44 1536619 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536620 | Allocated | Pulsant (Scotland) Limited |
| +44 1536621 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536622 | Allocated | Solutios Limited |
| +44 1536623 | Allocated | Mars Communications Limited |
| +44 1536624 | Quarantined | — |
| +44 1536625 | Allocated | Andrews & Arnold (Numbers) Ltd |
| +44 1536626 | Allocated | Sky UK Limited |
| +44 1536627 | Allocated | Telecoms World Limited |
| +44 1536628 | Allocated | TalkTalk Communications Limited |
| +44 1536629 | Allocated | Calltracks Limited |
| +44 1536630 | Allocated | CFL Communications Ltd |
| +44 1536631 | Quarantined | — |
| +44 1536632 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536633 | Allocated | Nexus Telecommunications Limited |
| +44 1536634 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536635 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536636 | Allocated | Nuso Cloud UK Limited |
| +44 1536637 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536638 | Allocated | GCI Network Solutions Limited |
| +44 1536639 | Allocated | Buzz Networks Limited |
| +44 1536640 | Allocated | Digitech Solutions Global Limited |
| +44 1536641 | Allocated | Suretec Systems Ltd |
| +44 1536642 | Allocated | Atomstream Limited |
| +44 1536643 | Allocated | Core Telecom Limited |
| +44 1536644 | Allocated | Telappliant Limited |
| +44 1536645 | Allocated | Simwood eSMS Limited |
| +44 1536646 | Allocated | Windsor Telecom Limited |
| +44 1536647 | Allocated | Inet Telecoms Ltd (Voipfone) |
| +44 1536648 | Allocated | VoiceHost Limited |
| +44 1536649 | Allocated | Sky UK Limited |
| +44 1536650 | Allocated | Datazero Ltd |
| +44 1536651 | Allocated | Telephone Box Limited |
| +44 1536652 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536653 | Allocated | Phone Co-Op Numbering Limited |
| +44 1536654 | Allocated | INTELLIGENT EXCHANGES LIMITED |
| +44 1536655 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536656 | Allocated | Invosys Limited |
| +44 1536657 | Allocated | Minotaur Telecom Limited |
| +44 1536658 | Allocated | Nexbridge Communications Limited |
| +44 1536659 | Allocated | Sky UK Limited |
| +44 1536660 | Allocated | TalkTalk Communications Limited |
| +44 1536661 | Allocated | Orbtalk Limited |
| +44 1536662 | Allocated | Hello Telecom (UK) Limited |
| +44 1536663 | Allocated | Internexus Networks Limited |
| +44 1536664 | Protected | — |
| +44 1536665 | Allocated | Invoco Ltd |
| +44 1536666 | Allocated | OME LOGIC LTD |
| +44 1536667 | Protected | — |
Related lookups
- 01933 Wellingborough11 km away
- 01604 Northampton15 km away
- 01858 Market Harborough16 km away
- 01832 Clopton20 km away
- BT30 allocated blocks on 01536
- Vodafone Ltd (C&W)16 allocated blocks on 01536
- Sky UK Limited14 allocated blocks on 01536
- All UK towns A–ZDialling codes by town
- More Northamptonshire codesSame region
- All UK area codesBrowse every 01/02 dialling code
- Lookup any UK numberFree reverse phone lookup
- UK area codes explainedCornerstone guide
- 020 London numbers explainedCornerstone guide
- 0330 numbers explainedCornerstone guide
- How Ofcom allocates UK phone numbersCornerstone guide
FAQs about 01536
Where is area code 01536?
01536 is Ofcom's Kettering numbering area, in Northamptonshire, East Midlands England. Its exchange town is in North Northamptonshire. From abroad, drop the 0 and dial +44 1536.
Do I need to dial 01536 for a local call?
Traditionally not from another 01536 landline, but it now depends on your provider: Ofcom stopped requiring providers to offer local (code-free) dialling on 11 March 2022. Dialling 01536 first always works, and mobiles always need it.
How are 01536 numbers written?
Numbers on 01536 use Ofcom's 4+6 format: the 5-digit code (including the leading 0) followed by a 6-digit local number — written like 01536 234 567. From abroad the leading zero is dropped: +44 1536 then the local number.
What was the 01536 area code before?
01536 took its current form at PhONEday on 16 April 1995, when a "1" was inserted into every UK geographic code — before that the area dialled 0536. Old signage or stationery showing 0536 refers to the same Kettering numbers.
Which phone companies hold 01536 numbers?
Ofcom lists 106 providers with allocated blocks on 01536. The largest are BT with 30 of the 200 allocated blocks, Vodafone with 16 of the 200 allocated blocks and Sky UK Limited with 14 of the 200 allocated blocks. Numbers can be ported, so a number's current provider may differ from the block's holder.
Which area codes are next to 01536?
By distance between exchange towns, the nearest other codes are 01933 Wellingborough (11 km), 01604 Northampton (15 km), 01858 Market Harborough (16 km) and 01832 Clopton (20 km).
How do I report a scam call from a 01536 number?
On a mobile, text the caller's number to 7726 (free). If you lost money or shared details, call your bank and report it to Report Fraud (0300 123 2040), which replaced Action Fraud in December 2025. Unwanted sales calls go to the ICO after registering with the Telephone Preference Service.