The BBC will switch over their contact numbers from often expensive 0870 numbers to new 0370 numbers during this summer according to a response published in their list of "recent questions".

0370 calls cost no more than 01and [sic] 02 geographic landline numbers and are included in discount packages for both fixed-line and mobile phones.

All the BBC’s 0870 numbers will be phased out during the summer of 2008 and replaced with an equivalent 0370 range of numbers... Local radio 0845 numbers, which have a cheaper ‘local-rate’ charge, and freephone numbers (eg 0800 and 0500) will not be affected by this change.

Recent questions - Will the BBC stop using 0870 numbers?

One note: 0845 is not local! If they're used mainly for "local radio" then there should be no problem with true local (01/02) numbers.

Follow up:

The RSPCA was one of the first organisations to switch, moving to a number in the 0300 range (which, along with 0303, is reserved for government and charities) last year. The main benefit is that, unlike with 08xx numbers, telephone companies must charge for these calls in exactly the same way as they do for 01/02 calls; that includes mobile operators who must apply any 'free call' package.

It's just something I like to bare in mind when selecting a company to do business with, whether it's a telephone, TV, broadband or other provider. I find it a good measure of how willing they are to be contacted when there's a problem and generally how helpful they'll be once you do get in touch.