UK area code
028 area code — Northern Ireland
028 is Ofcom’s Northern Ireland numbering area, covering Ballycastle, Martinstown, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Larne and 29 other towns, in Northern Ireland. 137 phone companies hold its 3,301 allocated number blocks. Visitors have checked 104 different 028 numbers here. Its numbers are written like 028 2345 6789.
028 at a glance
- Ofcom area name
- Northern Ireland
- Places on this code
- Ballycastle 02820
- Martinstown 02821
- Ballymena 02825
- Ballymoney 02827
- Larne 02828
- Kilrea 02829
- Newry 02830
- Armagh 02837
- Portadown 02838
- Banbridge 02840
- Rostrevor 02841
- Kircubbin 02842
- Newcastle (Co. Down) 02843
- Downpatrick 02844
- Enniskillen 02866
- Lisnaskea 02867
- Kesh 02868
- Coleraine 02870
- Londonderry 02871 02872
- Limavady 02877
- Magherafelt 02879
- Carrickmore 02880
- Newtownstewart 02881
- Omagh 02882
- Ballygawley 02885
- Cookstown 02886
- Dungannon 02887
- Fivemiletown 02889
- Belfast 02890 02895 02896
- Bangor (Co. Down) 02891
- Lisburn 02892
- Ballyclare 02893
- Antrim 02894
- Saintfield 02897
- Country
- Northern Ireland
- Number format
- 028 2345 6789 (2+8)
- Local calls
- Full number recommended
- Current code since
- 2000 (previously 01232 (Belfast) and other 016xx/012xx codes)
- Allocated blocks
- 3,301 of 16,534 (20%) across 137 providers
- Newest block
- 11 June 2026 (39 in the last 12 months)
Sources: Ofcom numbering data (weekly) and area-code list, Ofcom Numbering Plan, ONS geography.
What people check and report about 028 numbers
From searches in our lookup form since 13 May 2026 and the verdicts and reports visitors left. A check means someone typed the number in, usually after a missed call.
- Checks
- 108
- Different numbers checked
- 104
- Different people checking
- 104
That makes 028 numbers the 12th most-checked of the 443 UK area codes people have looked up here.
By day of the week
Busiest: Monday (23% of checks)
By hour (UK time)
Busiest: 2pm–3pm; the three busiest hours hold 37% of checks
If a 028 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.
028 history and number format
Number format: Numbers on 028 use Ofcom's 2+8 format: the 3-digit code (including the leading 0) followed by a 8-digit local number — written like 028 2345 6789.
Before 2000: 028 dates from the Big Number Change on 22 April 2000. All Northern Ireland codes (Belfast 01232 among them) merged into a single 028 code with 8-digit local numbers.
Local dialling: Traditionally not from another 028 landline, but it now depends on your provider: Ofcom stopped requiring providers to offer local (code-free) dialling on 11 March 2022. Dialling 028 first always works, and mobiles always need it.
Allocation record: the oldest number block still visible on 028 was allocated on 26 May 1999, and the most recent on 11 June 2026. 39 blocks were allocated in the last 12 months — newly-activated ranges with no call history, which is worth knowing when an unfamiliar 028 number rings (see the weekly numbering changelog for every new allocation.)
Phone companies holding 028 numbers
Every Ofcom range holder with blocks on 028, 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 | 349 | 349 | 26 May 1999 | 6 May 2026 |
| GCI Network Solutions Limited | 321 | 321 | 19 April 2017 | 26 February 2024 |
| Digital Space Group Limited | 73 | 73 | 9 June 2008 | 12 April 2016 |
| TalkTalk Communications Limited | 69 | 69 | 15 June 2006 | 13 February 2013 |
| Vodafone Ltd (C&W) | 68 | 68 | 20 June 2013 | 23 May 2025 |
| Fuse 2 Communications Ltd | 67 | 67 | 3 July 2017 | 22 January 2024 |
| Gamma Telecom Holdings Limited | 58 | 58 | 19 April 2004 | 11 June 2026 |
| Virgin Media Limited | 53 | 53 | 26 May 1999 | 6 February 2024 |
| Colt Technology Services | 43 | 43 | 24 December 2012 | 22 November 2024 |
| Sky UK Limited | 39 | 39 | 24 June 2013 | 9 January 2025 |
| Barritel Limited | 38 | 38 | 13 February 2006 | 21 June 2007 |
| Voiceflex Limited | 37 | 37 | 30 July 2007 | 19 October 2023 |
| IOVOX Limited | 36 | 36 | 21 August 2013 | 21 December 2015 |
| Magrathea Telecommunications Limited | 35 | 35 | 1 March 2004 | 22 January 2019 |
| Served Up Limited | 35 | 35 | 3 June 2008 | 23 October 2008 |
| 8x8 Communications CX Solutions LIMITED | 34 | 34 | 12 May 2011 | 12 May 2011 |
| AQL Wholesale Ltd | 34 | 34 | 2 January 2008 | 4 January 2008 |
| Adepteo Limited | 34 | 34 | 19 October 2016 | 17 January 2017 |
| Andrews & Arnold (Numbers) Ltd | 34 | 34 | 15 April 2009 | 17 May 2010 |
| CFL Communications Ltd | 34 | 34 | 21 July 2009 | 21 July 2009 |
| Convergence Group (wireless) Networks Limited | 34 | 34 | 21 May 2019 | 21 May 2019 |
| Dial 9 Communications Limited | 34 | 34 | 9 December 2019 | 13 January 2020 |
| Eircom (UK) Limited | 34 | 34 | 25 April 2003 | 23 March 2021 |
| Flextel Limited | 34 | 34 | 17 June 2005 | 16 November 2005 |
| Hello Telecom (UK) Limited | 34 | 34 | 27 December 2012 | 20 March 2017 |
| IP Voice Networks Ltd | 34 | 34 | 22 August 2017 | 28 September 2017 |
| Inet Telecoms Ltd (Voipfone) | 34 | 34 | 11 July 2008 | 24 October 2011 |
| Internexus Networks Limited | 34 | 34 | 22 November 2011 | 22 November 2011 |
| Invoco Ltd | 34 | 34 | 6 October 2014 | 10 March 2017 |
| Kalnet4U Ltd | 34 | 34 | 12 December 2014 | 27 April 2015 |
Showing the 30 largest of 137 holders.
All number blocks on 028first 200 of 16,534, by prefix
| Prefix | Status | Range holder |
|---|---|---|
| +44 280000 | Protected | — |
| +44 280001 | Protected | — |
| +44 280002 | Protected | — |
| +44 280003 | Protected | — |
| +44 280004 | Protected | — |
| +44 280005 | Protected | — |
| +44 280006 | Protected | — |
| +44 280007 | Protected | — |
| +44 280008 | Protected | — |
| +44 280009 | Protected | — |
| +44 280010 | Protected | — |
| +44 280011 | Protected | — |
| +44 280012 | Protected | — |
| +44 280013 | Protected | — |
| +44 280014 | Protected | — |
| +44 280015 | Protected | — |
| +44 280016 | Protected | — |
| +44 280017 | Protected | — |
| +44 280018 | Protected | — |
| +44 280019 | Protected | — |
| +44 280020 | Protected | — |
| +44 280021 | Protected | — |
| +44 280022 | Protected | — |
| +44 280023 | Protected | — |
| +44 280024 | Protected | — |
| +44 280025 | Protected | — |
| +44 280026 | Protected | — |
| +44 280027 | Protected | — |
| +44 280028 | Protected | — |
| +44 280029 | Protected | — |
| +44 280030 | Protected | — |
| +44 280031 | Protected | — |
| +44 280032 | Protected | — |
| +44 280033 | Protected | — |
| +44 280034 | Protected | — |
| +44 280035 | Protected | — |
| +44 280036 | Protected | — |
| +44 280037 | Protected | — |
| +44 280038 | Protected | — |
| +44 280039 | Protected | — |
| +44 280040 | Protected | — |
| +44 280041 | Protected | — |
| +44 280042 | Protected | — |
| +44 280043 | Protected | — |
| +44 280044 | Protected | — |
| +44 280045 | Protected | — |
| +44 280046 | Protected | — |
| +44 280047 | Protected | — |
| +44 280048 | Protected | — |
| +44 280049 | Protected | — |
| +44 280050 | Protected | — |
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| +44 280055 | Protected | — |
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| +44 280059 | Protected | — |
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| +44 280061 | Protected | — |
| +44 280062 | Protected | — |
| +44 280063 | Protected | — |
| +44 280064 | Protected | — |
| +44 280065 | Protected | — |
| +44 280066 | Protected | — |
| +44 280067 | Protected | — |
| +44 280068 | Protected | — |
| +44 280069 | Protected | — |
| +44 280070 | Protected | — |
| +44 280071 | Protected | — |
| +44 280072 | Protected | — |
| +44 280073 | Protected | — |
| +44 280074 | Protected | — |
| +44 280075 | Protected | — |
| +44 280076 | Protected | — |
| +44 280077 | Protected | — |
| +44 280078 | Protected | — |
| +44 280079 | Protected | — |
| +44 280080 | Protected | — |
| +44 280081 | Protected | — |
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| +44 280085 | Protected | — |
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| +44 280088 | Protected | — |
| +44 280089 | Protected | — |
| +44 280090 | Protected | — |
| +44 280091 | Protected | — |
| +44 280092 | Protected | — |
| +44 280093 | Protected | — |
| +44 280094 | Protected | — |
| +44 280095 | Protected | — |
| +44 280096 | Protected | — |
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| +44 280111 | Protected | — |
| +44 280112 | Protected | — |
| +44 280113 | Protected | — |
| +44 280114 | Protected | — |
| +44 280115 | Protected | — |
| +44 280116 | Protected | — |
| +44 280117 | Protected | — |
| +44 280118 | Protected | — |
| +44 280119 | Protected | — |
| +44 280120 | Protected | — |
| +44 280121 | Protected | — |
| +44 280122 | Protected | — |
| +44 280123 | Protected | — |
| +44 280124 | Protected | — |
| +44 280125 | Protected | — |
| +44 280126 | Protected | — |
| +44 280127 | Protected | — |
| +44 280128 | Protected | — |
| +44 280129 | Protected | — |
| +44 280130 | Protected | — |
| +44 280131 | Protected | — |
| +44 280132 | Protected | — |
| +44 280133 | Protected | — |
| +44 280134 | Protected | — |
| +44 280135 | Protected | — |
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| +44 280138 | Protected | — |
| +44 280139 | Protected | — |
| +44 280140 | Protected | — |
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| +44 280148 | Protected | — |
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| +44 280162 | Protected | — |
| +44 280163 | Protected | — |
| +44 280164 | Protected | — |
| +44 280165 | Protected | — |
| +44 280166 | Protected | — |
| +44 280167 | Protected | — |
| +44 280168 | Protected | — |
| +44 280169 | Protected | — |
| +44 280170 | Protected | — |
| +44 280171 | Protected | — |
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| +44 280178 | Protected | — |
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| +44 280186 | Protected | — |
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| +44 280189 | Protected | — |
| +44 280190 | Protected | — |
| +44 280191 | Protected | — |
| +44 280192 | Protected | — |
| +44 280193 | Protected | — |
| +44 280194 | Protected | — |
| +44 280195 | Protected | — |
| +44 280196 | Protected | — |
| +44 280197 | Protected | — |
| +44 280198 | Protected | — |
| +44 280199 | Protected | — |
Related lookups
- 029 CardiffNearby UK area code
- 024 CoventryNearby UK area code
- 023 Southampton & PortsmouthNearby UK area code
- 020 LondonNearby UK area code
- BT349 allocated blocks on 028
- GCI Network Solutions Limited321 allocated blocks on 028
- Digital Space Group Limited73 allocated blocks on 028
- All UK towns A–ZDialling codes by town
- More Northern Ireland 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 028
Where is area code 028?
028 is Ofcom's Northern Ireland numbering area, in Northern Ireland. From abroad, drop the 0 and dial +44 28.
Which places use the 028 code?
Ofcom splits 028 into 34 areas by the first digits of the local number: Ballycastle (02820); Martinstown (02821); Ballymena (02825); Ballymoney (02827); Larne (02828); Kilrea (02829); Newry (02830); Armagh (02837); Portadown (02838); Banbridge (02840); Rostrevor (02841); Kircubbin (02842); Newcastle (Co. Down) (02843); Downpatrick (02844); Enniskillen (02866); Lisnaskea (02867); Kesh (02868); Coleraine (02870); Londonderry (02871, 02872); Limavady (02877); Magherafelt (02879); Carrickmore (02880); Newtownstewart (02881); Omagh (02882); Ballygawley (02885); Cookstown (02886); Dungannon (02887); Fivemiletown (02889); Belfast (02890, 02895, 02896); Bangor (Co. Down) (02891); Lisburn (02892); Ballyclare (02893); Antrim (02894); Saintfield (02897).
Do I need to dial 028 for a local call?
Traditionally not from another 028 landline, but it now depends on your provider: Ofcom stopped requiring providers to offer local (code-free) dialling on 11 March 2022. Dialling 028 first always works, and mobiles always need it.
How are 028 numbers written?
Numbers on 028 use Ofcom's 2+8 format: the 3-digit code (including the leading 0) followed by a 8-digit local number — written like 028 2345 6789. From abroad the leading zero is dropped: +44 28 then the local number.
What was the 028 area code before?
028 dates from the Big Number Change on 22 April 2000. All Northern Ireland codes (Belfast 01232 among them) merged into a single 028 code with 8-digit local numbers. Old signage or stationery showing 01232 (Belfast) and other 016xx/012xx codes refers to the same Northern Ireland numbers.
Which phone companies hold 028 numbers?
Ofcom lists 137 providers with allocated blocks on 028. The largest are BT with 349 of the 3,301 allocated blocks, GCI Network Solutions Limited with 321 of the 3,301 allocated blocks and Digital Space Group Limited with 73 of the 3,301 allocated blocks. Numbers can be ported, so a number's current provider may differ from the block's holder.
Are 028 numbers reported as scams?
Visitors have checked 104 different 028 numbers here 108 times since May 2026.
How do I report a scam call from a 028 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.