023 area code

Southampton & Portsmouth

Google Map of area

Coverage of the 023 area code

UK area code 023 is shared by the two separate cities of Portsmouth and Southampton on the Hampshire coast.

Southampton area - local numbers starting 8
Coverage includes: Ashurst, Bassett, Bursledon, Cadnam, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh, Fair Oak, Fawley, Hamble, Hampton, Hythe, Lyndhurst, Moorhill, Rownhams, Shirley, Totton and Woolston.

Portsmouth area - local numbers starting 9
Coverage includes: Compton, Cosham, Gosport, Hambledon, Havant, Hayling Island, Horndean, Lee-on-the-Solent, North End, Rowland's Castle and Waterlooville.

Formatting 023 Numbers

Local telephone numbers in Southampton and Portsmouth are 8 digits long. An 023 number should be displayed in the format: (023) xxxx xxxx.

When displaying an 023 phone number for international callers, it should be shown in the style: +44 23 xxxx xxxx.

Displaying 023 numbers in the correct format makes them easier to remember and dial correctly. [Reasons why...]

Recent History

The 023 area code has existed since April 2000. All standard local numbers begin with the digits 80, 81, 82, 92 or 93.

1994The area code for Southampton is 0703, while Portsmouth uses 0705.
Example: (0703) 234567
1995Nationwide renumbering leads to 0703 and 0705 becoming 01703 and 01705. No change to local numbers.
Example: (01703) 234567
2000Both codes replaced by 023. Old six-digit local numbers become eight digits long by prefixing with '80' in Southampton or '92' in Portsmouth.
Example: (023) 80234567
2006Local numbers beginning with 81 and 93 introduced.
2012Local numbers beginning with 82 introduced.

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