Area Code 116 – Leicester
The phone area code for Leicester is 116 (international format +44116). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📞 Exchange Codes (NXX) for Area Code 116
Select a central office code to view local carrier data and detailed information
📍 Geographic Location of Leicester
Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction
The 116 area code is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) within the United Kingdom telephone numbering plan, administered by Ofcom. It serves the city of Leicester and its surrounding urban and suburban areas in the East Midlands region of England. The code covers the unitary authority of Leicester, as well as adjacent towns and villages within the counties of Leicestershire and, to a lesser extent, Rutland. Key locations served include the Leicester city centre, Beaumont Leys, Braunstone, Evington, Glenfield, Oadby, and Wigston. The 116 code is one of several geographic codes in the region, with neighbouring codes including 0115 (Nottingham) and 0116 (Leicester).
Dialing Formats and Numbering Structure
In the national dialing format, numbers are written as 0116 XXX XXXX, where '0116' is the full NDC including the trunk prefix '0'. The subscriber number is eight digits long, making the total national significant number (NSN) length 11 digits. When dialing from within the United Kingdom, callers must include the trunk prefix '0' before the area code. For international callers, the number is formatted as +44 116 XXX XXXX, omitting the leading '0'. The international format is essential for calls originating outside the UK, and the plus sign (+) represents the international access prefix, which varies by country (e.g., '00' in most of Europe).
Caller Instructions
- Local callers (within the 0116 area): Historically, local calls could be made using just the eight-digit subscriber number, but since the 1990s, the full 0116 number is required for all calls, including local ones, due to number conservation and overlay changes.
- National callers (from other UK areas): Dial 0116 XXX XXXX.
- International callers: Dial your country's international access code (e.g., 00 from Europe, 011 from North America), followed by 44 116 XXX XXXX.
Overlay and Numbering Considerations
Currently, there is no overlay code for the 116 area; the code is unique to the Leicester area. However, Ofcom has implemented measures to ensure sufficient numbering capacity, including the potential for future changes. Subscriber numbers are allocated to fixed-line operators, and number portability allows customers to retain their numbers when switching providers, though geographic portability is limited to the same exchange area.
Usage and Services
The 116 code is primarily used for fixed-line (PSTN and VoIP) services, including residential and business lines. Many local businesses, government offices, and public services use 116 numbers. It is not used for mobile services, which have their own non-geographic prefixes (e.g., 07xxx). The code is also used for internet and data services, but its primary association is with traditional telephony.