Area Code 87 – Non-Geographical Services

Overview of +31 87

The +31 87 prefix in the Netherlands is a non-geographic number range, meaning it is not tied to a specific city or region. These numbers are used for a variety of services, including VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), virtual PBX systems, and other business communication solutions. Because they are non-geographic, they allow companies to establish a national presence without needing physical offices in multiple locations.

Technical Allocation and Usage

In the Dutch numbering plan, the 087 range is designated for "service numbers" and is often used for VoIP and other IP-based services. Unlike geographic area codes (e.g., 020 for Amsterdam), 087 numbers are location-independent and can be routed to any destination, including call centers, remote workers, or cloud-based phone systems. This flexibility makes them popular among businesses that operate nationwide or have distributed teams.

Dialing and Formatting

When dialing a Dutch 087 number from within the Netherlands, you use the national trunk prefix 0 followed by the 87 prefix and the subscriber number. For example, a typical 087 number might be formatted as 087 123 4567. From outside the Netherlands, you would dial the international access code (e.g., 00 from most European countries, or + from mobile phones), followed by the country code 31, then the 87 prefix without the leading zero, and the subscriber number. So the same number would be dialed as +31 87 123 4567.

Regulatory and Cost Considerations

087 numbers are regulated by the Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure (RDI). They are often used for customer service lines, helpdesks, and other business-to-consumer communications. Call costs to 087 numbers vary depending on the service provider and the caller's plan; they are not typically toll-free. Some providers may charge higher rates for calls to non-geographic numbers, so it is advisable for businesses to clearly communicate any charges to callers.

Advantages for Businesses

One of the main advantages of using an 087 number is the ability to maintain a single point of contact for customers across the entire country, regardless of where the business is physically located. This can enhance brand perception and simplify marketing efforts. Additionally, because these numbers are IP-based, they often come with advanced features such as call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and integration with customer relationship management (CRM) systems.

Number Portability

In the Netherlands, number portability is available for 087 numbers, meaning that businesses can switch service providers while retaining their existing number. This ensures continuity and prevents the hassle of updating contact details on marketing materials and websites.