The 0900 numbers are the successors of the 0190 numbers that were previously widely used. They are mainly used for so-called telephone value-added services, i.e. for telephone numbers behind which there is a special (chargeable) offer.

For many companies it is attractive to operate their own 0900 number. For example, to offer customers better service or to make certain services possible in the first place.

0900 numbers are used in many areas. The numbers are furthest in the phone sex and flirtline industry, but other service providers also like to use the chargeable hotlines. The telephone number with 0900 belong to the so-called "freely tarifiable value-added services". This means that the provider can determine the price himself and earn money with the telephone charges incurred.

The number range 0900 is divided into 4 sub-areas, each of which is used for different services:

0900-1 for premium rate services (service identifier information)

0900-3 for premium rate services (entertainment service identifier)

0900-5 for premium rate services (service identifier for other services - erotic)

0900-9 for dialer programs that require registration

The special numbers are the means of choice for many companies (including TV channels) and providers of telephone services when higher minute prices are to be billed via the telephone bill.

LEGAL

The previously widespread misuse of telephone numbers with the area code 0900, especially fraud by dialers and other widespread scams, have given the number a negative image for a long time, which is slowly improving again. In 2011, Deutsche Telekom stopped selling the 0900 numbers and terminated all lines it provided. However, there are still many providers where you can apply for a 0900 number.

On the consumer side, the special phone number caused annoyance over and over again with a high telephone bill. The abuse of the 0900 number has been severely restricted by Article 21 of the EU Consumer Directive.

"Member States shall ensure that the consumer is not obliged to pay more than the basic rate when contacting the trader by telephone if the trader has set up a telephone line to contact him by telephone in connection with the concluded contract.

The right of providers of telecommunications services to charge for such calls is not affected by the first subparagraph ".

This means that retailers must give their customers the opportunity to get in touch with them, for example to ask questions about a product that has already been purchased, to file a complaint or to ask about the order status.

However, there is still the possibility for companies to earn money with a 0900 number. The premium numbers may continue to be used to provide services that are not part of the contract or are related to the contract. A 0900 number can be used, for example, for services after the end of the contract period.

For consumer protection reasons and to prevent warnings, 0900 providers must always ensure that the costs incurred for the caller are correctly labeled and that the price labeling is always up-to-date.

Both for direct dialing and in the case of relaying by an information service, calls to premium service numbers in the fixed network and in the mobile network are subject to a maximum price of three euros per minute, whereby the billing may not take place more than 60 seconds. In the case of services billed independently of time, the entire connection must not cost more than 30 euros. If the price for a service is made up of time-dependent and time-independent components, the price per connection may not exceed 30 euros. In addition, the corresponding price shares must be shown separately in the itemized bill.

The above-mentioned upper price limits of three or 30 euros may be exceeded by a so-called legitimation process with your consent. This authentication procedure requires that you enter a personal identification number (PIN). You can apply for this in advance in writing from the respective service provider.

Calls that are billed per minute are disconnected by the network provider after one hour for security reasons. The law does not recognize such a compulsory separation for event calculations.

The numbers may not be accessible from the cellular networks. You can find details on this on our advice pages on special number costs for contract customers, prepaid customers, and discount cards.