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Benefits of Non Geographic Numbers for your business
What is NGN?
Non Geographic Numbers (NGN) can be offered in a variety of options.
NGN’s are issued by many providers and it is important that Company’s choosing to use this service ensure that their provider operates a robust and sophisticated Intelligent Network Platform (IN Platform).
0800 (Free phone)
All 0800 numbers offer a free service to the caller an the Company offering the service paying the whole cost of the call.
0845 (Local Rate)
When using an 0845 number, the caller pays the cost of a local call irrespective of whether the call is local, regional or national. The Company offering the service pays any outstanding balance, although new deals are now available similar to 0870.
0870 (National Rate)
The call pays a national rate toll irrespective of whether they are calling locally, regionally or nationally. The Company offering the service pays nothing towards the cost.
Premium Rate
Other NGN services are available that are charged at specific rates. These numbers incur higher call charges and are often used for Help Desks or for information lines.
How do they work?
Non Geographic Numbers do not replace your existing telephone number, they are simply numbers that ‘shadow’ the line number. They can be moved frequently and seamlessly from one fixed line telephone number to another.
Benefits of using Non Geographic Numbers
A sophisticated IN Platform will offer:
- If your company moves to a different exchange (sometimes this can be just a mile down the road!) or to another part of the country their NGN’s can move with them causing less disruption to the company’s customers.
- Re-routing on busy to any location within UK
- Time of day routing to any location within UK
- Weekend or holiday routing to any location within UK
- Call statistics
- Online moves, changes and re-routing (access via password)
NETWORK LEVEL SERVICES
Overview
For peak business periods Network Level services can provide a cost effective solution when compared to additional lines, hardware or staff.
A small business may not have the man power or resources to handle high incoming call traffic. Potential clients may be discouraged by being placed on hold or simply a constant engaged tone.
Network Level Auto Attendant
Allows callers to direct the call to the right department. This can even be in a different geographic location. A corporate announcement is heard and then the call routed according to the callers input. Several layers are possible ie "Welcome to XYZ UK Ltd please press 1 for sales 2 for service"etc. "For sales south press 1 sales north press 2" etc
Network Level Call Queuing
Even a company with 1 line can have call queuing at Network Level. Potential Clients will not get a busy tone and comfort messages and music are played whilst they queue. Even their number in the queue can be announced. A night time message can also be played for out of hours callers.
Network Level Voicemail
Callers to an engaged number, in a call queue or simply unanswered call can leave a message. These messages can be retrieved by calling the mailbox number and entering a PIN number or in certain cases e-mail notification sent to the subscriber.
Accreditations
Telephone Systems